My son is an aspiring mechanic. He did a tune up on our suburban. He's 16 years old and was able to get the number 8 plug going through the tire well. He loves watching your videos and was relieved to see you had problems too. Love your videos.
I was wondering if that was an option on that vehicle I know I used to have a Buick that you had to remove the front wheel and there was a flap you could go through it was the only way to access them
If he has a lisence he can get a job in a shop somewhere, most mechanics are looking for new techs. He would prolly start off with simple/tedious jobs since he has no experience, but it's a good learning experience if nothing else. Eventually it could turn out to be a lifetime career if he ends up in a dealership after a while. Just make sure it's a reputable shop or he won't get another job in a different shop
@@hoodhomesgardens I've owned cars where the manufacturer's recommended procedure to replace spark plugs involved removing the exhaust manifolds, disconnecting the motor mounts, and using a cherry picker (or boom lift) to move the engine into position. Even after replacing the factory exhaust manifolds with headers it was necessary to disconnect the headers and drop them out of the way to access all spark plugs. The root cause of the problem was too much engine for such a small compartment.
@RMZ life 4 cylinder? On the 2.5, it's a pain. The entire intake manifold needs to come off. I can do coils and plugs in about 45 minutes, but 44 minutes of that is dealing with the intake manifold.
Good find, Ray. I’m sure your customer is glad you didn’t automatically blame the transmission. It’s nice to see some honesty from the automotive repair world.
A set of NGKs is a whole lot cheaper than a transmission rebuild! Regarding Crocs... Matt over at Matt's Off Road Recovery was sent a pair recently. He explained that the reason Crocs have holes in them is so your dignity can leak out.👍 I assume those were the steel toe Crocs your buddy was wearing. 😎
I always appreciate that you take the time to verify the customer complaints and re-diagnose the problems, even if it would take away from profits. That level of care is so rare nowadays that it's heart warming to see when a professional cares more about the customer than their bottom line.
I have a local mechanic out here in the middle of Nowhere, Wisconsin who is much like Ray. His rates are fair and he cares about his customers. I just wish I didn't have to schedule appointments three weeks out. He is THAT busy, even with a full-time assistant wrench. Speaks volumes about how his clientele feel about him and the work they do.
Ray you are the chillest dude around. The amount of agony you go thru without cursing or throwing stuff is amazing. Love your videos brother. Keep up the good work!
It's so good to see Ray keeping the real mechanic vibe. Understanding the issues but not going in for the high dollar repair. Builds trust with customers to go in thinking it could get expensive fast. And leaving with it running great at a fraction of trans work.
I think you just made a customer for life. Not having the bill that comes with replacing a torque converter and valve body at minimum by just doing a proper diagnosis will make them very happy. You are a good man.
I did a lifetime of problem determination. After listening to the customers concerns, there’s a process that must be followed. Start at the beginning and work through the problem. Regardless if it’s coming to you from another engineer or technician you need to perform problem determination in a specific order, and make sure you identify the source of the problem. Ray has the experience and expertise. From the vids I’ve watched he is a top professional in his work. Can’t weld but that’s another thing!
Whole other field right there lol, I can weld pretty good and fix anything, but diagnosis is a bit of a struggle for me sometimes, although I can diagnose most electrical issues but I sometimes struggle to find them. I can diagnose most engine issues just listening to them and reading codes. I'm also good with transmissions but I couldn't name most parts in one.
@@jacobm9263 I think what I was trying to say was instead of going to my mechanic and saying “ I think my truck needs a new part##”, Its better to say “ the truck is vibrating heavy at this speed”. It’s a bit of a challenge as a customer , not to tell the technician what you think the problem is. I’m sure Ray hears this 10 times a day.
He's actually doing a pretty decent job with that little flux core. I imagine with just a little practice with a proper mig he'd be quite good. I've trained a lot of welders and Ray seems to have some talent. It takes practice and experience to read the weld.
From a subscribers point of view, going your own way and opening *YOUR* shop was 100% the best solution to your previous employer woes. However, those were your channel's roots. It had to start somewhere. I *do* hope with our views and continued support that your business and your bank account will flourish.
Our 2007 Ford Edge is acting the same way with almost 300k. I too thought is was the transmission, but in a Ford chat room I discoved that many folks with the same problem have had the tranmission rebuilt and that did not correct the issue. It seems that bad spark plugs or a bad coil will mask as a transmission issue. Thanks Ray!! Love your content!!!
After replacing hundreds of spark plugs in small & big block Chevrolet engines, I started using a 4 inch piece of braided fuel hose to slip over the plug insulators to remove and install the plugs. It would bend enough in spots like the #6 & #8 cylinder plug where sometimes it’s very difficult to use the plug socket and an extension. It’s whatever works!
As an old guy do it yourselfer who has spent some hours under some hoods, I'm amazed at the depth of your patience. That rear plug was a bear and add in the dropping of tools....man you kept your cool. I'd have been cursing a blue streak. My video would have been x rated.
I was told and it might be true, that when manufacturers were no longer able to void warranties if services were performed outside the dealerships, all of a sudden the service load reduced hugely. Plugs in particular suddenly started lasting years. That hard to reach plug looked sticky and might have never been replaced as some are not. That overhead creeper looks brilliant.
Very good call! This is one of the most common misdiagnoses ever. Only about a week ago, I had a customer with the same complaint. 8 McPlatinums later, her truck was running like brand new again. The old set wasn't quite so old, but old enough to underburn the fuel. She also reported about 3 mpg improvement from her instrument cluster.
Let's go back to the Chevy dealership for a field trip: let's see who's Ray's replacement -- chat it up with service writers, service manager, old time master mechanics, the broom guy, etc.
@@ralphmbellamy6517 the guy with the broom, the one nobody thinks of, that's the guy to talk with first and get their impression of the situation (says the guy with the broom at one time)
What I use to install spark plugs with is an old spark plug boot with a short piece of tubing in the wire end. That way, if you can't screw the plug on with your finger tips, it's either not straight to the hole and possibly cross threading or there's dirt in the theads. Also keeps your fingers away from hot stuff.
In the early 80's I bought 70's vehicles because they were easier to work on, in the 90's I bought 80's vehicles for the same reason, in the 00's it was 90's vehicles and by 2010 I decided to stay with the 00's. I will never own anything new again, what a massive pain to work on. My wife buys a new vehicle every few years and I never work on hers, lol. I have been turning my own wrenches since the mid 70's but I tip my hat to those who have to work on newer vehicles today.
your patience with those tight difficult spots is what sets you apart from 99% of us sometimes i have a hard time just watching without wishing to heap praise upon you for that admirable trait that I seem to lack sometimes god bless ,I'm wondering if you'd be interested in looking for an electrical ground issue in my kia "groan"
I like that "topside creeper." I have a device that hooks on the front tires and allows me height over my truck's engine, but it's a PIA to get to the center engine, especially with my 5'7" body! I'm definitely getting me one of those.
Customer: I need a new trans Ray : Let me see... nope just plugs Customer: Wow! You saved me a LOT of money Ray: Damn, shoulda quoted more. Did I tell you we have put our air con recharge up 200%? I know Ray would never do that, but he has saved money for his customer yet again. An honest mechanic, doing an honest days work. Nice
Your diagnosis was spot on, could GM have missed the boat on this. They work on what they "Think" passing the buck ? Is, was there a problem with the transmission in any of the recall issues, that is the question. Excellent job Dr. RAY.
I have a 1998 F-150 4.6L 190K miles. Misfires in abundance, no power. A coil pack went bad, so I ordered both coil packs, spark plugs and wires. My grandson replaced the parts for me. It was running worse when he got done. A check showed that 4 of the spark plug wires were crossed. I'm surprised it ran at all. In addition, a rubber hose connector to the PCV valve was cracked. That was replaced. Ran better, but not great. Stepping on the brakes, you could hear that infamous "Whoosh". Brake booster replaced, it runs like a champ now and stop well too. It's amazing how well an engine can run when everything is where it's supposed to be.😄
what are you doing Ray? you did not do what customer asked you to do...ccc. Mechanics like you do not exist in a real world,only on "television". I love this channel. More please...
Hey Ray, watching you struggle with removing spark plugs some design engineer that barely qualified for their GED which lead to this engine access design - really make me appreciate having people like You. Having a line of fall back dudes that are willing do wrestle with these insidious engine designs, so the DIYer doesn't have to deal with them is a wonderful thing to have. It would be disastrous for me to be around such engines since I have a sawzall AND I know how to use it.
I'd imagine a shady mechanic probably would've sold them a transmission service knowing it only needed plugs. You're a damn good dude and anyone using you as a mechanic is definitely getting more than they are paying for. Sucks you're down state cause I'd be hitting you up for all my vehicle needs
Great video, as always. Thorough diagnosis and not just throwing the parts canon at the transmission. I'm glad that I'm not the only one to have trouble with that back plug!
My 16 f150, about 3 wells so started real hard shifts on up hills, between 35-65! A week ago it went limp mode, 30mph all it would do! Money light came on flashing! I was only a mile from home! Got home, got out code reader! PO302 I think it was! Misfire cylinder 2! Just under 70,000 miles! Pulled coil, the spring looked like it came from Eric Os part of the country! #1 looked just as bad! Amazing how good the truck ran with a new coil!
You should have a medium sized fan on a pedestal that you can easily put on an engine for 5 minutes after it's been driven. A short few minutes will cool engine parts to acceptable levels. I've used one, it works great!
I did my '05 Subaru Outback last month and found that 2 plugs were the originals and 2 were replaced probably just before I bought the car. Yes, I had erratic shifting when cold and then fairly good when warm. Got a check engine light and scanned it and surprise, surprise, surprise.. misfire on 3 and 4. Garage wanted 500.00 for this job and I did it for like 40 bucks and a couple beers. Took me like an hour to complete and felt soo good after. It's all about knowing the job and having the right tools.
Might be different on the models after 2007, but somebody told me to jack her up, take the front wheels off, and access the plugs and wires through the fenderwells. It's the greatest tip I've ever been given. They're all right there. Easy.
Watching you pull and replace those plugs made me wonder if “remove engine” might have been the easier option! 😂 Excellent video - as always, Ray. Highly entertaining. I also enjoyed how you made the shop building works look so ‘sketchy’. I knew you would keep it safe, but the video was great fun. Thanks.
Had a Renault something or other. Wouldn’t start in the cold, which is a bit of a issue in northern Michigan, so destroyed the starter. It was between the engine and firewall, and the dealer claimed the engine had to be removed to change it. Did that myself, then sent it to northern Florida.
@@rhondohslade Near the Tawases, so not quite the arctic north of the Yoop. It sat in my drive for months at a time, while I was driving an ancient pickup with one headlight to work. The dealer was not helpful.
Ray - NGK used to make a spark plug tool that was basically a rubber hose about a foot long that pushed over the spark insulator that allowed you to easily twirl a plug in or out once it was loose and i wouldn't be without mine ideal on engines like this
Got really tired of the lag my 2012 5.3 Sierra had when the AFM was in 4 cyl mode and going back to 8 cyl mode and the tranny was deciding what gear to be in . Installed a Range AFM delete device in the OBD port a year ago and I'm very happy to have my truck running on all 8 cylinders all the time now. No lag , no delay on acceleration . AFM and DOD are just goofy .
My 99 Ford Ranger XLT acted this way, it would buck between gears! I replaced all the plugs and two coils and now it runs smoothly! I thought for sure I needed a transmission rebuild! Thank God my mechanic is as honest as you are!
I bought a used SUV that was getting fairly poor MPG. Pulled the plugs. Numbers 3 & 4 were not the right plugs. They were almost an inch shorter than the correct plugs. Never know what you'll find.
Ray, you earned a whole herd of 'likes' just for burning off all those layers of epidermis! Sweat is an underated lubricant...makes sockets jump off ratchet at JUST the wrong time 🤬
wrenching on boats while in the water I learned to tie the tool to my wrist wit a string ,made it much easier to recover when dropped in an area that was hard to reach such as 10 ft of water
Ray, first time watching one of your videos. Awesome job! We purchased a pre-owned 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ with 75,000 miles on July 20, 2022. We had experienced a rough transmission sound (tumbling rocks noise between 3rd & 4th gears). Yesterday, March 29, 2024 we learned from a metro-west Boston area Chevy dealership service dept what they determined to be the issues. Estimate to repair all issues is 'about $16,000'. Replace transmission quote is $7,500. Then an additional $6,500 in labor/supplies because of leaking water pump and replace serpetine belt, leaking radiator and replace thermostat, repair vacuum pump with replacing belts for AC & vacuum pump, repair left upper control arm & alignment, repair two broken front stabilizer links, repair rear shocks leaking & blown out, repair leaking oil cooler lines. We have owned this 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ for one year eight months. We have driven it 44,000 miles mostly all highway miles. Today its 119,000 miles. Its been a rough 24 hours thinking about spending a lot of money to make repairs. We are going to ask different independent mechanics for estimates. Watching your video this morning Sat, March 30, 2024 made our day!!! You are an awesome mechanic and genuine human being!!! Wish we lived closer to U.S. Highway 301 near Tampa Bay, Florida, bc I would bring my hard earned money to your auto repair shop in a split second. Thanks for being a down to earth person and making this video enjoyable. We are not mechanics and it was great how you demonstrated how you made the repair!!! Patience, perserverance, and light humor lessons learned from you. Your video brought a smile to our faces after receiving an 'about $16,000' repair estimate. - Kevin & Anne
Hi Ray, update to the 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ (tow package) transmission and other issues. An independent mechanic (shout out to Jimmy & Lori small business owners of Foreign Car Specialist based in Worcester, Massachusetts) determined that a new transmission was required. Jimmy worked with Globe Transmission based in Southbridge, MA and the total cost was $4,600 for a rebuilt transmission. (Colonial Chevy Dealership quote was $7,500 for a transmission) Jimmy decided the most critical repairs remaining from the dealership quote for another $7,500 were the Engine Cooler lines replacement ($600) Anti-sway bars install ($400) as both front wheels were not connected to this safety bar, and the rear struts replaced ($1,400). Total cost $7,000 compared to the $16,000 quote from Chevy Dealership. We repaired it on FRI, APRIL 12. Towed the Forest River brand Avenger 26BK trailer from MA to Virginia 600 miles each way during the kids school break week APR 15 - 18. Transmission Fluid temp was average 200° with an high temp of 235° Is this okay? Appreciate your RUclips videos as one of the most down to earth mechanics on RUclips! Hope all is well in Florida. Thanks for your videos! - Massachusetts family.
On the subject of the heat there, I had a Shower Full Bath in my shop in Arkansas. Never went home dirty. Plus when it got that hot, I could cool off and throw on a clean shirt
I am facing the same problem now with my 2016 tahoe, took it to the mechanic he told me I need to change the gear turbo, I was really sad and confused and wasn't sure of his judgement so I found this video ❤, I changed the spark plugs and the wires, still the same problem but I'm going to check the ejectors and fuel lines, hopefully it will solve the problem
Years ago, when I was young and stupid, I thought my transmission was going out. It turns out it was just two ignition coils causing misfires. Now I keep a scan tool handy at all times.
I am a retired USAF Jet fighter mechanic. You can't imagine the number of bolts & nuts that are hidden where you can only R&R them by feel, or use a mirror. Some are so bad your arm fills the whole hole, and it's all by feel.
Transmission shutter from demolished spart plugs causing misfires from the engine Pretty easy fix just needed some maintenance and a tune-up.. good video Ray as always @Rainman Ray's Repairs
You are right Ray. I just helped out family over the weekend, who don't know cars outside of driving them... Said their jeep trans might be slipping and maybe the fluid was low. He apparently had a previous car that had that happen, and adding fluid fixed that one. Sounded weird but I took it out, and the car was "jerking" but the RPM didn't flair. so I checked the spark plugs and they looked like arse. The gap looked to be twice as wide as the new plugs ( from just visual ). Replaced them all and went back out with zero issues.
Could we please just admire Ray’s patience upon working on vehicles?? Mostly when he drops something… I’ve seen other techs that would be swearing and throwing more stuff because they dropped something, but not Ray, all he says is “gravity” which makes it a lot more entertaining and relaxing 😂😂😂
I actually bought my F250 V10 very cheap like this. The dealer took it in on trade and was selling it for $4000. I asked him why so cheap at first and he said it is not the 7.3 diesel and the transmission is bad. Has a nice lift. Body great. Had 145K miles. 4x4 and AC worked. I told him three times is wasnt the transmission. I even went and bought some coil on plugs and changed them on his lot and told him it was running fine. He said oh well and still sold it to me for the same price. Its got 285k now and runs great to this day.
I've seen most of your videos and I can say by far gm vehicles keep you in business. Why anyone would buy that garbage is beyond me 😂😂 keep up the good work Ray👍🏼
I find that if you change the passenger-side rear spark plug by laying across the top of the engine from the drivers side instead of from the front, it is a more natural angle for your hands and makes the job much, much easier.
Cold start misfires in these are commonly linked to bad intake gaskets. I'm sure you seen many of them in the dealership, but anybody else reading this you can diagnose that pretty easy with a cold vehicle. Have your scan tool hooked up and watching fuel trims, and as soon as you start it hose down around the intake runners with some brake clean and watch your field trims climb for the sky. Generally when they warm up the gasket will swell and make a seal again. fel-Pro makes an updated metal gasket that isn't as prone to failure as the factory gaskets.
Lol, reminds me of the old 7-cylinder Ford Truck engine. They called them 7 cylinder due to; 1 spark plug was so hard to get to mechanics would not change them.
Next time, use a short extension and go in behind the A/C lines, flexing them forward just a bit. It sounds counter intuitive, but the angle on the plug helps it work better.
Hey Ray, great diagnosis of the problem. You were right, it was very hard to watch you struggling with that 1 plug over a hot engine on a hot day. Great work! Cheers!
I recall Pine Hollow Diagnostics had something quite similar - a worn spark plug was setting missfires, that activated a 'limp mode' in the transmission with no codes set there, that locked the transmission in 3rd gear. Not the same thing, but could be similar. (so far I have just seen 3 minutes of the video, and I await with 'baited breath' to see what transpires!
love that cubby hole that is a neat place to store stuff. yes I can see with an automatic transmission how you have to have the proper torque being delivered so the trans knows when and what gear it should be in. great video the plugs do so much to maximize the engine out put and efficiency!
Hey, when i did my plugs and wires, i actually went fron underneath with a few extensions and got it no problem. Some say remove the wheel and the wheel well but I got lazy and decided to lay down😂
I've got an 05 jeep liberty and I'm glad that all of my spark plugs are in easy to reach locations and, for once, chrysler didn't put a bunch of junk in the way of accessing them. Made changing my spark plugs a breeze
Ditto - I also have the over engine creeper but through the wheel well is easier, faster and cooler on the flanges! With a lift you can also be at a comfortable working level! Great videos - everytime.
That particular Tahoe you worked on has the 6L80. This can be seen by the fact that it has a transmission fluid dipstick. The 8 speed (8L90) does not have a dipstick, rather uses a check plug in the pan. 6L80 doesn't have the HP fluid shudder issue, it uses plain ol Dexron 6. What is VERY common on 6Ls is torque converter failure (due its design) which can then wipe out the fluid pump and even more most of the time. P050D might rear its head again and its gonna be a bad fuel injector or two and might be tied to the P219B bank 2 side of things. Quite common on these Gen 5 small blocks unfortunately, bad fuel injectors. Some 2016s and I think 2017s sold in certain states do have an extended warranty from GM on them for this condition (NY is one for example).
Thanks Ray didnt know about misfires affecting shifting very informative. my 2001 toyota was shifting poorly on 1 gear but since i serviced the plugs and fuel injectors for something else it seemed to have went away hopefully it stays that way
The very first thing you fix is the A/C. Definitely a Florida mechanic. 😂
Or Texas! 😊
😅
IkR? Screw the plugs, get the AC first. Lol
Cars turn into ovens very quickly in Florida.
@@spaceflight1019 Yeah but it didn't come in for the airconditioning, but he fixes it anyway 🤷♂
My son is an aspiring mechanic. He did a tune up on our suburban. He's 16 years old and was able to get the number 8 plug going through the tire well. He loves watching your videos and was relieved to see you had problems too. Love your videos.
I was wondering if that was an option on that vehicle I know I used to have a Buick that you had to remove the front wheel and there was a flap you could go through it was the only way to access them
#8 is the tough one on those.
@@lugocortez1987 we always discuss pinch points and proper tool usage. Come in and leave with all your digits. Safety is number one.
If he has a lisence he can get a job in a shop somewhere, most mechanics are looking for new techs. He would prolly start off with simple/tedious jobs since he has no experience, but it's a good learning experience if nothing else. Eventually it could turn out to be a lifetime career if he ends up in a dealership after a while. Just make sure it's a reputable shop or he won't get another job in a different shop
Commiseration loves misery!!!😂
With plugs and wires lasting so long these days a lot of people have forgotten about that simple tune up of checking and replacing them.
Simple? Meh had to take the upper intake manifold off to change my plugs....
@HoodHomes&Gardens lol, my wifes frontier is the same.
@@hoodhomesgardens I remember being able to see the spark plugs when I lifted the bonnet, who the hell invented the engine cover anyway ?!
@@hoodhomesgardens I've owned cars where the manufacturer's recommended procedure to replace spark plugs involved removing the exhaust manifolds, disconnecting the motor mounts, and using a cherry picker (or boom lift) to move the engine into position. Even after replacing the factory exhaust manifolds with headers it was necessary to disconnect the headers and drop them out of the way to access all spark plugs. The root cause of the problem was too much engine for such a small compartment.
@RMZ life 4 cylinder? On the 2.5, it's a pain. The entire intake manifold needs to come off. I can do coils and plugs in about 45 minutes, but 44 minutes of that is dealing with the intake manifold.
Good find, Ray. I’m sure your customer is glad you didn’t automatically blame the transmission. It’s nice to see some honesty from the automotive repair world.
That there is knowledge.
A set of NGKs is a whole lot cheaper than a transmission rebuild!
Regarding Crocs... Matt over at Matt's Off Road Recovery was sent a pair recently. He explained that the reason Crocs have holes in them is so your dignity can leak out.👍
I assume those were the steel toe Crocs your buddy was wearing. 😎
The holes in the Crocs are for when you drop a trans on your foot, the blood doesnt pool in your shoes. Lmao!!!
I always appreciate that you take the time to verify the customer complaints and re-diagnose the problems, even if it would take away from profits. That level of care is so rare nowadays that it's heart warming to see when a professional cares more about the customer than their bottom line.
I have a local mechanic out here in the middle of Nowhere, Wisconsin who is much like Ray. His rates are fair and he cares about his customers. I just wish I didn't have to schedule appointments three weeks out. He is THAT busy, even with a full-time assistant wrench. Speaks volumes about how his clientele feel about him and the work they do.
Everyone's day instantly gets a little better when Ray posts a new video.
Connor McCartney, A day without Ray is a day without sunshine!!!
Ray you are the chillest dude around. The amount of agony you go thru without cursing or throwing stuff is amazing. Love your videos brother. Keep up the good work!
Maybe not so “chill” when AC isn’t working
💯
Keep in mind videos are edited🤣🤣
He doesn't show the cut scenes.
If engineers had to work on cars, I bet they would be a lot different looking. Great job Ray.
It's so good to see Ray keeping the real mechanic vibe. Understanding the issues but not going in for the high dollar repair. Builds trust with customers to go in thinking it could get expensive fast. And leaving with it running great at a fraction of trans work.
Good on you for considering the customer's report, but not allowing it to sway your diagnosis!
Yep, you always have to ask "why did they say that".
I think you just made a customer for life. Not having the bill that comes with replacing a torque converter and valve body at minimum by just doing a proper diagnosis will make them very happy. You are a good man.
I did a lifetime of problem determination. After listening to the customers concerns, there’s a process that must be followed.
Start at the beginning and work through the problem. Regardless if it’s coming to you from another engineer or technician you need to perform problem determination in a specific order, and make sure you identify the source of the problem.
Ray has the experience and expertise. From the vids I’ve watched he is a top professional in his work. Can’t weld but that’s another thing!
Whole other field right there lol, I can weld pretty good and fix anything, but diagnosis is a bit of a struggle for me sometimes, although I can diagnose most electrical issues but I sometimes struggle to find them. I can diagnose most engine issues just listening to them and reading codes. I'm also good with transmissions but I couldn't name most parts in one.
@@jacobm9263 I think what I was trying to say was instead of going to my mechanic and saying “ I think my truck needs a new part##”,
Its better to say “ the truck is vibrating heavy at this speed”.
It’s a bit of a challenge as a customer , not to tell the technician what you think the problem is. I’m sure Ray hears this 10 times a day.
He's actually doing a pretty decent job with that little flux core. I imagine with just a little practice with a proper mig he'd be quite good. I've trained a lot of welders and Ray seems to have some talent. It takes practice and experience to read the weld.
@@peterparsons7141 As a retired mechanic I generally know what the problem is I just can't fix it these days.
@@jacobm9263 So youre telling me that when it comes to transmission problems, it's always the thingamabob going tits up?
From a subscribers point of view, going your own way and opening *YOUR* shop was 100% the best solution to your previous employer woes. However, those were your channel's roots. It had to start somewhere. I *do* hope with our views and continued support that your business and your bank account will flourish.
Our 2007 Ford Edge is acting the same way with almost 300k. I too thought is was the transmission, but in a Ford chat room I discoved that many folks with the same problem have had the tranmission rebuilt and that did not correct the issue. It seems that bad spark plugs or a bad coil will mask as a transmission issue. Thanks Ray!! Love your content!!!
You sure saved them a mess of money , your honesty is something else 👍👍🇺🇸
After replacing hundreds of spark plugs in small & big block Chevrolet engines, I started using a 4 inch piece of braided fuel hose to slip over the plug insulators to remove and install the plugs. It would bend enough in spots like the #6 & #8 cylinder plug where sometimes it’s very difficult to use the plug socket and an extension. It’s whatever works!
Love the ending Ray. You're my favorite TV show.
I pull the wheel well liner out and it’s a straight shot.
As an old guy do it yourselfer who has spent some hours under some hoods, I'm amazed at the depth of your patience. That rear plug was a bear and add in the dropping of tools....man you kept your cool. I'd have been cursing a blue streak. My video would have been x rated.
I was told and it might be true, that when manufacturers were no longer able to void warranties if services were performed outside the dealerships, all of a sudden the service load reduced hugely. Plugs in particular suddenly started lasting years. That hard to reach plug looked sticky and might have never been replaced as some are not. That overhead creeper looks brilliant.
I need one of those.
So the design team responsible for this layout... was there not a better way?
@@stephenhookings1985 That has nothing to do with my post. And if you knew engines you wouldn't have asked that question
That overhead creeper first came about for the heavy diesel guys, it filtered down to the Automotive guys about 2 decades ago.
@@jsh6952 Thamks
my father in law was known for that they would analyze problems working in the shop then tell the mechanic what to fix
Very good call! This is one of the most common misdiagnoses ever.
Only about a week ago, I had a customer with the same complaint. 8 McPlatinums later, her truck was running like brand new again. The old set wasn't quite so old, but old enough to underburn the fuel. She also reported about 3 mpg improvement from her instrument cluster.
it's amazing that in such a big truck, just how tight the engine room is....crazy!
That’s great engineering
It is AWESOME and AWE inspiring to see you care and save your customers some serious cash!! You Rock Ray!
Let's go back to the Chevy dealership for a field trip: let's see who's Ray's replacement -- chat it up with service writers, service manager, old time master mechanics, the broom guy, etc.
@@ralphmbellamy6517 the guy with the broom, the one nobody thinks of, that's the guy to talk with first and get their impression of the situation (says the guy with the broom at one time)
What I use to install spark plugs with is an old spark plug boot with a short piece of tubing in the wire end. That way, if you can't screw the plug on with your finger tips, it's either not straight to the hole and possibly cross threading or there's dirt in the theads. Also keeps your fingers away from hot stuff.
In the early 80's I bought 70's vehicles because they were easier to work on, in the 90's I bought 80's vehicles for the same reason, in the 00's it was 90's vehicles and by 2010 I decided to stay with the 00's. I will never own anything new again, what a massive pain to work on. My wife buys a new vehicle every few years and I never work on hers, lol. I have been turning my own wrenches since the mid 70's but I tip my hat to those who have to work on newer vehicles today.
When I did plugs on my 2018 silverado 1500 5.3 I went thru the wheel well. It was much easier on the passenger side. Stay safe and be well Ray
your patience with those tight difficult spots is what sets you apart from 99% of us sometimes i have a hard time just watching without wishing to heap praise upon you for that admirable trait that I seem to lack sometimes god bless ,I'm wondering if you'd be interested in looking for an electrical ground issue in my kia "groan"
Ray I ❤ your ENTERTAINMENT videos🎉. I dont know why people want to dissect your way of doing things😅
And another great diagnosis and repair from Doctor Ray.
Thanks for sharing, have a great day!
I like that "topside creeper." I have a device that hooks on the front tires and allows me height over my truck's engine, but it's a PIA to get to the center engine, especially with my 5'7" body! I'm definitely getting me one of those.
Customer: I need a new trans
Ray : Let me see... nope just plugs
Customer: Wow! You saved me a LOT of money
Ray: Damn, shoulda quoted more. Did I tell you we have put our air con recharge up 200%?
I know Ray would never do that, but he has saved money for his customer yet again. An honest mechanic, doing an honest days work. Nice
Honesty is why he will be THE Busiest mechanic in town
Among one of the best honest mechanics around Florida.
Your diagnosis was spot on, could GM have missed the boat on this. They work on what they "Think" passing the buck ? Is, was there a problem with the transmission in any of the recall issues, that is the question. Excellent job Dr. RAY.
Awesome diagnosis. Honest technician. That trans should be serviced soon.
I have a 1998 F-150 4.6L 190K miles. Misfires in abundance, no power. A coil pack went bad, so I ordered both coil packs, spark plugs and wires. My grandson replaced the parts for me. It was running worse when he got done. A check showed that 4 of the spark plug wires were crossed. I'm surprised it ran at all. In addition, a rubber hose connector to the PCV valve was cracked. That was replaced. Ran better, but not great. Stepping on the brakes, you could hear that infamous "Whoosh". Brake booster replaced, it runs like a champ now and stop well too. It's amazing how well an engine can run when everything is where it's supposed to be.😄
what are you doing Ray? you did not do what customer asked you to do...ccc. Mechanics like you do not exist in a real world,only on "television". I love this channel. More please...
Hey Ray, watching you struggle with removing spark plugs some design engineer that barely qualified for their GED which lead to this engine access design - really make me appreciate having people like You. Having a line of fall back dudes that are willing do wrestle with these insidious engine designs, so the DIYer doesn't have to deal with them is a wonderful thing to have. It would be disastrous for me to be around such engines since I have a sawzall AND I know how to use it.
I'd imagine a shady mechanic probably would've sold them a transmission service knowing it only needed plugs. You're a damn good dude and anyone using you as a mechanic is definitely getting more than they are paying for. Sucks you're down state cause I'd be hitting you up for all my vehicle needs
It's summertime... yup, Florida...
Great video, as always. Thorough diagnosis and not just throwing the parts canon at the transmission. I'm glad that I'm not the only one to have trouble with that back plug!
My 16 f150, about 3 wells so started real hard shifts on up hills, between 35-65!
A week ago it went limp mode, 30mph all it would do!
Money light came on flashing!
I was only a mile from home!
Got home, got out code reader!
PO302 I think it was!
Misfire cylinder 2!
Just under 70,000 miles!
Pulled coil, the spring looked like it came from Eric Os part of the country!
#1 looked just as bad!
Amazing how good the truck ran with a new coil!
You should have a medium sized fan on a pedestal that you can easily put on an engine for 5 minutes after it's been driven. A short few minutes will cool engine parts to acceptable levels. I've used one, it works great!
“You are killing me Smalls” 😂😂 Your ability to crack jokes as the vehicle fights you is amazing.
What I did to cool down a engine fairly quick was to set a box fan over the engine blowing down ward for several minutes. Maybe 10-15 minutes.
For a vehicle of its age, the engine and environs are remarkably clean. The engine is as clean as the well kept interior!
Great video as always, I always went through the wheel well also on Silverado to get that last plug
I did my '05 Subaru Outback last month and found that 2 plugs were the originals and 2 were replaced probably just before I bought the car.
Yes, I had erratic shifting when cold and then fairly good when warm. Got a check engine light and scanned it and surprise, surprise, surprise.. misfire on 3 and 4.
Garage wanted 500.00 for this job and I did it for like 40 bucks and a couple beers.
Took me like an hour to complete and felt soo good after.
It's all about knowing the job and having the right tools.
Might be different on the models after 2007, but somebody told me to jack her up, take the front wheels off, and access the plugs and wires through the fenderwells. It's the greatest tip I've ever been given. They're all right there. Easy.
Another great troubleshooting video. You always do the right thing and go for the actual problem.
Watching you pull and replace those plugs made me wonder if “remove engine” might have been the easier option! 😂
Excellent video - as always, Ray.
Highly entertaining.
I also enjoyed how you made the shop building works look so ‘sketchy’. I knew you would keep it safe, but the video was great fun. Thanks.
Fender well
When are we going to hear your dooo da do
Had a Renault something or other. Wouldn’t start in the cold, which is a bit of a issue in northern Michigan, so destroyed the starter. It was between the engine and firewall, and the dealer claimed the engine had to be removed to change it. Did that myself, then sent it to northern Florida.
@@mred8002 The U.P.? Or in the mitten?
@@rhondohslade Near the Tawases, so not quite the arctic north of the Yoop. It sat in my drive for months at a time, while I was driving an ancient pickup with one headlight to work. The dealer was not helpful.
Ray - NGK used to make a spark plug tool that was basically a rubber hose about a foot long that pushed over the spark insulator that allowed you to easily twirl a plug in or out once it was loose and i wouldn't be without mine ideal on engines like this
Good video Ray showing the struggle is real and attitude determines altitude in this Buisness...
Got really tired of the lag my 2012 5.3 Sierra had when the AFM was in 4 cyl mode and going back to 8 cyl mode and the tranny was deciding what gear to be in . Installed a Range AFM delete device in the OBD port a year ago and I'm very happy to have my truck running on all 8 cylinders all the time now. No lag , no delay on acceleration . AFM and DOD are just goofy .
Converted my 07 Yukon XL to full-time V8. That rear plug brings back memories.
I always found that getting them from the wheel well was easier than trying to get them from the top
Really having a bad case of the dropsies today! Been there - know the frustration. Thanks for this absorbing video. Enjoyed.
I got a Topside Creeper a few months ago and it is a great tool, but like you say it takes a little getting used to. It's almost too easy. Bobby
My 99 Ford Ranger XLT acted this way, it would buck between gears! I replaced all the plugs and two coils and now it runs smoothly! I thought for sure I needed a transmission rebuild! Thank God my mechanic is as honest as you are!
Great Video! you don't need more power strips you need a electrician, you saved that customer a ton of cash.
Pretty sure he’s trolling us, as he’s had a few hundred comments saying “get an electrician!” I think he got the message by now.
I bought a used SUV that was getting fairly poor MPG. Pulled the plugs. Numbers 3 & 4 were not the right plugs. They were almost an inch shorter than the correct plugs. Never know what you'll find.
For 7 yrs old and 151K miles, that engine bay is clean
I love your videos ray!! You are a big inspiration for me
Again, the Owner should be Very Grateful for your outstanding analysis and dedication to replacing EVERY PLUG. Nothing like a V 8 !!!
It's truly amazing what a little bit of upkeep can accomplish. Good job on the diagnosis.
This just remins me of how easy it was to change plugs on my Dad's 57 Chevy 210 wagon with the 6 cylinder....
You could just jump into the engine bay and work up close.
Ray, you earned a whole herd of 'likes' just for burning off all those layers of epidermis! Sweat is an underated lubricant...makes sockets jump off ratchet at JUST the wrong time 🤬
The life of a mechanic. Thank you Ray.
wrenching on boats while in the water I learned to tie the tool to my wrist wit a string ,made it much easier to recover when dropped in an area that was hard to reach such as 10 ft of water
Ray, first time watching one of your videos. Awesome job! We purchased a pre-owned 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ with 75,000 miles on July 20, 2022. We had experienced a rough transmission sound (tumbling rocks noise between 3rd & 4th gears). Yesterday, March 29, 2024 we learned from a metro-west Boston area Chevy dealership service dept what they determined to be the issues. Estimate to repair all issues is 'about $16,000'. Replace transmission quote is $7,500. Then an additional $6,500 in labor/supplies because of leaking water pump and replace serpetine belt, leaking radiator and replace thermostat, repair vacuum pump with replacing belts for AC & vacuum pump, repair left upper control arm & alignment, repair two broken front stabilizer links, repair rear shocks leaking & blown out, repair leaking oil cooler lines. We have owned this 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ for one year eight months. We have driven it 44,000 miles mostly all highway miles. Today its 119,000 miles. Its been a rough 24 hours thinking about spending a lot of money to make repairs. We are going to ask different independent mechanics for estimates. Watching your video this morning Sat, March 30, 2024 made our day!!! You are an awesome mechanic and genuine human being!!! Wish we lived closer to U.S. Highway 301 near Tampa Bay, Florida, bc I would bring my hard earned money to your auto repair shop in a split second. Thanks for being a down to earth person and making this video enjoyable. We are not mechanics and it was great how you demonstrated how you made the repair!!! Patience, perserverance, and light humor lessons learned from you. Your video brought a smile to our faces after receiving an 'about $16,000' repair estimate. - Kevin & Anne
get a new truck for 16k or try out smaller non dealership shops, hope you found something more reasonable in your search.
Hi Ray, update to the 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ (tow package) transmission and other issues. An independent mechanic (shout out to Jimmy & Lori small business owners of Foreign Car Specialist based in Worcester, Massachusetts) determined that a new transmission was required. Jimmy worked with Globe Transmission based in Southbridge, MA and the total cost was $4,600 for a rebuilt transmission. (Colonial Chevy Dealership quote was $7,500 for a transmission) Jimmy decided the most critical repairs remaining from the dealership quote for another $7,500 were the Engine Cooler lines replacement ($600) Anti-sway bars install ($400) as both front wheels were not connected to this safety bar, and the rear struts replaced ($1,400). Total cost $7,000 compared to the $16,000 quote from Chevy Dealership. We repaired it on FRI, APRIL 12. Towed the Forest River brand Avenger 26BK trailer from MA to Virginia 600 miles each way during the kids school break week APR 15 - 18. Transmission Fluid temp was average 200° with an high temp of 235° Is this okay? Appreciate your RUclips videos as one of the most down to earth mechanics on RUclips! Hope all is well in Florida. Thanks for your videos! - Massachusetts family.
On the subject of the heat there, I had a Shower Full Bath in my shop in Arkansas. Never went home dirty. Plus when it got that hot, I could cool off and throw on a clean shirt
Good day Ray. Carpal tunnel syndrome beginning now. Tahoe twisting you around like a hot pretzel.
I am facing the same problem now with my 2016 tahoe, took it to the mechanic he told me I need to change the gear turbo, I was really sad and confused and wasn't sure of his judgement so I found this video ❤, I changed the spark plugs and the wires, still the same problem but I'm going to check the ejectors and fuel lines, hopefully it will solve the problem
That spark plug ranks up there with 4.3 s-10 spark plugs on the front of the driver side bank.
Hmm need a large box fan like 4’x4’ for the shop to cool you off. Before you melt.
Years ago, when I was young and stupid, I thought my transmission was going out. It turns out it was just two ignition coils causing misfires. Now I keep a scan tool handy at all times.
I am a retired USAF Jet fighter mechanic. You can't imagine the number of bolts & nuts that are hidden where you can only R&R them by feel, or use a mirror. Some are so bad your arm fills the whole hole, and it's all by feel.
Transmission shutter from demolished spart plugs causing misfires from the engine Pretty easy fix just needed some maintenance and a tune-up.. good video Ray as always @Rainman Ray's Repairs
take a 2 or 3 inch piece of vacuum hose over the spark plug to align the spark plug in place. I guess it works like a rubber universal joint
You are right Ray. I just helped out family over the weekend, who don't know cars outside of driving them... Said their jeep trans might be slipping and maybe the fluid was low. He apparently had a previous car that had that happen, and adding fluid fixed that one. Sounded weird but I took it out, and the car was "jerking" but the RPM didn't flair. so I checked the spark plugs and they looked like arse. The gap looked to be twice as wide as the new plugs ( from just visual ). Replaced them all and went back out with zero issues.
Could we please just admire Ray’s patience upon working on vehicles?? Mostly when he drops something… I’ve seen other techs that would be swearing and throwing more stuff because they dropped something, but not Ray, all he says is “gravity” which makes it a lot more entertaining and relaxing 😂😂😂
I actually bought my F250 V10 very cheap like this. The dealer took it in on trade and was selling it for $4000. I asked him why so cheap at first and he said it is not the 7.3 diesel and the transmission is bad. Has a nice lift. Body great. Had 145K miles. 4x4 and AC worked. I told him three times is wasnt the transmission. I even went and bought some coil on plugs and changed them on his lot and told him it was running fine. He said oh well and still sold it to me for the same price. Its got 285k now and runs great to this day.
This is the time of year we call the family who have relocated to Florida that it's 75 degrees, blue skies no bugs and low humidity up north.
I've seen most of your videos and I can say by far gm vehicles keep you in business. Why anyone would buy that garbage is beyond me 😂😂 keep up the good work Ray👍🏼
I FELT that second wrench gravity when you were installing that passenger rear spark plug. Oof
I find that if you change the passenger-side rear spark plug by laying across the top of the engine from the drivers side instead of from the front, it is a more natural angle for your hands and makes the job much, much easier.
Cold start misfires in these are commonly linked to bad intake gaskets. I'm sure you seen many of them in the dealership, but anybody else reading this you can diagnose that pretty easy with a cold vehicle. Have your scan tool hooked up and watching fuel trims, and as soon as you start it hose down around the intake runners with some brake clean and watch your field trims climb for the sky. Generally when they warm up the gasket will swell and make a seal again. fel-Pro makes an updated metal gasket that isn't as prone to failure as the factory gaskets.
Lol, reminds me of the old 7-cylinder Ford Truck engine. They called them 7 cylinder due to; 1 spark plug was so hard to get to mechanics would not change them.
Next time, use a short extension and go in behind the A/C lines, flexing them forward just a bit. It sounds counter intuitive, but the angle on the plug helps it work better.
Glad you young bucks are doing this work 👏, can only look now a days
Hey Ray, great diagnosis of the problem. You were right, it was very hard to watch you struggling with that 1 plug over a hot engine on a hot day. Great work! Cheers!
I recall Pine Hollow Diagnostics had something quite similar - a worn spark plug was setting missfires, that activated a 'limp mode' in the transmission with no codes set there, that locked the transmission in 3rd gear. Not the same thing, but could be similar. (so far I have just seen 3 minutes of the video, and I await with 'baited breath' to see what transpires!
love that cubby hole that is a neat place to store stuff. yes I can see with an automatic
transmission how you have to have the proper torque being delivered so the trans
knows when and what gear it should be in. great video the plugs do so much to maximize
the engine out put and efficiency!
Hey, when i did my plugs and wires, i actually went fron underneath with a few extensions and got it no problem. Some say remove the wheel and the wheel well but I got lazy and decided to lay down😂
Many don't consider the added engine load with misfires caused by upshifts. I love using graphing mode for this sort of thing.
Nice work Ray.
I've got an 05 jeep liberty and I'm glad that all of my spark plugs are in easy to reach locations and, for once, chrysler didn't put a bunch of junk in the way of accessing them. Made changing my spark plugs a breeze
Ditto - I also have the over engine creeper but through the wheel well is easier, faster and cooler on the flanges! With a lift you can also be at a comfortable working level! Great videos - everytime.
That particular Tahoe you worked on has the 6L80. This can be seen by the fact that it has a transmission fluid dipstick. The 8 speed (8L90) does not have a dipstick, rather uses a check plug in the pan. 6L80 doesn't have the HP fluid shudder issue, it uses plain ol Dexron 6. What is VERY common on 6Ls is torque converter failure (due its design) which can then wipe out the fluid pump and even more most of the time.
P050D might rear its head again and its gonna be a bad fuel injector or two and might be tied to the P219B bank 2 side of things. Quite common on these Gen 5 small blocks unfortunately, bad fuel injectors. Some 2016s and I think 2017s sold in certain states do have an extended warranty from GM on them for this condition (NY is one for example).
Thanks Ray didnt know about misfires affecting shifting very informative. my 2001 toyota was shifting poorly on 1 gear but since i serviced the plugs and fuel injectors for something else it seemed to have went away hopefully it stays that way
More specifically, the ATF is Mobil 1 LV ATF HP. It worked great for my '19 Colorado ZR1.