In this video I bring you along as I look at a ladies 2012 Toyota Rav 4 that is having issues with the cluster. She had it at another shop and was told she needed a new instrument cluster. It doesn’t take long to find out the cluster is fine but there is a big problem with the data network. Let’s have a look and find out what the real issue is.
-Enjoy
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.
but if it has a 120 ohm resistor then isnt that reading from the multimeter ok then?
Leave her cluster alone. She is too good for you.
Very good explanation of how you approach a problem. Develop a plan and then stick to it. My tough part is self-discipline to not jump off to a quick and easy check. Of course, your use of logical reasoning to the problem is critical. Thanks for a very entertaining and useful lesson on networks. That bit about the 120 terminating resistors is good to know. I feel your pain on the Communist government rules. We are joining you fellow sufferers this coming January here in Virginia.
I really enjoy your channel its very interesting and entertaining. I am from NJ now living in Ecuador. Keep the videos coming! Thanks
Is that person always mowing his lawn and leaf blowing during every video of yours?? 😂😂😅
Twist and tape, baby.
ein a mecnic n fix stuff rail guud 2 can fix everting cept me Szhoolin 🥴
Regarding the pronunciation of solder, the word is pronounced so – duh in the UK. In the US, so – da. The "L" is always silent.
Regarding the diagnosis and subsequent repair, excellent as usual.
Dude you have the patience of a an lion on the hunt great work just started watching your videos 😅
If auto makers would quit using wire insulated with soybean oil based materials there would be far fewer rodent issues in cars. The soybean oil is supposed to be neutral in order so the critters don’t get into the bundles, but I have seen the rats and mice climb power poles just to chew on the plastic made with soy oils.
Humble… No, you're just a pretty good mechanic . You've got some really decent diagnostic gear, but read it well .
Hey Doc? Do you know what the difference between a Doctor and a mechanic is? A mechanic washes his hands before he goes to take a leak! Priorities!
It may not be a miracle but the cat scan was funny. I'm still chuckling.
November 2025-New York City just became more Communist- just keeps going further & further upside down. Those trash that vote for that kind don’t even work. You do great-enjoy your site. Thanks for being a real hard working American.
That's not a miracle. A miracle is getting new parts 3 times in a row that aren't defective.
Luna is like MICE! I know that smell from a mile away!
Good to see the shop cat is helping 😊
certified YouTube mechanic is how i roll
Man, watching how thorough you are makes me want to drive my 2015 RAM from NC to your shop to figure out my EVAP system issue. Loving the videos!
Ahhh…..the usual cluster f**k .
Im a bricklayer and back yard mechanic on my oew stuff. what most impressed me is your common sense approach and the cat scan. Thanks for the video. Im going to reccomend you to my son who is apprenticing mechanic these days full time and night classes.
is it me or did u forget to plug E44 back in?
Now this is entertainment at its BEST!
The man sure knows what he is doing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great video. Lets us see what truly happens in the good and not so good workshops. Stay safe and enjoy.
The plural of mouse is mice. The plural of spouse is spice.
Eric "O" Your Mind works on a different Level!!! and that's a good thing.
Eric, I love watching your videos. Your blend of technical and practical troubleshooting is excepitional. I'm a 68 yr old Plumbing, Heating and Hvac tech, and have also been solving systems for the last 50 yrs. We run into similar problems with mice and DIY repairs. I recomend your channel to all who are interested in improving their skills. And will listen, and think outside of the box. You have developed a great way to take your audiance along with multiple camera angles and wiring diagrams. You are an exeptioanl technician!
Awesome job. Thanks for making it look easy!!!!!
You NEED AUTOMATIC KNIPEX WIRE STRIPPERS!!!
I’m heading out the door to apply the knowledge you just shared in a common sense way that everyone should be able to apply to dam electrical problems. You are a gifted mechanic and excellent teacher. “ if I can do it you can do it” perfect motto for you. Thank you Kurt
With all the pairs having a white wire, isn't that just a common ground and any of the white can go with any color?
You answered my question while I was typing it, by combining them together.
Just enjoy listening to all the editorials….( I didn't know what PRNY meant)…. Thank you for the insight both on track and off…
That's not a rat dropping. That's a rasin. Trust me and taste it.
Would that give you any near end cross talk with the twisted pairs no longer paired and twisted?
You sell yourself short when it comes to the compliments… the impressive part is your process and your diligence in following it!
Teaching problem solving and diagnostics is difficult, over the years I've come to believe some people are just born with the skill.
Great video and logical approach!
In spite of what you say I thought that was a great diagnosis. I have been doing this for over 60 years. The thing is that I don't get a lot of network problems. Watching your show is very helpful. I also like seeing Mrs O and Luna in your episodes!!
Where are you located
It's not only your technical savvy but the delivery and production of the video. Entertainment and knowledge equal success to your customers and fans.
You and Ivan seem to have the same thinking plan when diagnostics is concerned. Keep on trukin man…
You are to modest!
What's the best way to keep mice away?
I wish we had you in our city, you are amazing because you attack it. Here they just give up and say they cannot fix it. My truck had no spark because of a fire, I rebuilt the top of the motor and checked the wiring. Sat in their shop for 8 months and got it back not fixed now I have to go through it myself again, thought I would get it fixed through insurance boy was I wrong. Shop said I need a new wiring harness they can't get and they never checked the cam or crank sensor and so on.
47:19 You are definitely a talented mechanic, don’t sell yourself short. That said, people tell me all the time they wish they knew how to work on cars like I do – it’s not something you’re born knowing how to do, it’s a product of time, repetition, and overcoming challenges along the way. The kind of person who doesn’t try will never learn, the people willing to give it a go will learn along the way.
Keep up the great work, and thanks for all the great content! I love listening to your videos while I work in the shop, it’s like hanging out with a friend while we both work on a project.
The Mice usually get in from the steering shaft hole, and use steel wool to plug it
The best mechanics are good at troubleshooting, and that's done by figuring what's possible, eliminating the impossible and focusing on what's left. That worked with older cars that were almost entirely mechanical and newer cars that are heavily data-dependent. The only difference is the ability to read scopes and wiring diagrams, which is essential for a modern mechanic. Sometimes, they are specialized IT folks.
Don't apologize for your trouble shooting skills, they're solid.
An honest man. They can be hard to come by these days. Rock on!
well done you are a terrific detective
I left my passenger door open on my 04 Silverado during a rain storm. Next time I started it up, the instrument cluster was out on it completely zapped. I took it to a mechanic which I’ve had some success with, and he said it was gonna be $400 Talk to him a little bit more about it and it was gonna be $800. Towards the end, he was mentioning figures of 1600 $1800. So I found a guy that you mail the instrument cluster too by the way this thing is so easy to remove anyone could do it, your mail him yours and emails you a functional one right back for $65. It worked. Still works four years later. If it ever happens again, I’ll do the same thing, but I’m never going to that mechanic again.