Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

In this episode of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian takes calls from real drivers facing real dilemmas. Debbie from Wisconsin wonders if it’s finally time to replace her trusty 2005 Ford Explorer — and Ron walks her through the pros and cons of keeping an aging SUV versus buying a costly modern crossover. From certified pre-owned tips to Wrangler warnings, it’s a masterclass in practical car buying advice. Later, John in Maine tracks down a pesky P0480 code after replacing the cooling fan in his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Ron dives into wiring diagrams, OE vs. aftermarket parts, and even post-collision troubleshooting. Finally, Paul from Virginia asks why there are so many kinds of antifreeze — and whether the "universal" stuff is actually safe. Ron breaks it down with an easy-to-follow answer rooted in engineering, not marketing. Have an aging ride or a mystery code of your own? Tune in, learn something, and maybe save yourself a bundle. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our W

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes  call from Las Vegas. Harry has 2 older GM vehicles. A 2000 Chevy Tahoe and a 2012 Cadillac CTS. Both have some pretty serious problems and unfortunately Ron has to be the bearer of bad news. Harry from Vegas has a 2000 Tahoe burning oil badly on the highway and a 2012 Cadillac CTS with a leaking head gasket or maybe a porous engine block. Ron suspects stuck oil rings and suggests trying Stiction Eliminator before considering a rebuild. The second problem involves coolant loss and a porous engine block seeping coolant, maybe! Tune in for the details Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing! Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian    Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos  Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900    Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time  Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com    See omnystudio.c

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is back with more real calls from everyday drivers like you: Harry from Vegas has a 2000 Tahoe burning oil badly on the highway and a 2012 Cadillac CTS with a leaking head gasket or maybe a porous engine block. Ron suspects stuck oil rings and suggests trying Stiction Eliminator before considering a rebuild. Spencer from Michigan reports his Chevy Impala’s fuel gauge jumping all over the place, but the car’s fuel economy is fine. Ron believes it’s a faulty gauge, not a fuel leak. Paul from Virginia Beach lost a key fob for his 2017 Mercedes Sprinter RV. With Mercedes’ strict policies and chip shortages, replacing it won’t be easy. Stay tuned as Ron breaks down the fixes and offers tips you can trust. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing! Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian    Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos  Call Into The Car D

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor opens the show with a surprising report: new Chevy vans are under a “stop sale” unless you’re a fleet buyer purchasing six at a time. After verifying this with three NJ dealers, Ron questions why Chevy is pulling back on such a practical vehicle — especially when contractors and families still want vans, but can't get them. This leads to a broader rant: Ford dropped the Econoline for harder-to-service Transit vans, GM vans are disappearing, and essential parts like ignition coils for an 8-year-old van are already discontinued. His customer, unable to buy a new van, puts $11,000 into fixing up his 2016 — a move more and more drivers may face as parts dry up and new vehicle prices soar. Calls from listeners follow: Billy in Colorado is diagnosing EVAP codes on a Toyota Tacoma. Ron walks him through step-by-step testing of solenoids and sensors, emphasizing the role of the FTP sensor and proper use of a smoke machine. John with a 2006 Toyota 4Runner a

This is the stand alone interview from the June 7, 2025 Hour 1 Show. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sat down with Cherokee Hart, Finance Manager at Mahwah Ford, to discuss the current automotive market landscape, focusing on two key topics: 1. Impact of New Car Tariffs Cherokee provided valuable insight into how recent tariffs on imported auto parts and vehicles are affecting both pricing and availability in the showroom. Key takeaways include: Tariffs are driving incremental price increases, especially for models reliant on imported components. Some consumers are opting to buy sooner rather than later to avoid potential future price hikes. Leasing programs and incentives are helping offset the rising costs in the short term. 2. Current Ford Deals Cherokee also highlighted June promotions at Mahwah Ford, which include: 0% financing offers on select F-150 and Escape models. Cash rebates and loyalty incentives for returning Ford customers. Strong trade-in values, especially for used trucks and SUVs

Quick Recap – Ron Ananian: The Car DoctorReal calls, real problems, real solutions—from a trusted mechanic who actually cares.

Critters in Cars: A Surprise Repair“It’s like cheap underwear—it creeps up on you when you least expect it.” This week, Ron shared a classic “Critters in Cars” story. A 2014 Honda Accord rolled into the shop with two unrelated fault codes: one for the throttle body and one for the purge valve. No connection between them—except that they were both on the same vehicle. Turns out, the throttle body was filthy—carbon buildup so bad it gouged a ring in the housing. The fix? A new throttle body and a computer reflash. Easy enough. But the purge valve? That’s where it got weird. Even after replacing the valve, the car still wouldn’t show any change in fuel tank pressure during purge events. That meant the system wasn’t functioning—and Ron had a hunch. A closer look revealed chewed wires near the vent valve harness. Mouse damage. Still, the pressure sensor wasn’t responding. The final clue? A tiny spiderweb inside the charcoal canister. Ful

This is the stand alone interview from the June 7, 2025 Hour 1 Show. Ron Ananian ("The Car Doctor") and Isaac Nielsen of Mahle Aftermarket discuss modern automotive A/C systems, focusing on R-1234yf refrigerant and the importance of proper service equipment. R-1234yf replaced R-134a and requires stricter handling due to contamination risks. All A/C machines now include oxygen sensors and refrigerant identifiers to ensure refrigerant purity (≥98%) and prevent system damage. DIY charge kits and low-quality refrigerants (especially imports) can harm vehicles and equipment. Maintenance tips: Check filters for discoloration, clean internal lines with isopropyl alcohol, and flush hoses weekly. Oxygen sensors degrade over time, even in storage—only buy replacements when needed, as early shelf life affects performance.

In this Stand Alone Interview from the June 7th, 2025 Show: Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor sits down with Scott Brownstein of CRC Industries to talk about a wide range of topics and service procedures do's and don'ts for successful auto repair results. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing! Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian    Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos  Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900    Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time  Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, opens the hour with Cherokee Heart from Mahwah Ford, discussing how tariffs are beginning to impact car prices—particularly for the Mach-E, Maverick, and Bronco Sport. While Ford is absorbing some of the cost increases, buyers may still see higher prices. Financing remains accessible even for those with fair credit, and although leasing has become more expensive, Ford is offering attractive incentives. Cherokee advises acting now before tariff-affected inventory hits the lots.   In the second half, Ron speaks with Isaac Nielsen of MAHLE Aftermarket about the industry’s shift to R-1234yf refrigerant, now standard in most vehicles since 2013. Unlike older A/C systems, modern machines include refrigerant identifiers and oxygen sensors to ensure at least 98% purity. DIY recharge kits can pose risks due to impure blends or excessive dye and oil. Isaac stresses the need for regular maintenance, including filter checks, hose flushing, and line cleaning. Oxygen sensors na

On this episode of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian helps a caller with a 2002 Isuzu Trooper that lost four-wheel drive. He advises scanning for common fault codes tied to speed sensors or the vacuum switch but warns that parts for old Isuzu's are hard to find, which may make repair impractical.   Ron also addresses a prior caller’s claim that AC Delco batteries are subpar because they use recycled materials. A listener corrects this, pointing out that nearly all modern batteries are made with recycled components—a standard, environmentally responsible practice. Ron emphasizes the importance of proper diagnostics before replacing a battery.   Later, CRC’s Scott Brownstein joins to discuss brake maintenance. He stresses the importance of cleanliness, proper "bedding in" of new pads and rotors, and using non-chlorinated brake cleaner. Using the wrong products, like carburetor cleaner, can compromise safety.   Ron’s theme throughout: diagnose properly, use the right tools, and d

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing! Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian    Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos  Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900    Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time  Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor shares a story about a first-time customer who brought in a 2008 Volvo with a salvage title. Shop policy required a full inspection, which the customer agreed to, but his wife was upset about the cost and disclosure. Ron stresses the importance of honesty, comparing it to telling a doctor your full medical history. The inspection revealed past rear damage, but the car was safe if properly maintained. Later, a caller named Jim sought advice on fixing a persistent oil leak in his Cadillac Escalade. Ron suggested checking for a warped housing and cautioned against sealant on the face of the shim gasket Another caller, Mike, recommended using a stylus for touchscreens in cold weather, which Ron agreed was practical but noted that some issues are mechanical, not just usability-related. Overall, the episode highlighted the value of transparency and careful diagnostics in car repair. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing! Follow Us O

In this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor he previews a Memorial Day tradition featuring a past interview with his late Uncle Steve, a WWII pilot. He takes a call from Nancy in Wisconsin, who asks about using fuel system cleaner in her 2020 Chevy Trax. Ron approves, recommending it at every oil change or monthly as preventative care. He also advises her to check if major services like the 30,000-mile maintenance were done and to prepare for the upcoming 60,000-mile service. He encourages staying informed and recommends resources like AutoBatteries.com and BGFindAShop.com. Ron shares shop stories emphasizing timely oil changes and praises the new Ford Mustang GT for its performance. He invites listeners to submit old Uncle Steve interviews to build a tribute archive and reflects on his uncle’s incredible wartime journey. The episode ends with a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing! Fo

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Vehicle: 2008 Honda Ridgeline Issue: Blower fan and AC stop working after restarting the car (typically after refueling) Behavior:   No blower, no AC compressor Comes back on after driving or waiting Happens intermittently Most Likely Cause: Blower Motor Power Transistor (Resistor Module) Controls blower speed and provides ground Common failure point on this vehicle Failure prevents both blower and AC compressor from working  Recommended Action: Replace the blower motor power transistor Located under dash, by blower housing Use OEM or Denso for reliability Optional Diagnostics: Check for 12V at white/blue wire (blower power) Test blue/black wire for ground (from transistor) Bypass transistor ground to confirm blower motor works Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing! Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian    Visit our Yo

Week in Review: Orchestrating Chaos in the Shop In this episode, The Car Doctor Ron Ananian reflects on a jam-packed week at his repair shop. Despite starting with an empty schedule, by Tuesday the shop was overflowing with work—requiring fast decisions and careful coordination to manage the mechanical mayhem. Highlights from the Shop Floor 2005 PT Cruiser: A long-neglected vehicle returned with cooling issues. Years after ignoring Ron’s advice to replace the timing belt, the owner finally faced the consequences. Ron installed a thermostat and added K-Seal as a last-resort fix for the aging car. 2011 Chrysler Town & Country: Rusted components turned a routine control arm job into a full-blown project. The team had to drop the engine cradle to work around seized bolts—a reminder that even desert-stored vehicles aren't immune to corrosion. 2012 Cadillac SRX: This first-time customer thought the engine was overheating, but Ron revealed the truth: a stuck-open thermostat triggered a mi

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor – Memorial Day & Auto Advice Ron opens the show by previewing next weekend’s Memorial Day episode, which will again feature archived interviews with his late Uncle Steve—a WWII P-51 fighter pilot. This tradition honors veterans and reminds listeners of the deeper meaning behind the holiday. Listener Calls: Frank (2019 Honda Touchscreen Issue):Ron advises against disconnecting the battery and recommends a professional diagnostic at the dealership. Documenting the issue is key in case of future recalls or warranty updates. Mike (1978 Mercury Marquis Revival):For this low-mileage classic car, Ron stresses proper prep before starting: check oil, prime the engine manually, clean the fuel system, and inspect cylinders to avoid damage. Bob (2008 Range Rover Transmission Issue):With over 240,000 miles, Ron recommends a full code-based diagnosis before considering solenoid repair or full transmission replacement. Final Thoughts: The show blends technical advice