Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Call of the WeekEach week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show, we spotlight one standout caller as our Call of the Week. It’s chosen for the originality of the problem, the clarity of the conversation, and the value it brings to you, the listener—whether it’s a tough diagnosis, a smart question, or just a great exchange. These calls remind us why we love talking cars and helping people. If you’re a podcast subscriber, think of this as your quick sample of the full show—insightful, entertaining, and maybe just the nudge you need to stay tuned for more. This week’s Call of the Week comes from Stephen in New Jersey, who’s shopping for a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L HEMI V8—and wants Ron’s take on reliability, used options, and extended warranties. He is literally standing outside of the dealership, as you can tell by the sounds of all the cars and trucks going by on the highway behind him.  The conversation covers real-world pros and cons

Call Summary for this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor 1. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8:Ron says: Buy low mileage, get a 5-year warranty, and don’t settle. V8 HEMI is solid with proper oil and service. "Don’t negotiate with yourself." 2. 2000 Lexus RX300 Battery Drain:Likely an intermittent draw. Use a thermal imager and min/max meter to catch it. "Draws aren’t always constant." 3. 2011 Honda Pilot Brake Pedal Sinking:Probably a bad new master cylinder. Plug ports to test. "Even OEM parts fail." 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 – Show Summary: “Proximity of Repair” This week, Ron explores the concept of proximity of repair—the idea that if a mechanic is already accessing one part of the car, related repairs nearby shouldn't be billed as full separate jobs. He illustrates this with a 2017 Toyota RAV4 that came in after a $79.95 oil change at a dealer. The customer was hit with nearly $5,000 in recommended repairs, including axles, seals, and ball joints. Ron broke down the quote and found much of the labor was inflated due to overlapping work. Ron warns against loss leader oil changes that lead to unnecessary upsells and urges listeners to question labor charges: “Are they already in that area of the car?” Always ask. This Weeks Calls:Anthony from Maine reports repeated issues with his 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid—dead battery, hybrid recall, and a Smart Key failure.  Barbara called about her rusted 2010 Buick Lucerne. She’s put $4,000 into it but now needs $

Each week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show, we spotlight one standout caller as our Call of the Week. It’s chosen for the originality of the problem, the clarity of the conversation, and the value it brings to you, the listener—whether it’s a tough diagnosis, a smart question, or just a great exchange. These calls remind us why we love talking cars and helping people. If you’re a podcast subscriber, think of this as your quick sample of the full show—insightful, entertaining, and maybe just the nudge you need to stay tuned for more. This week’s standout call comes from Mark in Las Vegas, who raised a concern about a 2016 Toyota Highlander that can be left running and unattended—with no audible warning when the driver walks away with the key fob. Mark’s stepson discovered the issue after repeatedly leaving the car running and returning an hour later to find it still idling. Ron walks through possible causes, including a failed chime speaker, missed perso

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sat down with Spiro Morianis from BG Products to discuss smart summer prep for your vehicle. As road trips ramp up, they stressed the value of multipoint inspections—going beyond oil changes to check tires, fluids, and overall system health. Two commonly overlooked services stood out: Driveline fluid changes (differentials, transfer cases), especially in SUVs and trucks that tow or handle heavy loads. Fuel system cleaning, critical for GDI engines, which suffer from carbon buildup affecting performance and fuel economy. Regular use of products like BG 44K and occasional air intake cleanings keep engines running strong. Spiro also detailed BG’s Lifetime Protection Plan—a free, no-registration-needed warranty that rewards consistent maintenance with BG products. It's even transferable when you sell your vehicle and has covered major repairs, like a $4,000 engine job on a 341,000-mile car. Bottom line: Modern tune-ups mean full-system care, not just spark plug

In this episode, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor tackles one of the most important questions in car ownership: when is it time to fix it, and when is it time to let go? Mary Beth from Kentucky calls in with her 2011 Honda CR-V facing multiple issues — a clogged catalytic converter, transmission fluid loss, and power loss uphill. Ron helps her weigh the costs, the reality of CVTs and turbos in today’s market, and how to shop smart while staying safe. He also stresses the importance of trusting a shop that’s equipped for modern vehicles — scan tools and all. Then, Jeremy in Maryland shares a close call after a faulty aftermarket battery leaked acid onto his sister’s Chevy Cruze, risking major electrical damage. Ron uses the moment to underline why professional parts and proper liability matter more than ever — especially with today’s high-tech vehicles and start/stop systems. Plus, guest expert Spiro Morogiannis of BG Products joins to talk summer car prep, from often-overl

In this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor he shares a hard-earned truth: sometimes the best repair decision is knowing when not to repair at all. He opens with Paul’s 2015 Infiniti QX60 — a case of DIY diagnostics gone sideways — where Ron’s careful testing uncovers a failed all-wheel-drive coupler misdiagnosed by others as a transmission issue. The lesson? Put emotion aside, baseline the vehicle, and test — don't guess. Next, Ron helps a frustrated owner of a 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid navigate a string of electrical gremlins, recalls, and communication breakdowns with the dealer. He offers insight on how to get answers, when to involve corporate, and how to make the system work for you. Also featured: A 2016 Toyota Highlander smart key mystery with surprising safety implications. A call from a fellow mechanic about a 2007 Saturn with an intermittent trans fault — and the tough question: patch it or rebuild it? This episode is packed with technical smarts, str

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.