I’ve checked the forum and I’ve seen You Tube used a lot to post our unicycle experiences and growing skills, but what else has it done for you aside from funny videos and the like?
So as it goes, I’ll start with my latest You Tube experience.
Recently my Samsung 67" RP (rear projection) TV went on the fritz. Bring in the TV repairman and they want $1,000.00 to fix it. The set cost $1,500 so a said thanks your time and sent 'em packin.
Three weeks later, I stumble across the AVS forumn and find the thread for my Sammy and an eight minute DIY video posted on You Tube on how to repair the exact problem I was having with my set. Plus a link to Samsung parts for the LED I needed for $117.00
So, I got the part, followed the “how to” video and within a hour my set was as good as new. Saving me nearly $800.00
So, I’m a bit curious. Have any of you fine folk used similar DIY videos you’ve found on You Tube. Learned any new uni skills, posted any instructional videos of your own. Just wondering.
Funny you should mention TV repair. We just got our 7-month old Samsung super-flat plasma fixed, under warranty. But it took three visits, which ended in finally replacing the entire panel. I thought they were bringing us a new TV, but the panel takes the same size box since it’s almost the whole TV these days. Pretty cool to see how it goes together, and very glad it was under warranty!
Meanwhile, I recently used a very helpful YouTube video to show me how to
. No matter how many photos someone takes, there’s no substitute for seeing some of the steps in motion. Unfortunately mine was a slight model upgrade from the one in the video, which led to some additional scrambling to find an even more recent video (not made yet), or software to control the fan with the slight change in hard drive/software. I found this for a few bucks, and am in business now with a 2 TB drive in my new iMac.
Online video is also a great way for beginner riders to see what basic riding skills are supposed to look like, watch freemounts in slow motion, etc. And of course for cutting-edge riders to share their skills, and push each other to new levels, even if they live oceans away from each other.
Gotta love saving money on repairs. I’ve always enjoyed DIY. Got another YT video tip the other day. Saved about $50 by replacing the cabin air filter in my car. Ten minute fix the dealer wanted $75 to do. Go figure, right.
The dealer has to pay a service manager just to talk to you. Rent on the shop and then pay the mechanic to install a 12 $ part (they get a discount on parts).
Even if it only takes the mechanic 10 minutes, it takes another 10 to drive the cars in and out of the bay. So 75 $ to install a 12 $ part is not unreasonable.
That said, I applaud you for learning to do the job yourself. I do all the work on my motorcycles myself. Do it yourself and it takes much time at first as you learn, but saves time and money later, as it get’s done fast and right and cheap forever, once you are your own wrench.
While there are some DIY jobs that suit me, there are many others I won’t touch. There is nothing better than a processional auto mechanic. If it’s under the hood, I most likely will hand it over to the pro.
I think I’m a bit jaded after owning and repairing my old VW’s.
They were so much easier to fix in the '60’s.
Not to threadjack, but this reminds me. About a month ago the AC in my car stopped working. Based on sounds and smells, it was very clear the AC compressor had died. I have a neighbor who restores and repairs old cars, and has always been a great auto repair resource. He suggested a specific repair shop because this job involved lifting the engine. I shopped around, but this shop did give the best quote.
They replaced the compressor, but said it would not kick on for some reason. They could make it work if they applied power to it directly, and the AC worked fine. But not from the console. They suspected it was a problem with the computer.
We needed the car back, so I paid the bill, and took it back even though the AC wasn’t really working yet. I was hopeful I could fix whatever problem remained myself.
Once I actually got around to it, it took me about an hour to read up on the problem, find the AC fuse, notice it was fried, and replace it. AC works!!
I’m guessing the mechanic looked for a fuse, but looked at the wrong one.
I guess my point is, sometimes even the pros aren’t perfect… and it may pay to look under the hood yourself. YouTube and the internets can help.
I installed a trailer hitch and wiring on our Murano thanks to a helpful video on youtube thanks to eTrailer.com. Saved myself a few hundred bucks. Woot!
