The Whole Story Comes Out. Eventually
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Date: 2025-07-08
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Comments and reviews: 20
calebbadger
The memory in the drivetrain control modules you can kind of imagine like a mail room. There's all these addresses in this mail room which correspond to different parts and functions under the domain of the control module. Manufacturers realized some time back that if you put the wrong letter in the wrong mailbox, bad things can happen which they could potentially be liable for. So they put some of the addresses behind a barrier which they want control over who can access them.
Most of the functions are protected for obvious reasons (we don't want you changing the fuel/timing maps, burning up the engine, wiping what you changed and coming back with a warranty claim); but some of the other parameters are less obvious (testing revealed that cycling some transmission clutches in a particular way causes premature failure. Then there's stuff like. subscription heated seats et al.
I don't particularly care for these barriers but I understand why they're there. I just think they should do a better job explaining their reasoning to techs.
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The memory in the drivetrain control modules you can kind of imagine like a mail room. There's all these addresses in this mail room which correspond to different parts and functions under the domain of the control module. Manufacturers realized some time back that if you put the wrong letter in the wrong mailbox, bad things can happen which they could potentially be liable for. So they put some of the addresses behind a barrier which they want control over who can access them.
Most of the functions are protected for obvious reasons (we don't want you changing the fuel/timing maps, burning up the engine, wiping what you changed and coming back with a warranty claim); but some of the other parameters are less obvious (testing revealed that cycling some transmission clutches in a particular way causes premature failure. Then there's stuff like. subscription heated seats et al.
I don't particularly care for these barriers but I understand why they're there. I just think they should do a better job explaining their reasoning to techs.
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snoopdogie187
I'm a more advanced DIY person, and have done some stuff for pay, but not often. I also work on anything. GM, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Mercedes, John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, etc. Right there is my issue. I am looking for a decent scan tool to handle a variety of vehicles. I've been using an elm 327 for years, and it works well on older vehicles, but modern stuff is getting too complicated for it. Right now I have a GM and Acura that I need to get abs/traction data from. The GM I have figured out, its a GM, it has its common issues. The Acura is a stab in the dark without the correct tools. That Acura is getting fussy too, right now doing the head gaskets on it. But yeah, looking at scan tools, I can't justify the cost of these tools that can do almost everything, as well as their cost to update them. Its also not a business write off for me, so I am taking a hit on it there. So looking at new or used high end tools can get very expensive. Forget the Diesel equipment, that is even worse since everything is proprietary.
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I'm a more advanced DIY person, and have done some stuff for pay, but not often. I also work on anything. GM, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Mercedes, John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, etc. Right there is my issue. I am looking for a decent scan tool to handle a variety of vehicles. I've been using an elm 327 for years, and it works well on older vehicles, but modern stuff is getting too complicated for it. Right now I have a GM and Acura that I need to get abs/traction data from. The GM I have figured out, its a GM, it has its common issues. The Acura is a stab in the dark without the correct tools. That Acura is getting fussy too, right now doing the head gaskets on it. But yeah, looking at scan tools, I can't justify the cost of these tools that can do almost everything, as well as their cost to update them. Its also not a business write off for me, so I am taking a hit on it there. So looking at new or used high end tools can get very expensive. Forget the Diesel equipment, that is even worse since everything is proprietary.
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noblsht
Sorry to break the news to you folks, but James here seems to have difficulty dealing with the truth and telling the truth not to mention, pent-up hostility towards certain brands of automobile
Sorry to say, but it appears on a regular basis. He gives himself and others in his occupation a bad name. A BMW is a well-made machine. Maybe you just cannot afford one. Maybe if you worked a little harder, and treated your customers with a little bit more respect you would have the money in order to buy a nicer car than what you currently drive. seems like this is a classic case of someone who just does not like his job.
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Sorry to break the news to you folks, but James here seems to have difficulty dealing with the truth and telling the truth not to mention, pent-up hostility towards certain brands of automobile
Sorry to say, but it appears on a regular basis. He gives himself and others in his occupation a bad name. A BMW is a well-made machine. Maybe you just cannot afford one. Maybe if you worked a little harder, and treated your customers with a little bit more respect you would have the money in order to buy a nicer car than what you currently drive. seems like this is a classic case of someone who just does not like his job.
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debluetailfly
In so many other things even besides cars, people don't want to tell the full story, usually because they don't want to admit they did something dumb. It makes it easier on everyone if the full story is known!
A crazy neighbor cut a relatively small tree in his back yard and dropped it on his power entry wires, pulling his meter box off the house. Even though I had heard him using a chain saw, and the chain saw was right there, and the tree was obviously cut by a chainsaw, he denied it all and said it just fell over! lol
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In so many other things even besides cars, people don't want to tell the full story, usually because they don't want to admit they did something dumb. It makes it easier on everyone if the full story is known!
A crazy neighbor cut a relatively small tree in his back yard and dropped it on his power entry wires, pulling his meter box off the house. Even though I had heard him using a chain saw, and the chain saw was right there, and the tree was obviously cut by a chainsaw, he denied it all and said it just fell over! lol
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debluetailfly
In so many other things even besides cars, people don't want to tell the full story, usually because they don't want to admit they did something dumb. It makes it easier on everyone if the full story is known!
A crazy neighbor cut a relatively small tree in his back yard and dropped it on his power entry wires, pulling his meter box off the house. Even though I had heard him using a chain saw, and the chain saw was right there, and the tree was obviously cut by a chainsaw, he denied it all and said it just fell over! lol
reply
In so many other things even besides cars, people don't want to tell the full story, usually because they don't want to admit they did something dumb. It makes it easier on everyone if the full story is known!
A crazy neighbor cut a relatively small tree in his back yard and dropped it on his power entry wires, pulling his meter box off the house. Even though I had heard him using a chain saw, and the chain saw was right there, and the tree was obviously cut by a chainsaw, he denied it all and said it just fell over! lol
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rickgaine3476
Erik, Just so you know, there are no trust issues between you and I. I don't know if you trust me, but I've learned from your experience over the years. I'm a bit older then you and have been spinning wrenches longer then you, but my knowledge doesn't compare with yours. Your videos have been a huge help to me through the years. Thanks for making these videos. You are talented in many aspects and you won't take advantage of a customer. I'd really like to know these other shopshang up
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Erik, Just so you know, there are no trust issues between you and I. I don't know if you trust me, but I've learned from your experience over the years. I'm a bit older then you and have been spinning wrenches longer then you, but my knowledge doesn't compare with yours. Your videos have been a huge help to me through the years. Thanks for making these videos. You are talented in many aspects and you won't take advantage of a customer. I'd really like to know these other shopshang up
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waynegoebel395
Eric, you have a great trouble-shooting mind-set. I told a guy lately that had why as his first question that why is more of a philosophical question. As a trouble-shooter, I deal with what, where and maybe how first. Why becomes more self-evident but may not be fully apparent at all. What it takes to be a independently owned mechanic shop today seems more and more difficult and expensive. I can't imagine the dollar amount of your tool inventory. Thanks for the videos.
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Eric, you have a great trouble-shooting mind-set. I told a guy lately that had why as his first question that why is more of a philosophical question. As a trouble-shooter, I deal with what, where and maybe how first. Why becomes more self-evident but may not be fully apparent at all. What it takes to be a independently owned mechanic shop today seems more and more difficult and expensive. I can't imagine the dollar amount of your tool inventory. Thanks for the videos.
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wazza33racer
A friend of mine is a farmer, and had a semi truck with a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine which had codes. Nearest service dealer came out, and could not read or clear codes, or do any actual repairs etc but charged my friend AUD $4000 ( US $2500)for a few hours of attempted diagnostics. So it goes both ways, even the so called experts can be completely useless. My friend later opened the Detroit ECU found out the the internal battery had leaked onto the board.
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A friend of mine is a farmer, and had a semi truck with a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine which had codes. Nearest service dealer came out, and could not read or clear codes, or do any actual repairs etc but charged my friend AUD $4000 ( US $2500)for a few hours of attempted diagnostics. So it goes both ways, even the so called experts can be completely useless. My friend later opened the Detroit ECU found out the the internal battery had leaked onto the board.
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dustcommander100
My hat's off to you, man. Navigating all that computer crap in addition to troubleshooting an issue. Knowing all that crap about what scan tool can do what on what car, and knowing about the factory software. That knowledge comes from a lot of struggling, experimenting, and just BEING DANG SMART! You ain't fooling me, man. You are one of the very few that will figure out what has been done to a car without the owner coming clean. You are the best, man!
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My hat's off to you, man. Navigating all that computer crap in addition to troubleshooting an issue. Knowing all that crap about what scan tool can do what on what car, and knowing about the factory software. That knowledge comes from a lot of struggling, experimenting, and just BEING DANG SMART! You ain't fooling me, man. You are one of the very few that will figure out what has been done to a car without the owner coming clean. You are the best, man!
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mikechiodetti4482
Your right about the required OEM diagnostic tools, their software, the costs for all this and then you get a so called Ford tech that Moonlights on the side without knowing what he's doing!
Then it's make one error and that high dollar module you bought just became a dead door stop, like that rock you spotted this morning that could have been a much cheaper and better door stop.
Thanks for the video Mr. O.
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Your right about the required OEM diagnostic tools, their software, the costs for all this and then you get a so called Ford tech that Moonlights on the side without knowing what he's doing!
Then it's make one error and that high dollar module you bought just became a dead door stop, like that rock you spotted this morning that could have been a much cheaper and better door stop.
Thanks for the video Mr. O.
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jamestrapp3783
I love that! That happens all the time in the heavy truck. I’m a mobile tech and I start by going through the history when ever I can. So frustrating but I don’t cut any slack on the billing. Go ahead, with hold important info, waste my time, your going to pay for it. Not my fault you took it to your brothers mother uncles nephew, and he played swaptronics and you payed for it.
You’re paying for it again.
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I love that! That happens all the time in the heavy truck. I’m a mobile tech and I start by going through the history when ever I can. So frustrating but I don’t cut any slack on the billing. Go ahead, with hold important info, waste my time, your going to pay for it. Not my fault you took it to your brothers mother uncles nephew, and he played swaptronics and you payed for it.
You’re paying for it again.
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TheTurbotech1
had a 2018 transit connect with brakes that were locked up, vehicle would not move, determined hcu is bad. replaced with ford oem part, had to start with pmi used autel , thought it worked but did not complete exhale -inhale long story short had to use snapon modis to complete pmi process with sensor configurations that autel supposedly would do, but could not, same headache multiple scantools needed
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had a 2018 transit connect with brakes that were locked up, vehicle would not move, determined hcu is bad. replaced with ford oem part, had to start with pmi used autel , thought it worked but did not complete exhale -inhale long story short had to use snapon modis to complete pmi process with sensor configurations that autel supposedly would do, but could not, same headache multiple scantools needed
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reinovator
right to repair is the best thing ever, but someone needs to make the dealers/ manufacturers stay the course It's already been proven that sema (bad example now day's) the aftermarket industry and racing industries has kept innovation and improvements happening! Left to the manufactures we would be paying leases on stuff, while it was in their shops being repaired and riding the bus for 8 months at a time
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right to repair is the best thing ever, but someone needs to make the dealers/ manufacturers stay the course It's already been proven that sema (bad example now day's) the aftermarket industry and racing industries has kept innovation and improvements happening! Left to the manufactures we would be paying leases on stuff, while it was in their shops being repaired and riding the bus for 8 months at a time
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Ham68229
I feel like manufacturers are following suit of John Deere and it's lawsuit of the right to repair and forcing owners and outside service shops such as yourself are being forced to use their software and forcing everyone to buy a license and subscription to use said software. This is why I still love the older vehicles and equipment. None of this electronic filtergarb crap that really isn't needed.
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I feel like manufacturers are following suit of John Deere and it's lawsuit of the right to repair and forcing owners and outside service shops such as yourself are being forced to use their software and forcing everyone to buy a license and subscription to use said software. This is why I still love the older vehicles and equipment. None of this electronic filtergarb crap that really isn't needed.
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Garth2011
My concern is when the light came on after the side deal with Ford, why didn't he address that with the mechanic in the first place. Then, I'd ask why the 6 months wait to look into this I'd bet there's more story left.
Nice to know some of the experience a shop has with the BIG 3 and the aftermarket software scan tools. Also nice to know how well they respond to an independent shop.
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My concern is when the light came on after the side deal with Ford, why didn't he address that with the mechanic in the first place. Then, I'd ask why the 6 months wait to look into this I'd bet there's more story left.
Nice to know some of the experience a shop has with the BIG 3 and the aftermarket software scan tools. Also nice to know how well they respond to an independent shop.
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LesReeves
Just one small comment on the computer type as in an old 98 windows junker to something newer (the chip inside) like a i5 ryzen7 etc. a lot of the new stuff in vehicles is written in the new code compatibility & that will give you hair pulling situations. I am lucky I used to be in the computer sales system. (after retiring from mechanical repairs good ole back gave out ) Cheers Mr. O.
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Just one small comment on the computer type as in an old 98 windows junker to something newer (the chip inside) like a i5 ryzen7 etc. a lot of the new stuff in vehicles is written in the new code compatibility & that will give you hair pulling situations. I am lucky I used to be in the computer sales system. (after retiring from mechanical repairs good ole back gave out ) Cheers Mr. O.
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curvs4me
That entire coded to vin thing is absolute Bullshyte. There's absolutely no need for it. Should be eliminated as part of right to repair. For instance, how tf does a vin number help a hvac control Everything should simply correlate to the primary ECU automatically. If it knows it's wrong, then it dam sure knows what it should be so make it so. K done with the rant
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That entire coded to vin thing is absolute Bullshyte. There's absolutely no need for it. Should be eliminated as part of right to repair. For instance, how tf does a vin number help a hvac control Everything should simply correlate to the primary ECU automatically. If it knows it's wrong, then it dam sure knows what it should be so make it so. K done with the rant
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NugShrub
The never-ending collection of software to change a part. Gotta love it. My autel has let me down several times, and now I have 2 laptops just for these types of situations. I think it's complete bs that Ford only gives you like 2-3 days on vin when one month the PCM needs flashed because the coil pack died, and next month, the ABS module goes out.
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The never-ending collection of software to change a part. Gotta love it. My autel has let me down several times, and now I have 2 laptops just for these types of situations. I think it's complete bs that Ford only gives you like 2-3 days on vin when one month the PCM needs flashed because the coil pack died, and next month, the ABS module goes out.
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brianalbrecht4423
the customer is full'a st. he was told incorrectly 2 change the modugale. so he went & got a new moudgle cut his own rug (morron) & BINGO. when it dident work. brought it 2 MR. O. which he should have done in the first place. i dont know how u stick with it Mr. O. but. it's a plesure what'n u work. u know your st. &. your HONEST.
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the customer is full'a st. he was told incorrectly 2 change the modugale. so he went & got a new moudgle cut his own rug (morron) & BINGO. when it dident work. brought it 2 MR. O. which he should have done in the first place. i dont know how u stick with it Mr. O. but. it's a plesure what'n u work. u know your st. &. your HONEST.
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samrobinson9802
Eric, Look on the bright side. By the customer not telling you the whole story, you're able to make a video about the problem and educate the rest of us viewers. Speaking for myself, I learn something new on each and every one of your videos, and I've been wrenching for over 50 years. Please keep up the great work and thank you!
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Eric, Look on the bright side. By the customer not telling you the whole story, you're able to make a video about the problem and educate the rest of us viewers. Speaking for myself, I learn something new on each and every one of your videos, and I've been wrenching for over 50 years. Please keep up the great work and thank you!
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