Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Ron starts this episode talking about removing the front drive axle out of a 2010 Lincoln and how many guys it took to do it. Its a little bit of different setup which contributes to the problem : takes a call on an 09 Crown Victoria Interceptor with an ABS module failure where the dealer can’t get the replacement to fail and is telling the caller it is “VIN locked” : talks about replacing modules in today’s vehicles and having to overwrite the VIN specific information : takes a call on a 57 Chevy Bel Air that mysteriously loses a quart of trans fluid while stored in the winter. Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Also visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor opens todays show with a conversation about Zen, the art of auto repair and the road to Chuchistan! Road trips to nowhere is todays open!. His Saturday routine back in 2014 consisted of visiting his local small town café. Ron shares the insight he gained from it and how it relates to our vehicles while driving, operating & enjoying the road.  The phone calls start with Ed from Bath, Maine; Ed has some problems with his 1998 Chevy pickup; its suffering from no starts at random. Ed discovers he has a leaking fuel line which, after repair, doesn't solve the issue.  A vehicle with multiple problems! Ron & Ed have a conversation about fuel pressure and older GM fuel injection systems. Critical fuel pressure problems abound with these vehicles; a difference of less than 2 lbs. can cause this. Ron walks us through basic engine no start diagnosis! Want to know how a bathtub of water relates to diagnosing a no start engine? Tune in for this segment then; education for all! Paul call

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor starts this segment with phone calls & doesn't stop. Robert from Danbury CT has a  2000 Honda Accord and it is suffering multiple transmission failure issues. The dealer has replaced the same part twice and on the third time, claims its a bearing, not the same seal that's leaking. But they don't want to warranty the seal again! Ron points out that the repair shop, in this the Dealer, is at fault for improper initial diagnosis.  The final analysis may surprise you; Tune in for The Car Doctors recommendation.  Next up is Jeff from Ohio with a 2004 Chevy Malibu that has several issues; no radio, rattles in the back, etc. Ron gets right to it, asking the questions like he is standing at the counter in the shop, trying to get a direction for all to understand. He explains the necessary steps and why its all important to consider. The next call from this segment comes in from Rhode Island. Colbie has a 2000 GMC Yukon that has a problem with cold  starts and stumbles & also has a

It seems to be oldies week for Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor. He talks about the value and general store persona of auto repair shops. How they contribute more to the towns they are in and its more than just auto repair. Ron talks about real time happenings from the shop this week and relates some of the strange and not so strange happenings. His first call this hour is from Frank in Virginia. The 2011 Ford F250 has a problem with the DEF or Diesel Exhaust Fluid system causing the truck to go into limp mode. Ron helps Frank and all of us talking about how DEF systems work with Diesel engines, ultimately pointing out a solution. Ron also suggests that perhaps Frank has a fuel contamination issue citing the use of DEF test strips as a way of testing the fuel for contamination. The Car Doctors next call is from Walter in Pennsylvania; his 08 Cadillac DTS is having overheat issues and he needs some help to determine diagnostic steps. Ron takes him there in a quick call giving all of us some very basic diagnostic st

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor starts today with a conversation about car culture and what it means. New or old cars all have a culture behind them; how to repair, drive, enjoy and appreciate. Ron takes us there and holds our attention with a story from the shop and his walk through  “car culture”.  It was “Take The Hot Rod To Work Day” recently and on the way in the right rear directional & taillight stopped working. It was more complicated than just a bulb. Turns out the bulb’s socket, as cast into the housing by Chevrolet in 1955 had built up corrosion over time. Ron uses this and the repair process to talk about a time when we fixed things by hand and shows how it relates to todays culture and what we may be missing. His first call this hour is from Billy in Colorado with a 2006 Honda Accord V6. It is setting a P0451, and they go through several steps to help gain more info and come to a conclusion for repair. The Car Doctor finishes the hour talking about a 2011 Mazda from the shop this past week. The M

Classic Car Doctor; Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor is picking up where he left off last segment. He is talking to Sandy in Wisconsin about her 2007 Chevy Aveo and its starter; which is making some strange noises.  Next up, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor welcomes back Joe Morrison, a vintage drag racer and an upcoming (at the time) Funny Car Driver as well. Ron and Joe are talking about the highlights from the 2014 racing season and also about COPD which Joe then, as well as now, works tirelessly to help raise awareness. Joe currently drives an NHRA Nitro Funny Car! The Car Doctor closes out the show answering an email regarding an Air Conditioning system repair on a 2010 Ford Fusion 2.0L Turbocharged vehicle. Josh wants to know how much refrigerant oil to add to the AC System to ensure proper operation. Ron walks us through the things to look for and the steps to take. Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Also visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videosSee omnystudio.com/lis

Classic Car Doctor; Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor lays it out clear and simple today; "cars are like 3 year old's and the Internet. Its all about patience."    Ron talks about repairing a brake pulse on a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. He walks us through the process and decision making but hits a bump in the road due to rust and age.  And the clock keeps ticking as his work day grows shorter. Tune in to hear how he resolves it in typical Car Doctor fashion to win the day! Coming back from the break, Ron and crew air a tribute to Click & Clack, Tom and Ray Magliozzi. Tom passed away this week in 2014; Ron shares some thoughts. Next up is Ron in Tinton Falls NJ. His 2008 Hyundai has a no start problem.; it cranks but doesn't fire.  And of course when the mechanic showed up to tow it it starts right up. With no fault codes, no more problems and starts every time, what do you do? Well, you call Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor. Ron walks us through the common faults on this model vehicle & points out that the issue could

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor is off to a fast start this hour and doesn't stop for a second; Its all calls. His first up is a call on an 01 Astro Van that had the brakes done, and now, just a few days later,  the ABS light is on. Ron then takes a call from a regular listener about a noise coming from the rear of his 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan that his mechanic keeps trying to fix. Next up is another return regular listener with questions about how to quiet down a vibrating heat shield on a 2006 Ford E150 van. It can't be removed, as it prevents heat damage to several under carriage components. The Car Doctor comes through in his usual simple but direct approach & pulls a repair idea out of thin air. Its a fun call!  Listen to the end!  Taking a quick phone break Ron talks about that oil in the window of the local gas station and makes a good point about why using it may not be the best idea. Back to the phones its another phone call from a listener that has an engine noise in a Ford product and he doesn't wa

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor is flat out busy this hour! He starts this episode talking about the Honda dealers computer hack this week, comments about the oil in the window of gas stations and garages AND then talks about a 2018 Toyota Camry that has been waiting 4 months for a replacement transmission. After install there is some programing that has to be done; Ron goes into detail talking about it and explains how his OPUS IVS scan tool was needed as it was the only one among his collection that would do the job.. His first call this hour is from a listener asking about the IR thermal imager camera he uses. Then its North to Maine taking a call on a 2021 Ford F150 that was using oil from day 1, and eventually had the engine changed; Ron and the vehicle owner go over the trials and tribulations of the affair. The hour keeps rolling along as Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor then takes a call on an 03 Explorer with a check engine light for an O2 sensor; Ron goes a little deep here explaining the diagnostic steps to

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor is talking vehicle recalls as he opens the show today. He answers a regular listeners email with questions about why so many vehicles are being recalled back in 2014. Ron gives us a history lesson talking about the errors GM made when they designed the Port Fuel Injection system of the day and the problems that ensued as an example of why so many vehicles get recalled. He also talks about the BIG Chrysler recall from 2014 when 20 year old Jeeps were recalled for gas tank issues. Recalls are crazy and confusing but Ron helps us to understand the why and how, as they happen. Its Recalls and vehicle defects to open todays conversation. Next up Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor opens the phones and speaks to Tom in NJ with a 2009 Doge that has an intermittent no start problem. Its very much a random problem and Tom is perplexed on what to do. Ron has the answer though and it lies in a system you may not even consider; tune in to hear The Car Doctor at work.  Find out more about us at www.car

Ron Ananian and crew are talking about SEMA 2014 due to their upcoming scheduled appearance. The Car Doctors first call this hour is from Bob in NYC; his Honda has a problem as its being attacked by rats and mice. They are enjoying snacking on the vehicles wiring harness. Ron offers some suggestions and methods to try and keep the animals back. Ron and Bob also talk about Honda Pepper Tape; which was introduced around this time to help with this particular problem.  Ron then goes to Washington State and talks to Bill about problems with his 2003 VW TDI. Bill has a MIL error for insufficient air flow. Bill is a little confused and working from his memory; The Car Dr slows him down and helps him to understand his problem and what the solution might be.  Next up is Luke in Lewiston ME with a 1999 Nissan Altima with over 200K miles on it. He is having problems with the car's idle when its cold. This is a return call and Ron is spot on as usual; he recalls the call from last year AND helps Luke along with some ide

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor goes North to Montreal to take a call from Ian, a regular listener, about his 07 Pontiac Torrent with a noise that sounds like a wheel bearing. The catch is he has replaced all the wheel bearings and brakes as maintenance but now he has a noise like a bearing but no other indicators add up. The Car Doctor rides to the rescue and helps Ian take a fresh perspective to a repair.  Ron then takes a call from Virginia regarding a 2010 Ford Expedition with 185,000 plus miles that seized the engine due to loss of oil pressure. Ron tries to deter the caller from spending time to replace only the crankshaft and bearings on what is likely a failed engine. Ron explains that this engine is in need of an overhaul and the caller should consider engine replacement. The Car Doctor goes West next talking to Billy from Denver about a long term problem with the keyless entry on his 2005 Subaru Legacy GT. Ron's last call this hour is again from Virginia on a 2011 Toyota Camry with a noise at idle BUT o

The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian starts this episode talking about the dangers in auto repair; how safety is a concern all the time and not to be taken lightly. Ron recounts the repair from his shop this week on a 2019 Cadillac Escalade that need front shock/strut replacement. The tool that compresses the coil spring broke one of its clamps that hold the spring in place and by the grace of god Danny was saved because he had not removed the top nut completely. One step faster and the top mount would not have been there to hold the spring in place. Ron goes into detail and a bit of a look at why auto repair is truly a dangerous job. Auto repair is a field with no margin of error. Ron closes out the segment telling the story of how he was able to complete the repair with the help of a fellow technician at Paramus Chevrolet in NJ. Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor then gets a call from Ernie in NJ. Ernie  has a 14 GMC Savannah with a P0442 code. A small leak in the evaporative emissions system, Ernie has replaced parts with

It's all about patience and bedside manner for Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor today as he opens the garage doors talking to Karen about her 99 Audi. Like Groundhog Day, (the movie) Ron has to repeat himself and guide this call to completion; FINALLY towards the end bringing it to a positive conclusion. His next caller is George from Maine with questions about a trouble code and problem with his 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Ron and George talk Scan Tool and Technology circa 2014 covering Autel and Launch tools of that time period. Ron also talks about how certain scan tools have an advantage over others and the choices he has to make on a daily basis in the shop.  He concludes the segment answering an email about oil sludge in a 06 F350 Ford. He describes the caller problem in depth and then explores the possible solutions for engine sludge. The Car Doctor offers us tips and tricks offering a few different products that will help clean the engine out.  Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Als

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor opens the garage doors this week with some thoughts about what it takes to take care of a vehicle in the modern age. Math and how the numbers add up is on Ron's mind today. The repair trends and cost for maintenance is the topic of conversation. What does it take to maintain todays vehicle?  What are the true costs of owning and operating a vehicle today? The Car Dr has the answers! And we should point out while this episode is from 2014, Ron's answers and logic still applies and is spot on.  Ron's first call today is from Tom in Indiana; several questions and topics are covered. When to change trans fluid and what to do if you waited too long. Then Tom is looking for Ron's thoughts on replacing shocks and struts on his vehicle, an older Saturn. Ron discusses what to look for in a replacement part and shares his thoughts on how he approaches it in the shop. Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Also visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos

Ron talks with Tom Glatch; Tom is a co-author of a new book, The Complete Book of Dodge & Plymouth Muscle Cars. From Motor Books, found at all the usual places, it covers in depth the growth of Dodge & Plymouth performance  with first hand commentary and crystal clear color photos.      Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Also visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor helps answer the age old question. Lease or Buy when choosing a vehicle. Ron interviews Cherokee Hart, Business Manager for Mahwah Ford. Cherokee gives us the inside scoop with ideas and tips on the new and used car purchase process. Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Also visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor introduces all of us to a special guest in this interview. Bill Harms and his 1929 Model A, Little Willie.  Bill Harms is a long time owner (in the family since 1957) of a 1929 Model A Ford Special Coupe. Bill introduces us to "Little Willie" as they call him, named after Bill's father, the original owner. Together they recount the history of the Ford Model A, released during the Great Depression, and also this particular cars long history with the family.+ Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Also visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor kicks off this hour talking about solving problems by research with a story from the shop this week. Ron recounts a 2022 Honda CRV Hybrid that needed trans fluid service. But the fluid choice went against conventional wisdom and past experience. A critical decision, use the wrong fluid and you will ruin the transmission. Ron and company keep their heads down, stay calm and research the problem searching for the answer.  He then talks about a 2013 Acura with a random driveability problem. He points out that the Acura has a bad Steering Angle Sensor, which is mounted on the Air Bag Clock Spring; both of which are now 11 yeas old and made of plastic. Its time to research, research, research.  Ron's first call this hour is with Rick from Nebraska. He has some concerns about the transmission on his 2020 Ford F150. The Car Doctor helps all of us to understand some basic transmission service do's and don'ts for longer transmission life and better operation.  The Car Doctor then welcomes f

It's car cruising season and Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor has some very special guests this hour. Bill Harms is a long time owner (in the family since 1957) of a 1929 Model A Ford Special Coupe. Bill introduces us to "Little Willie" as they call him, named after Bill's father, the original owner. Together they recount the history of the Ford Model A, released during the Great Depression, and also this particular cars long history with the family. Next up, Ron talks with Tom Glatch; Tom is a co-author of a new book, The Complete Book of Dodge & Plymouth Muscle Cars. From Motor Books, found at all the usual places, it covers in depth the growth of Dodge & Plymouth performance  with first hand commentary and crystal clear color photos.      Ron closes out the hour thinking about his commute to high school with a buddy, a long gone 1971 Plymouth Cuda.  Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com ,  @ronananian Also visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos.   See omnystudio.com/listene