You used a blue crimp eye - that's for AWG13 or 2,5mm² - for the two thin wires that look like AWG18 to AWG20. Next time try a red one (AWG15 or 1,5mm²), it will do better. And please do not solder crimps, that's for non-professionals only 🤣
@@tomjoad1363 They are trained to read a diagnostic code reader. Not how to trouble shoot. Case in point: I have a 2002 Harley Davidson Road King. A few years ago, I had an on again, off again plug fouling problem. I took it to three different Harley dealers who could not fix it because it threw no code. I considered selling it but as a last ditch effort, went online and studied the fuel injection theory of operation, checked every single wire connection that had anything to do with the ECU control of the FI system and found a simple wire connection problem that cost me 14$ to fix. Sad thing is the general public does not know what's going on with dealership mechanics. Not all of them, but most of them. Sad, sad, sad.
@@rrcoster you mean they simply don't do what a mechanic should do and use their knowledge (which some of them obviously lack of they have to rely on what a tool tells them) to actually troubleshoot an issue by applying knowledge on how a system works, some logic and some simple structured approach? Yeah, you are absolutely right. And for some shops, especially the ones that seem to cost less (although sometimes or even quite oftwn at dealerships it is the same) who then just look up codes and fire the parts cannon, in hope to hit the right one as well seems to be the official procedure to repairing parts and mechanics are discouraged to actually spend time analysing and troubleshoting
@@alexanderkupke920 Yes...id rather pay someone actually spend time analyzing and diagnosing the problem then fire part canon hope that fix it. Guess glad i have some decent mechanic local like Wes when i can't figure out the problem myself.
I used to get jobs like this, that had taken multiple hits from the parts cannon. A little look at a wiring diagram, and a bit of methodology, is usually all it took. No wonder the trade has such a bad reputation. Well done Wes.
I hear “ comments are going say I should be soldering this”, then I hear and see “going to use a little liquid tape” then I hear and see the “ going to use a little dielectric grease on this connection”, and I find myself setting here grinning like a dog eating cork, because I can just hear all keys on the key boards being smashed at the same time and the send being assailed at the same time. You gotta love it, stay the course, love your vids, thanks for the ride along.
That was a great diagnosis. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm a security system technician. It amazes me how people don't start at the basics. Even at my company, they like to just throw parts at the problem, regardless of cost. Then throw in the technician who can't possibly be wrong, "he's been doing this for years". I always start on the basics. Does it have power and a good ground and move on from there.
As a 76 year old retired Marine Electrician, I often asked "knowit all" customers to explain to me electron flow. First response says it all as to how I proceeded lol
Wes, if it did cost a fortune to buy and ship the tool to you, that guy enjoys your work as much as we do. To him it was worth it. Nice fix here. Keep M coming man, I'm almost 72 years old and enjoy the hell out of you and your channel. Thank you.
I just found this channel. This guy is extremely talented and you can see the true passion he has for repairing vehicles. I’m yet to see something he can’t fix. Between watch Wes work and diesel creek these two are amazing to watch . I know there are many other great channels I just haven’t found them yet.
I remember in a previous video Wes said the same thing about his old man, "nothing he couldn't fix". Thinking Wes jr be saying the same thing in years to come.
No job to big, no job too small we love www fix em all, from diagnosis to the mad dog max, hufflepuff wife, littleman we all have a laugh, along the way we all enjoy no matter the job no matter toy 👍 always a joy thanks
You are quite methodical in your diagnosis; always a pleasure to watch an expert. You remind me of my Dad - now 92 - who was a wizard like yourself at solving electrical problems.
You don’t go straight to the scan tool... it is nice to see you are going old school... the mechanics I know always start with scan tool if no faults then change something until it works again... you saved the costumer money by being “old school “ great work...
Absolutely love how you explain and show trouble shooting in a calm manner. Its too easy to freak out and throw the parts cannon to it. Keep up the good work.
Once again, your patience and knowledge and focus in troubleshooting problems is impressive. I like to think of myself as above average at troubleshooting, but you are second to none my man. Thanks for the upload!
It is good to see an honest and professional mechanic. Too many shops would have claimed they spent several hours doing diagnostic work and the repair, even if it only took an hour.
I find that using a wiring schematic to be the must enjoyable way to track down a problem. It's more of a challenge than to hope for the correct answer from a computer. Awesome as always.
Wes, These are never boring videos for me. Every time you put something out I so enjoy the gift you have to narrow things down and Getter Done! I love tinkering on things and you have helped me to slow down, figure it out and fix it. I am sure we don't get to see or hear all your frustrations on video ... and I am sure you have them ... but the calm talking through it ... I enjoy. THANK YOU!!!
I can't thank you enough for this info. After intense diagnostics, diagram research, etc.. I was about to start doing some intrusive work on my impala. Everything pointed out to a ground problem, the one you are talking about. First real test I did on the grounding circuits was yours and BINGO. communication to ECM, security problems gone... I will solder my contacts before trying to start the car, but I'm extremely confident. You are a real problem solver !
If you were based in the UK I would send all of my vehicles your way. Clear, methodical fault diagnosis alongside cost conscious repairs and a great dose of sarcasm!
As you were bending over to get down into that little cubbyhole and replace the ends on those grounds, the thought came too me that you must be a contortionist. How in the world you do some of this stuff is more than amazing. It also surprises me that you find the stuff that’s wrong when other shops won’t go the extra mile. It’s like all they want to do is just throw parts at a problem and call it a day. Man how I wish you were closer to my place - I’d use you as my mechanic.
New subscriber here… love the channel. Thanks for taking the time to do all the work to record, process, and share. I imagine it’s a lot of extra work on top of all the work you already have to do to keep your shop running.
Whatever you are charging for that hour it was too cheap. The previous mechanics were replacing expensive parts based on guess work and probably charged collectively 3 or 4 times what you did. The customer paid them and you and you gave him a real bargain for your brain work. Love to watch your analysis. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Wes I really enjoy your logical approach to any repairs. I wish I had your knowledge of electronics and wiring repairs. But your acerbic wit and wisdom along with your wife, son and dog is what makes you videos truly enjoyable. -28 Celsius in Dorchester Ontario. You are north of me so suspect cold there to. Take care
I have an old plow truck with a spider web of added grounds with star washers and dielectric at each end. Every time I pop the hood I stop and laugh at myself for trying to prevent every bad ground I've ever seen. Great videos.
Hey man just wanted to come leave this comment I literally been working on a dirtbike that I couldn’t get running and before tearing into it I said let me just check this electrical first which is my weakest suit but after watching your channel Ive gained confidence in how to really combat troubleshooting and fixing electrical-well good thing I started with it because I found the cut off switch was bad so saved me a lot of time and energy and I wouldn’t have done that without watching your channel and learning from you
After following Eric O. at SMA and Ivan at Pine Hollow for a couple years I came across your videos and have been really impressed. Just amazing to me that some of the best auto diagnosticians on RUclips are all located pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Hope your customers realize how lucky they are.
You have a gift for proper diagnosis because you are a master craftsman. It may be a simple fix for you, but obviously not to the guys who threw parts at it. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Fun fact regarding people telling you to use solder: I’m in aircraft maintenance school at the moment. Aircraft no longer use soldered splices or connections because solder makes wire brittle at the point where the wicking stops. Crimps are also more easily repeatable with less margin for error.
@@robertheinkel6225 I have no real life experience yet so that's entirely possible as well. They told us one splice is allowed on a wire except for some where you're not allowed to splice at all like coaxial cable and such.
In aircraft maintenance you use the proper tools to make a high quality crimp, then it is superior. The trouble starts when people just squeeze those cheap colored crimp connectors together with whichever pliers are on hand. That's not a gas tight crimp and won't last. But hey, those people probably couldn't solder worth a damn either.
Best way to make sure the wire doesn’t pull out of a crimp is to strip it twice as long as needed. Twist the wire, Fold the stripped section in half and place it in an eyelet of proper size to fit the now doubled up wire. Using this method the wire will break before it comes out or if it does come out something has hit it hard enough it wouldn’t have held no matter what
Wes, don't worry about when you try to film in a tight spot. Those of us that watch alot of mechanics videos are used to the occasion when you have a to do that to get the job done. So you make sure the job is done right and everything else will all work out.
A Pleasure As Always, The Saturday Morning WWW Video Notification is Typically A Highlight Of The Day. These Short Diagnostic Videos Show Your True Talent As A Professional. Your Knowledge and Experience Level Makes Short Work of A Scenario That Would Be A Nightmare For Someone Like Myself. Looking Forward to The Next One, Keep It Safe Out There Sir
I've always wondered why he didn't have a real wire stripper. A pretty good one by Ideal is less than 50 bucks. Smaller than that one the viewer sent, too.
@@Mishn0 real wire stripper = those which leave dints/damaged/cut copper strands ? That german one can be controlled rather closely = not nicked/damaged copper strands here.
@@TheStefanskoglund1 Why? Because it's "German"? Are you saying US made tools can't have tightly controlled tolerances? I used Ideal wire strippers to make literally thousands of wire harnesses for military aircraft and the work was closely inspected. Give me a break.
Great work as always Wes. Just had a bad earth problem on my landrover. Salt air had destroyed the ground for the rear lights. Not the best build quality. Have used dialectic grease on the repair despite the 'experts' on you tube! Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧
@@WatchWesWork Yes even Mercedes start to have those ground issues when tey turn 25 years old, And I know, my daily drive is S124 300e 4-matic -90 year model. No too many computers in it, and vould need those spesial MB "tools" to diagnose, or that " flashinglamp" wire to count, those basic things, ABS and 4-matic system. I think also KE-jet also, no needed yet that, coming next spring, when I start with my other merc, also same age 300e but saloon, AMG copy, by some finnish people, dont know, but in registration papers, it is made in Finland. So quite unexpected for mercedes tha old. Yes I really love your way to do things, you go to basics, by thinking first, then you take that codereader for help, and also yours way to handle those not so roadworthy vehicles also, and rust can`t stop you making good job.
Well done, Wes.👍 People don't realize how many ground wires and how important they are on cars nowadays. There are so many computers and sensors on these cars that good grounds are imperative. Now, every ground I find, I'll remove it, clean it, and apply Penetrox to the surface before re-fastening. No fooling around.
RPO codes are on the sticker on the glove box door... There is a reason you don't find solder joints in factory wiring: they determined long ago that the hardened wire section becomes a stress riser and often results in a broken wire (from fatigue) right next to the solder.
Oh how I long for the old days when you didn’t have to be half a scientist and a computer tech to make an engine run! 😬 Great work. Thank you for sharing
@@erik_dk842 I am not sure I consider having wiring diagrams or schematics cheating. There are likely multiple main ground points on most vehicles. Would be expensive and time consuming to physically trace a faulty ground wire to it's attachment point. Diagrams used properly conserve time and technician energy. My opinion at least.
@@brianworley7705 Without subscribing to a service, getting correct wiring diagrams is quite hard. The redrawn version Wes has access to is also easier to follow than Volkswagen's originals, which I'm familiar with, because they split them out across several pages, so you have to go back and forth.
I hope i can sneak this in and wes wont see it..i wanted wes to strip more insulation, more bare wire exposed. I learned wire splicing years ago. Pigtail, western union and tap style splices. The advantage of mechanical strength comes from a mininum of 4 twists, then what he did afterwards was fine.
Being the lazy guy I am, I would have made up a new eyelet with a stub of wire on it then just spliced the existing wires to that using a shrink&solder splice. Always easier when you can see & reach what you're working on.
Thanks for the content Mr. Wes, too bad when you decided to be a RUclips content provider you opened up your life to the World Wide Web now everyone thinks they have to tell you how to be a mechanic instead of enjoying the content.
I've been a diesel tech for 2.5y at this point and I gotta tell you- I've learned so much from your videos. I specifically look for the electrical issues you've encountered just because your explanations are top notch!
I absolutely love it when, every time you use dielectric grease you rub your detractor's noses in it!! I watched you use it a thousand times with no bad results. I now use it too!! Great video, as always!
Always fun to watch someone who knows what he is doing. Every one of these videos is a learning experience. Someday I can see me telling a mechanic to "Watch Wes Work". 😂
Pretty easy job when you know how to really troubleshoot instead of just throwing parts at it. Seems like that’s a lost art today at some shops. Nice work!
@Wes it always amazes me how you go back to the fundamentals to fix problems.... The other garages kept replacing $$ items and you found a bad ground -- very impressive!
Wes, I have trouble finding honest mechanics to work on my rigs so I do a lot of it myself. I used to have an Auto Electric Wizard in Cincinnati, Ohio. He could find any electrical problem in minutes, and fix it reasonably. You do a great job and I hope other mechanics will watch you work and be inspired to become better mechanics.
Got a lot of grey in that beard son. RUclips seems to be aging you at a geometric rate! Another fun, to the point video. Nice job Wes. Always good to see you on a Saturday morning. Love home brother!
Wes, you are the real deal my man. Nice quick diagnostics without a single shot from the parts cannon. Wire ends are shop supplies in my opinion. Nice job as always.
This is the Launch tool I am using: www.amazon.com/dp/B098DF7BLL
There is a discount code SXJ62Z2B but I don't know if it works anymore.
Still too rich for my blood. But, I'm just a home gamer with 2 vehicles :)
gonna order one thanks Wes
Nice execution of the "Keith Tug-Test" that Ivan speaks of ...lol
Your idea of "cheap" and mine vary considerably.
You used a blue crimp eye - that's for AWG13 or 2,5mm² - for the two thin wires that look like AWG18 to AWG20. Next time try a red one (AWG15 or 1,5mm²), it will do better.
And please do not solder crimps, that's for non-professionals only 🤣
Awesome video. Just straight no BS diagnostic work. No parts cannon. The mark of a professional mechanic. Keep up the great content Wes.
@John Verne I'm thinking $50 for the sensor (plus labor) the poor guy got ripped for.
Love to watch his diagnostics videos. He is great.
That's why I like Wes!
Why do mechanics in a dealerstore can not do the simple things you do ?
@@tomjoad1363 They are trained to read a diagnostic code reader. Not how to trouble shoot. Case in point: I have a 2002 Harley Davidson Road King. A few years ago, I had an on again, off again plug fouling problem. I took it to three different Harley dealers who could not fix it because it threw no code. I considered selling it but as a last ditch effort, went online and studied the fuel injection theory of operation, checked every single wire connection that had anything to do with the ECU control of the FI system and found a simple wire connection problem that cost me 14$ to fix. Sad thing is the general public does not know what's going on with dealership mechanics. Not all of them, but most of them. Sad, sad, sad.
When other shops can´t fix it and screw up Wes comes in to play, again it was a joy to watch you work Wes🛠.
Yes 👍 always a joy to watch him work
I love that he thinks out loud.
I think whoever owns that car is lucky to have an honest mechanic who's focus is on troubleshooting! Thanks for the video
I sometimes start to believe, everything at least one other mechanic gave up on before lands on his floor.
@@alexanderkupke920 Some just like rely on scan tool which don't always help you when there wire problem or ground issue.
@@rrcoster you mean they simply don't do what a mechanic should do and use their knowledge (which some of them obviously lack of they have to rely on what a tool tells them) to actually troubleshoot an issue by applying knowledge on how a system works, some logic and some simple structured approach?
Yeah, you are absolutely right. And for some shops, especially the ones that seem to cost less (although sometimes or even quite oftwn at dealerships it is the same) who then just look up codes and fire the parts cannon, in hope to hit the right one as well seems to be the official procedure to repairing parts and mechanics are discouraged to actually spend time analysing and troubleshoting
@@alexanderkupke920 Yes...id rather pay someone actually spend time analyzing and diagnosing the problem then fire part canon hope that fix it. Guess glad i have some decent mechanic local like Wes when i can't figure out the problem myself.
I wish he could work on my car, finding a good mechanic in my area is not easy!
I used to get jobs like this, that had taken multiple hits from the parts cannon. A little look at a wiring diagram, and a bit of methodology, is usually all it took. No wonder the trade has such a bad reputation. Well done Wes.
@BreatheScotland very extremly true
I hear “ comments are going say I should be soldering this”, then I hear and see “going to use a little liquid tape” then I hear and see the “ going to use a little dielectric grease on this connection”, and I find myself setting here grinning like a dog eating cork, because I can just hear all keys on the key boards being smashed at the same time and the send being assailed at the same time. You gotta love it, stay the course, love your vids, thanks for the ride along.
Wes, thanks for taking the time to clearly explain what you are doing and for getting a shot where the viewer can see what’s going on.
Learn something new from Wes every post !
That was a great diagnosis. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm a security system technician. It amazes me how people don't start at the basics. Even at my company, they like to just throw parts at the problem, regardless of cost. Then throw in the technician who can't possibly be wrong, "he's been doing this for years". I always start on the basics. Does it have power and a good ground and move on from there.
As a 76 year old retired Marine Electrician, I often asked "knowit all" customers to explain to me electron flow. First response says it all as to how I proceeded lol
@@mauricekeithjohnson2598 I know it has something to do with magic smoke! 😂😂😂
@@steelfist65 Lord Lucas philosophy lol.
@@mauricekeithjohnson2598 M.E.S. !!!
I’m a commercial hvac tech and I absolutely agree with you. Everyone is so quick to throw parts at it instead of troubleshooting the issue.
Wes, if it did cost a fortune to buy and ship the tool to you, that guy enjoys your work as much as we do. To him it was worth it.
Nice fix here. Keep M coming man, I'm almost 72 years old and enjoy the hell out of you and your channel. Thank you.
Thank You Germany viewer, there are great people in this world. You just made Wes’s job easier.
If I did not live so far from you Wes, you would be my mechanic. Keep up the good work.
I just found this channel. This guy is extremely talented and you can see the true passion he has for repairing vehicles. I’m yet to see something he can’t fix. Between watch Wes work and diesel creek these two are amazing to watch . I know there are many other great channels I just haven’t found them yet.
I remember in a previous video Wes said the same thing about his old man, "nothing he couldn't fix". Thinking Wes jr be saying the same thing in years to come.
I try. Sometimes I get stumped, but we struggle through.
@@WatchWesWork keep up the great work Wes.
Wes is great, watch South Main Auto. Another great car Doctor.
@@WatchWesWork The struggle is why we watch. That, and the biting sarcasm.
No job to big, no job too small we love www fix em all, from diagnosis to the mad dog max, hufflepuff wife, littleman we all have a laugh, along the way we all enjoy no matter the job no matter toy 👍 always a joy thanks
A deal at 3 times the labor time. Great video as usual. No silliness just repairs and information.
You are quite methodical in your diagnosis; always a pleasure to watch an expert. You remind me of my Dad - now 92 - who was a wizard like yourself at solving electrical problems.
You don’t go straight to the scan tool... it is nice to see you are going old school... the mechanics I know always start with scan tool if no faults then change something until it works again... you saved the costumer money by being “old school “ great work...
Absolutely love how you explain and show trouble shooting in a calm manner. Its too easy to freak out and throw the parts cannon to it. Keep up the good work.
Once again, your patience and knowledge and focus in troubleshooting problems is impressive. I like to think of myself as above average at troubleshooting, but you are second to none my man. Thanks for the upload!
It's touching viewers really interact. And to send you a tool from Germany how cool is that there are good people out there:-)
Crimps (without solder) stand up much better in a high-vibration environment, which is why you don't see soldered wires in automotive applications.
Also I believe soldering is banned in aerospace applications
I see soldering connections all the time
It is good to see an honest and professional mechanic. Too many shops would have claimed they spent several hours doing diagnostic work and the repair, even if it only took an hour.
Wes, Like the diagnosis, and the fix!
Customer invoice:
Parts : Buck 298
Labor: Shop rate + 70%
Diagnostics: PRICELESS
My favorite mechanic on RUclips. Great content Wes keep it up!
Amazing diagnostic work there, 2nd to none. I would have never found that, great video, thanks
Another excellent episode of Watch Columbo Work. I especially enjoy the tension between you and the computer scanner thank you.
Maybe wes will fix an old columbo car someday..if any still exist
Excellent analogy! In the middle of Season 2 of Columbo right now. Man, what a great show that was.
You are a master diagnostician and mechanic Wes. I love watching your content, I always learn something
I find that using a wiring schematic to be the must enjoyable way to track down a problem. It's more of a challenge than to hope for the correct answer from a computer. Awesome as always.
Cheap incandescent test light for the win! Gotta load that circuit down more than the pcm or a multimeter would
Wes, These are never boring videos for me. Every time you put something out I so enjoy the gift you have to narrow things down and Getter Done! I love tinkering on things and you have helped me to slow down, figure it out and fix it. I am sure we don't get to see or hear all your frustrations on video ... and I am sure you have them ... but the calm talking through it ... I enjoy. THANK YOU!!!
You the man. Wes the Automotive Detective. Hunting
down that pesky BAD GROUND - - - - - - Bad Bad Ground. Great video Wes!!!
I can't thank you enough for this info. After intense diagnostics, diagram research, etc.. I was about to start doing some intrusive work on my impala. Everything pointed out to a ground problem, the one you are talking about. First real test I did on the grounding circuits was yours and BINGO. communication to ECM, security problems gone... I will solder my contacts before trying to start the car, but I'm extremely confident. You are a real problem solver !
That was a good one Wes, keep it up. I like the teaching how to diagnose instead of just showing the solution.
If you were based in the UK I would send all of my vehicles your way. Clear, methodical fault diagnosis alongside cost conscious repairs and a great dose of sarcasm!
That was short work of a perplexing problem. Well done Wes, always enjoy your electrical diagnostics and repairs. Cheers!
As you were bending over to get down into that little cubbyhole and replace the ends on those grounds, the thought came too me that you must be a contortionist. How in the world you do some of this stuff is more than amazing.
It also surprises me that you find the stuff that’s wrong when other shops won’t go the extra mile. It’s like all they want to do is just throw parts at a problem and call it a day. Man how I wish you were closer to my place - I’d use you as my mechanic.
A perfect example of KISS working. Great job. Thanks for posting
As Eric O would say "there's your problem lady."
I love how honest you are!! Very Good Man!
ground is ground the world around - laser focus as usual on your diagnosis - really enjoy your videos !
New subscriber here… love the channel. Thanks for taking the time to do all the work to record, process, and share. I imagine it’s a lot of extra work on top of all the work you already have to do to keep your shop running.
Whatever you are charging for that hour it was too cheap. The previous mechanics were replacing expensive parts based on guess work and probably charged collectively 3 or 4 times what you did. The customer paid them and you and you gave him a real bargain for your brain work. Love to watch your analysis. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Wes I really enjoy your logical approach to any repairs. I wish I had your knowledge of electronics and wiring repairs. But your acerbic wit and wisdom along with your wife, son and dog is what makes you videos truly enjoyable. -28 Celsius in Dorchester Ontario. You are north of me so suspect cold there to. Take care
We are starting to warm up a tiny bit. -16C
The northern Illinois border is further south than Dorchester Ontario, so Wes is south (west) of you
I have an old plow truck with a spider web of added grounds with star washers and dielectric at each end. Every time I pop the hood I stop and laugh at myself for trying to prevent every bad ground I've ever seen. Great videos.
You make it look so easy but I know most of the time it really isn’t! Great job!
Hey man just wanted to come leave this comment I literally been working on a dirtbike that I couldn’t get running and before tearing into it I said let me just check this electrical first which is my weakest suit but after watching your channel Ive gained confidence in how to really combat troubleshooting and fixing electrical-well good thing I started with it because I found the cut off switch was bad so saved me a lot of time and energy and I wouldn’t have done that without watching your channel and learning from you
Max always looks like “you caught me” like he was doing something wrong.
I got the same impression..
LOL, maybe Max is asking if anybody knows where to look for a mouse?
@@larrywalker7759 Or maybe, "Can I go back inside where it's warm?"
You make watching someone doing diagnostic work....interesting.... so far your the only one.........that I will watch.....
Love your work Wes!
After following Eric O. at SMA and Ivan at Pine Hollow for a couple years I came across your videos and have been really impressed. Just amazing to me that some of the best auto diagnosticians on RUclips are all located pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Hope your customers realize how lucky they are.
Nah. We're just the ones weird enough to film it and put it on the internet.
Good job Wes - well explained and illustrated as always!
You have a gift for proper diagnosis because you are a master craftsman. It may be a simple fix for you, but obviously not to the guys who threw parts at it. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Fun fact regarding people telling you to use solder: I’m in aircraft maintenance school at the moment. Aircraft no longer use soldered splices or connections because solder makes wire brittle at the point where the wicking stops. Crimps are also more easily repeatable with less margin for error.
Soldered connections have been a NO/NO from ABYC for many years. Too much vibration in boats.
NASA says the same thing.
As a retired USAF crew chief, we had to replace any broken wires. No repairs/splices allowed.
@@robertheinkel6225 I have no real life experience yet so that's entirely possible as well. They told us one splice is allowed on a wire except for some where you're not allowed to splice at all like coaxial cable and such.
In aircraft maintenance you use the proper tools to make a high quality crimp, then it is superior.
The trouble starts when people just squeeze those cheap colored crimp connectors together with whichever pliers are on hand. That's not a gas tight crimp and won't last. But hey, those people probably couldn't solder worth a damn either.
Don't know how you do it man! Your diagnostic abilities are pretty darn impressive! Wish I lived a lot closer to your shop.
Best way to make sure the wire doesn’t pull out of a crimp is to strip it twice as long as needed. Twist the wire, Fold the stripped section in half and place it in an eyelet of proper size to fit the now doubled up wire. Using this method the wire will break before it comes out or if it does come out something has hit it hard enough it wouldn’t have held no matter what
Same here you couldn’t pull it back out if you try
Wes, don't worry about when you try to film in a tight spot. Those of us that watch alot of mechanics videos are used to the occasion when you have a to do that to get the job done. So you make sure the job is done right and everything else will all work out.
I wish I had your skills, Wes.
A Pleasure As Always, The Saturday Morning WWW Video Notification is Typically A Highlight Of The Day. These Short Diagnostic Videos Show Your True Talent As A Professional. Your Knowledge and Experience Level Makes Short Work of A Scenario That Would Be A Nightmare For Someone Like Myself. Looking Forward to The Next One, Keep It Safe Out There Sir
The wire stripper pliers you received from Germany were almost identical to what I used during my apprenticeship in 1972-4.
I've always wondered why he didn't have a real wire stripper. A pretty good one by Ideal is less than 50 bucks. Smaller than that one the viewer sent, too.
Been using mine for 20+ years !
@@Mishn0 real wire stripper = those which leave dints/damaged/cut copper strands ?
That german one can be controlled rather closely = not nicked/damaged copper strands here.
@@TheStefanskoglund1 Why? Because it's "German"? Are you saying US made tools can't have tightly controlled tolerances? I used Ideal wire strippers to make literally thousands of wire harnesses for military aircraft and the work was closely inspected. Give me a break.
I have not started watching this but I guarantee you this guy can get this vehicle running
Awesome video Wes. Nice work.
A little bit of luck you say? You're a skilled mechanic Wes. Great job! You make it look easy...
Wes perfect timing for a vid👌
Every once in a while an easy job remains an easy job. Stay warm and the best to you, Mrs.Wes, Kiddo and Pup.
Thanks, you too!
Great work as always Wes. Just had a bad earth problem on my landrover. Salt air had destroyed the ground for the rear lights. Not the best build quality. Have used dialectic grease on the repair despite the 'experts' on you tube! Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧
I would blame them, all the makes have ground issues.
@@WatchWesWork Yes even Mercedes start to have those ground issues when tey turn 25 years old, And I know, my daily drive is S124 300e 4-matic -90 year model. No too many computers in it, and vould need those spesial MB "tools" to diagnose, or that " flashinglamp" wire to count, those basic things, ABS and 4-matic system. I think also KE-jet also, no needed yet that, coming next spring, when I start with my other merc, also same age 300e but saloon, AMG copy, by some finnish people, dont know, but in registration papers, it is made in Finland. So quite unexpected for mercedes tha old.
Yes I really love your way to do things, you go to basics, by thinking first, then you take that codereader for help, and also yours way to handle those not so roadworthy vehicles also, and rust can`t stop you making good job.
Well done, Wes.👍
People don't realize how many ground wires and how important they are on cars nowadays. There are so many computers and sensors on these cars that good grounds are imperative. Now, every ground I find, I'll remove it, clean it, and apply Penetrox to the surface before re-fastening. No fooling around.
RPO codes are on the sticker on the glove box door...
There is a reason you don't find solder joints in factory wiring: they determined long ago that the hardened wire section becomes a stress riser and often results in a broken wire (from fatigue) right next to the solder.
I love the constant jabs you take with the di-electric grease bit.
great video wes good job keep them coming
Still the best auto/truck channel on the YT 👍👍👍 Wes is the best PERIOD.
Wow, thanks!
Oh how I long for the old days when you didn’t have to be half a scientist and a computer tech to make an engine run! 😬
Great work. Thank you for sharing
I dunno. This is pretty simple. Grounds have been going bad as long as they've been around.
@@WatchWesWork Having access to wiring diagrams is kind of cheating. LOL
@@erik_dk842 I am not sure I consider having wiring diagrams or schematics cheating. There are likely multiple main ground points on most vehicles. Would be expensive and time consuming to physically trace a faulty ground wire to it's attachment point. Diagrams used properly conserve time and technician energy. My opinion at least.
@@brianworley7705 Without subscribing to a service, getting correct wiring diagrams is quite hard. The redrawn version Wes has access to is also easier to follow than Volkswagen's originals, which I'm familiar with, because they split them out across several pages, so you have to go back and forth.
They call those terminals “solderless”for a good reason! It’s about time for you to get over the dielectric grease thing. A very good video as always!
For those advocating soldering, a cold solder joint is pretty much the same thing as a lose crimp. Both are easy mistakes to make.
And in the salt/rust world of Canada, I've seen fluxcore solder rot wires within a year.
Yep !
@@paulcooper2897 if you use the sealing hest shrink you should be safe. Any unsealed wire will rot if exposed to salty water.
I hope i can sneak this in and wes wont see it..i wanted wes to strip more insulation, more bare wire exposed. I learned wire splicing years ago. Pigtail, western union and tap style splices. The advantage of mechanical strength comes from a mininum of 4 twists, then what he did afterwards was fine.
Being the lazy guy I am, I would have made up a new eyelet with a stub of wire on it then just spliced the existing wires to that using a shrink&solder splice. Always easier when you can see & reach what you're working on.
I got nailed by suggestions when I logged on. You were No. 1. You were in my Q faster than you knew. :-)
First view! Greetings from the Canadian Border in VT. It’s about -3 here today.
It's a balmy 6F here.
-4 here in Northern Michigan 🥶
A comfortable 36°C (96.8°F) in Woomera, Outback South Australia. 👍👍🇭🇲
Greetings from England 14°C in London, that's 57.2°F
Really like your straight forward logic tree approach. My new favorite channel!
Thanks for the content Mr. Wes, too bad when you decided to be a RUclips content provider you opened up your life to the World Wide Web now everyone thinks they have to tell you how to be a mechanic instead of enjoying the content.
I've been a diesel tech for 2.5y at this point and I gotta tell you- I've learned so much from your videos. I specifically look for the electrical issues you've encountered just because your explanations are top notch!
Probably the best hour value the customer ever had. Good straight foreward video. Stay well.
I swear I saw an electron flowing...
Shut your mouth!
@@WatchWesWork LoL
Wes, Always learning from you. Keep on sharing your wisdom. Your wife is not the only teacher in the family.
Wiring diagram always help with every electrical issue I'm glad your able to find them that quickly
I absolutely love it when, every time you use dielectric grease you rub your detractor's noses in it!! I watched you use it a thousand times with no bad results. I now use it too!! Great video, as always!
Innit so !!?
Always fun to watch someone who knows what he is doing. Every one of these videos is a learning experience. Someday I can see me telling a mechanic to "Watch Wes Work". 😂
Pretty easy job when you know how to really troubleshoot instead of just throwing parts at it. Seems like that’s a lost art today at some shops. Nice work!
Wes beats the parts cannon again!!! You make it look so easy man !
Well, that was a good little video . Wes. It's always great to see a video pop up from you. Thanks, and have a great weekend 👍 👋
I love the way you get the camera to show what you are seeing and doing. I’ll Watch Wes Work all day long! 😁
I try. It doesn't always work.
Great job on this one. It's so rare for someone to actually diagnose these issues.
@Wes it always amazes me how you go back to the fundamentals to fix problems.... The other garages kept replacing $$ items and you found a bad ground -- very impressive!
U da Man! Well done Wes, I love watching a professional at work.
Wes, I have trouble finding honest mechanics to work on my rigs so I do a lot of it myself. I used to have an Auto Electric Wizard in Cincinnati, Ohio. He could find any electrical problem in minutes, and fix it reasonably. You do a great job and I hope other mechanics will watch you work and be inspired to become better mechanics.
The people in your area are lucky to have you, technicians of your quality are hard to come by.
Great video, great skills! You could see Max scanned the car and found no mouse concerns.
Crimps have been used in industry for years and I like the use of the liquid sealant, keep safe!
Got a lot of grey in that beard son. RUclips seems to be aging you at a geometric rate! Another fun, to the point video. Nice job Wes. Always good to see you on a Saturday morning. Love home brother!
I've been watching your videos from nearly the beginning. I have learned a few things. Number 1 is to be more patient!! Thank you!!!
It's not easy for me. I've worked hard to not get flustered.
I love the electrical fixes. Learning different ways to figure them out from different techs is so helpful.
Funny how people just fire the parts cannon at anything before just checking the basics .... Power, Ground, Fuel, Spark, Air .... Great job Wes!
What I really want is a link to that test light! Nice diagnostic work. I'm awful at electrical diagnostic so it's nice to what a professional do it.
Wes, you are the real deal my man. Nice quick diagnostics without a single shot from the parts cannon. Wire ends are shop supplies in my opinion. Nice job as always.