Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

The Car Doctor's Fourth of July Special Ron  Ananian, The Car Doctor,  discusses the common mistakes people make when dealing with car maintenance, especially during busy times like the Fourth of July weekend. Host Ron Ananian speaks with Steve, an automotive instructor from Cincinnati, about how simple oversights—like failing to check oil, battery health, or coolant condition—can lead to bigger car problems. Steve shares real-life examples, including how acidic coolant can damage a vehicle’s systems and how improper maintenance choices, like using the wrong coolant type, can lead to expensive repairs. He also highlights an ongoing issue with oil consumption in certain vehicle models, which could result in costly catalytic converter failures. Towards the end, Steve mentions his upcoming book, OBD-II Diagnostics Made Simple, aimed at helping DIYers and beginners diagnose car issues properly without unnecessary part replacements. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on how mod

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor begins the show in a no-nonsense mood, fueled by a dose of chicken soup from Research Kathy. He quickly shifts to the topic of car batteries before taking calls. Key Takeaways from the Show: Car Battery Maintenance & Misconceptions Many drivers don't realize that a car battery can die simply from lack of use. Driving only a few miles a day or letting a car sit for extended periods can cause battery depletion. Batteries need at least 35-40 minutes of driving at highway speeds with some electrical load to recharge properly. Solutions for Low-Use Vehicles For those who don’t drive frequently, solar-powered battery chargers (plugged into the OBD-II port) can maintain charge without needing to drive. The host’s shop uses automatic battery chargers to keep low-mileage customers' batteries healthy. General Battery Advice If a battery is over four years old, replace it before it fails. Modern cars have many electronic systems that drain power even when parke

This episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio features host Ron taking live calls from listeners experiencing car troubles. Bill from Florida (Toyota Highlander) Bill describes a "popping, crackling" noise from under his vehicle when he touches the accelerator. Ron asks diagnostic questions, including whether the noise occurs in different gears or at a standstill. The issue is likely drivetrain-related, possibly a clicking drive axle or driveshaft issue. Ron advises getting it checked ASAP to prevent worsening damage. Austin from Hawaii (1992 Mazda Miata MX-5) After driving for two hours, the car loses power as if "choking itself," but revs fine in neutral. The temperature and oil pressure gauges fluctuate with the RPMs. Possible causes: fuel pressure issues, exhaust restriction, or an electrical failure. Ron recommends checking fuel pressure first and monitoring the manifold vacuum to rule out an exhaust problem. He stresses proper diagnostics over assumptions, suggesting Austin get an older scan

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes calls from listeners with car issues. Caller: Bill from Maine (2019 Chevy Equinox) Issue: Smelling combustion-like odors inside the car, particularly at stoplights. A state inspection noted oil wetness at the engine’s underside, but no visible leak was found. The dealer could not diagnose the issue. Ron’s Advice: The smell could come from an oil or exhaust leak, possibly from the turbocharger. Bill should not rely on state inspections as a diagnostic tool. Instead, a mechanic should check for leaks thoroughly, use an engine oil dye to identify potential oil leaks, and inspect the exhaust system for small leaks. Caller: George from Tennessee (2008 Chevy Colorado) Issue: The truck intermittently fails to crank, but all dash lights stay on. After multiple attempts, it eventually starts. The issue has persisted for years. Ron’s Advice: The problem could be due to bad engine ground connections (G100–G106), a failing starter, or a corroded body contr

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor discusses how modern vehicles, specifically a 2020 Lexus ES 350, require more complex procedures when replacing a battery. And sometimes the customer has a hand in it, even if by accident.  After replacing the battery in this Lexus, the car developed multiple warning lights, including check engine, ABS, and traction control. Diagnosis revealed fuel trim imbalances, with a significant discrepancy between bank one (-35%) and bank two (+35%). Upon further investigation, the issue was traced to bad fuel from a low-cost gas station. The fuel appeared murky and contained unexpected ethanol content, causing performance issues. The host emphasizes the importance of buying quality fuel from reputable stations to avoid similar problems. Key takeaways: Battery replacement is no longer straightforward—many vehicles require a reset procedure to avoid electronic malfunctions. Fuel quality matters—cheap fuel can lead to engine issues, especially in modern cars with complex

In the February 8, 2025 episode of "The Car Doctor," host Ron Ananian discusses several automotive topics: The Federal Government's directive to states to halt the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure. A 2004 Ford Focus experiencing an intermittent lean code. A 2003 Toyota Tacoma facing issues with its Engine Control Module (ECM). A 1997 Oldsmobile 88 that won't shift into gear using the shifter lever but can be manually shifted at the transmission. A 1993 Chevrolet Silverado that developed a ticking noise with the ignition on after a fan motor replacement. An email inquiry about a 1999 Chevrolet Trailblazer with an engine tap. Listeners can find more information at www.cardoctorshow.com, follow Ron on Instagram at @ronananian, and access auto repair tips and videos on the show's YouTube channel. The Car Doctor Hotline is available 24/7 at (855) 560-9900, and the live call-in show airs Saturdays from 2-4 PM Eastern Time.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor helps listeners diagnose and troubleshoot their car problems in this flashback Classic Car Doctor Episode from 2015.  Caller 1: Roger – 2004 Jeep Wrangler Transmission IssueRoger describes hesitation and shifting issues that occur after refueling, along with intermittent check engine lights. The dealer suspects a transmission control module issue but cannot confirm it. Ron suggests the problem might be electrical, possibly a wiring issue rather than the module itself. He advises diagnostic tests on power and ground connections before replacing any parts. Caller 2: Tom – 2004 Nissan Murano Exhaust IssueTom's Nissan Murano has a loud exhaust noise near the engine. Ron suspects a cracked manifold, which is common in these vehicles. He warns that if the rear catalytic converter needs removal, the titanium bolts can be difficult to work with, potentially complicating repairs. Throughout the show, Ron emphasizes thorough diagnostics over guesswork and provides practical

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, dives right in this week. Main Topics Discussed in This Episode: Technology and Driver Dependence: Ron discusses Forward Collision Alert (FCA) technology in GM vehicles. Expresses concerns about drivers relying too much on technology rather than developing safe driving habits. Questions whether safety features like automatic braking make drivers complacent. Cheap Auto Parts and Their Consequences: A caller, Chris from New Jersey, shares an experience with a Volkswagen alternator issue. After multiple failed repairs using low-quality parts, a higher-quality alternator resolved the problem. Ron warns against the increasing availability of poor-quality car parts and mechanics opting for cheaper alternatives. He criticizes the "race to the bottom" in auto parts and urges consumers to demand better-quality components. Brake System Issues in Older Vehicles: Another caller, David from Idaho, discusses braking problems in his 1999 GMC Suburban. Ron suggests diagnostic tests, su

In the February 1, 2025, episode of "Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor," Ron discusses several automotive issues: 2003 Cadillac DeVille ABS Codes: A caller with ABS and anti-lock brake codes. Ron advises on diagnosing and addressing these issues. 1998 Mercedes Compressor II Misfire: An email about a misfire on cylinder 2 after an engine replacement, with the repair shop suggesting a new computer from Germany. Ron provides insights into this situation. 2011 Jetta Hard Brake Pedal: An email concerning a hard brake pedal issue. Ron offers advice on potential causes and solutions. ECM Reset Inquiry: A discussion on resetting Engine Control Modules (ECMs) to factory specifications. Longevity of Vehicles vs. Airplanes: An email questioning why cars can't be kept running as long as 1960s Cessna airplanes. Ron shares his perspective on vehicle longevity. Throughout the episode, Ron emphasizes the importance of proper diagnostics, understanding fuel types, and maintaining vehicle systems. Listeners are encouraged

In the February 1, 2025, Hour 2 episode of "Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor," Ron discusses several automotive topics and addresses listener calls: Battery Maintenance: Ron begins by emphasizing the importance of regular battery upkeep to ensure vehicle reliability. Error Code Display: He responds to an email questioning why vehicles don't display error codes in plain language on dashboards, explaining the industry's reliance on diagnostic tools for detailed information. Listener Calls: 2018 Chevrolet Cruze: A caller seeks advice on properly starting a Cruze that has been idle for 2.5 years. Ron provides guidance on necessary checks and procedures to safely restart the vehicle. 2014 Chevrolet Sonic: Another listener describes a bucking issue when coming to a stop. Ron discusses potential causes and suggests diagnostic steps to identify the problem. 2002 Chevrolet Silverado: A caller reports that the brake pedal is hard when the key is off and goes to the floor when the key is on. Ron explores possible reas

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor In this episode, Ron Ananian dives into the role of mechanics' intuition and the importance of balancing gut instinct with thorough diagnostic testing. He shares a specific case study involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler with a recurring battery drain issue. Here’s the key takeaways: Mechanics & Intuition Intuition is valuable, but tests are essential: Ron emphasizes that while gut feelings can point a mechanic in the right direction, they’re not always correct. Testing and diagnostics validate or refute those hunches. Case example: A Jeep owner complained about a dead battery that had persisted for three years. The vehicle, outfitted with aftermarket modifications like air horns and a custom radio, presented unique diagnostic challenges. The Diagnostic Process Detailed Customer Conversation: Ron highlights the importance of a thorough discussion with the customer to gather clues about the issue's history. In this case, the aftermarket radio installation coincided wi

In this episode of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian provides a quick yet detailed rundown on car battery issues, which have been particularly common in his shop lately. He explains that even relatively young batteries (3-4 years old), especially AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, can fail unexpectedly, even after passing a test. Ron advises listeners in colder climates to replace older batteries before they fail, rather than waiting for a problem to occur. He also highlights the strain on local battery supplies and the risk of being stranded with a dead battery. The show then transitions to a call from a listener, Mike from Michigan, with an issue involving extended crank times and a check engine light. After diagnosing the code (P1633) related to a loss of voltage to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), Ron advises Mike to check the wiring and sensors related to the five-volt reference signal, as this could be causing the problem. He emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnosis beyond just reading codes. Lat

The episode features two distinct calls: Joe's 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Engine Rebuild: Joe from Long Island seeks advice about rebuilding a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado engine. He asks whether oil restrictor plugs should be used in the rebuild, as others have recommended them. The car has functioned well without them for 98,000 miles. Ron advises against unnecessary modifications, emphasizing that GM designed the engine to function without them. He also discusses the importance of simplicity in engine rebuilding and the potential challenges of finding reliable parts in today's market. Ron advocates consulting the machine shop for insights on effective solutions. Tom's 2010 Chevy Camaro Timing Chain Issue: Tom from Arizona explains that his 2010 Chevy Camaro V6, with 125,000 miles, has displayed a P0008 engine code (indicating timing issues) twice in the past year. While the car runs fine, he’s concerned about potential timing chain problems. Ron elaborates on GM timing chain issues, referencing bull

In this edition of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a caller, Tim from Lincoln, Illinois, describes an intermittent issue with his 2010 Toyota 4Runner, where the instrument cluster malfunctions—gauges flash, and warning lights (like for ABS and 4WD) remain on, although the truck drives perfectly fine. This problem happens randomly and can go for months without recurring. Despite a visit to the dealership and diagnostics at a local store, no faults were found. The host suggests that the issue could be related to the instrument cluster’s power and grounding or a wiring problem, especially after Tim had a remote start installed. The conversation dives into the difference between OBD2 and manufacturer-specific codes, suggesting a deeper scan for communication errors. The host advises checking the remote start installation, power, grounds, and considering a cluster replacement or repair if necessary. The caller is reassured the issue isn't urgent but still needs addressing. In the second segment, another c

The discussion revolves around car maintenance and repairs during this radio show hosted by Ron Ananian, known as the Car Doctor. Key points include: Defeating the Three-Cylinder Mode: A listener inquires about disabling the three-cylinder mode in a car. The host suggests it might not be cost-effective for a car with high mileage. Hybrid Battery Concerns: A caller asks about a Toyota Prius with 18,000 miles and potential hybrid battery issues. Ron reassures them that replacement is rare and advises regular oil changes every six months for low-mileage cars. Oil Change Frequency: Another caller questions the recommended oil change interval for a 2015 Nissan Altima. Ron emphasizes that while manufacturers suggest 5,000 miles, conventional oil should ideally be changed every 3,000–3,500 miles. Synthetic oil can extend this to 5,000 miles. He highlights the benefits of synthetic oils like Pennzoil for better long-term engine health. Heater Issue in a Dodge Caravan: A caller reports inconsistent heati

The transcript is from an episode of the Car Doctor Radio Show hosted by Ron Ananian, where listeners call in with car-related issues. Key segments include: Curtis from Texas calls about his 2000 Ford F-150 with a Triton engine burning oil. Ron advises: Switch to a lighter 5W-30 oil for a trial to potentially address piston ring issues related to heavier oil. High-mileage oils could be a secondary experiment. Monitor oil consumption, as excessive burning could damage the catalytic converter over time. Pam from Massachusetts discusses battery problems in her 2004 VW Touareg. Her car has a mysterious "battery alarm" always draining power. Ron suggests: Conducting a parasitic draw test using millivolt drop testing on fuses. Investigating if the alarm is aftermarket and disconnecting it. Contacting the original dealership or identifying the alarm module to disable it. Paul from Ontario talks about carbon buildup in his 2006 Mazda Speed6 with direct injection. Ron recommends: Using sprays like CRC GDI C

The radio show episode revolves around automotive diagnostics and maintenance, led by host Ron Ananian, the Car Doctor. Here’s a summary of key topics discussed: Main Discussion: Diagnosing a Fuel and Engine Issue Case Study: A 2019 Honda CR-V with a check engine light and a mechanical ratcheting noise. The vehicle presented a lean fuel condition, which means it required more fuel enrichment to run efficiently. Diagnostic Process: Ron analyzed the car’s fuel trim, mass airflow readings, and calculated load to pinpoint the issue. He discovered that the vehicle had been fueled with high-ethanol gas (likely E85), which is not suitable for standard vehicles. This led to poor engine performance and low oil levels. The resolution involved running out the improper fuel, conducting an oil change, and educating the owner about proper fuel selection. Advice for Travelers: Fuel Awareness: Drivers should be cautious when refueling outside their usual area. Understanding ethanol content (E10, E15, E85) is esse

In this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Dr., Ron is discussing various topics centered around cars, specifically older models like the 1938 Chevy Deluxe. The exchange features a mix of storytelling and technical car discussions. Here’s a summary of the key points: Car Nostalgia and Road Trips: Bill from Iowa shares memories of a road trip he took in his 1938 Chevy Deluxe in 1965, driving it from Iowa to California via Route 66. He recalls driving on old, challenging roads and emphasizes the mechanical simplicity and charm of vintage cars. The conversation touches on the difference between older cars and modern ones, particularly the physical effort required to drive older cars (steering, shifting gears, etc.), in contrast to the ease of driving newer cars with power steering, air conditioning, and other comforts. Car Modifications and Maintenance: Bill talks about how he modified his 1938 Chevy, including upgrading the carburetors, adding Corvette headers, and switching to new tires. He mentions

The episode centers around Ron Ananian, "The Car Doctor," as he shares expert automotive advice. Key topics include the importance of regular, well-executed oil changes and the pitfalls of neglecting details like replacing drain plug gaskets and cleaning excess oil during service. Ron emphasizes the value of meticulous maintenance in extending vehicle longevity, especially given the high cost of replacements.   Listeners hear an in-depth discussion about a specific case: repairing a 2004 Chevy Tahoe with rusted body mounts. Ron provides practical advice on evaluating repair costs, working with mechanics, and the importance of transparent communication with auto shops. He encourages listeners to approach vehicle care with the same diligence as personal health, stressing the value of proactive, informed decisions. The episode also invites audience interaction, offering live call-in opportunities to address automotive issues directly with Ron during his broadcast hours. Find out more about us at www.c

The Car Dr is all calls this segment; Justin from PA is calling in about a P0420 cat efficiency code on his VW Jetta; Ron walks him through some diagnostic steps and helps break it down into simple terms. Jesse (from Chico California) is up next with questions about changing transmission fluid on his 2013 Ford F150. He has been told several different answers to the question and now turns to Ron for the definitive answer. Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com  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     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.