The Problem with Trust in Mechanics:
A Dodge Dart owner sought help for an unknown issue, visiting four different shops without success.
The Expert’s Solution:
Finally, an experienced mechanic stepped in and identified the common problem that had been overlooked.
All that money spent for a 15-cent fuse.'”
Mechanic or superhero? This expert swoops in to save the day after four other shops couldn’t figure out what was wrong with this Dodge Dart. So, what was the issue, and how did they solve it?”
In this episode of A Day at Royal Auto Service (@royalautoservice), a skilled father-and-son mechanic duo tackles a puzzling issue with a Dodge Dart that intermittently refuses to start. The frustrated owner of the vehicle shared their journey, explaining they had already visited three or four different shops and dealerships, yet no one had been able to identify the problem. Now, it’s up to the experts at Royal Auto Service to crack the case.
The video begins with the mechanics attempting to start the Dodge Dart, giving viewers a chance to hear exactly what’s happening under the hood. “Listen closely,” the lead mechanic advises. “Most people are going to assume it’s a bad engine.”
As the engine cranks, a strange noise fills the air—an unusual mix of static and a sputtering sound, resembling a failed start that stutters repeatedly. The mechanic listens intently and quickly diagnoses the issue. “That’s no compression right there,” he explains, pointing to the distinct sound as evidence.
With their expertise and a keen ear for detail, the father-and-son team prepares to uncover the root of the Dodge Dart’s troubles, proving once again why persistence and skill make all the difference in solving automotive mysteries.
What’s the issue?
After four stops at various shops and no clear answers, the owner of this Dodge Dart might finally find some relief. The father-and-son team at Royal Auto Service takes viewers through their diagnostic process, determined to get to the root of the problem.
The mechanic begins by pulling up the results of a diagnostic trouble test. “There’s one active code here,” he explains, pointing to the screen, “and it’s for the ‘ASD/Main Circuit.’” Using this clue, the duo dives deeper, cross-referencing the code with circuit diagrams of the Dodge Dart. Right away, they rule out any issues with the engine itself—an assumption that had stumped others in previous attempts to fix the car.
As they dig further into the car’s compression system, the mechanics uncover a critical detail that had been overlooked by the other shops: a loose fuse. This tiny, easily missed component turned out to be the culprit behind the Dodge Dart’s lack of compression and its intermittent failure to start.
“So this fuse right here,” the mechanic explains, holding it up for the camera, “you can see it’s been very hot, and it wasn’t seated properly. It was just sitting in there, wobbling around.” He carefully adjusts the fuse, ensuring it’s securely in place. Then, the moment of truth—the car is turned back on, and instead of the strange stuttering sound from before, the engine hums smoothly.
The mechanic smiles as he listens to the steady purr of the engine. “And that’s how you fix it,” he says, proving that sometimes, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Thanks to their expertise and attention to detail, the Dodge Dart’s owner can finally drive away with peace of mind.
Is this Common?
While it’s unclear how often loose fuses occur specifically on Dodge vehicles, loose fuses causing a car not to start is definitely a known issue.
Jorge Alonso Auto Repair explains, “If any of the fuses fall out or come loose easily, that could indicate damage to some of the panel’s terminals. A damaged terminal with a loose fuse can lead to electrical problems, such as sudden or intermittent power loss to certain accessories or lights.”
In other words, even a small issue like a loose fuse can have a big impact on your vehicle’s performance, making it something drivers should keep an eye on.
Viewers Are Impressed:
The mechanic’s expertise and attention to detail have left viewers thoroughly impressed. The video has garnered over 45,800 likes and an impressive 940,600 views as of Saturday, with many praising the team’s ability to diagnose and solve a problem that had stumped others.
One user praised the mechanics, saying, “As a mechanic, this is true troubleshooting. You guys are next level—great content!”
Another viewer highlighted the importance of their approach: “This is why people don’t trust most mechanics. They either don’t take the time to properly troubleshoot or simply don’t know how. You are an amazing tech.”
A third commenter reflected on their own experience, writing, “If I had a boss like this man, I wouldn’t have lost interest in being a technician for a shop. Great man—very thorough.”