Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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

In this Call Of The Week from Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show... Joe from Pennsylvania has a 2010 Chevy Impala that intermittently gets stuck in Park. The shifter doesn’t have a manual release, and AAA refuses to tow it in that condition. Ron explains the issue likely involves the shift interlock circuit, which depends on the brake light switch, Body Control Module (BCM), and a solenoid controlled by a dark green wire with a white stripe. Ron advises Joe to: Check if brake lights work when the issue occurs. Test for 12V on the green/white wire when pressing the brake. Use a 194 test bulb inline on that wire to confirm power. Check the ground at the solenoid. Make sure the brake switch was calibrated (BPP calibration) if it was replaced. If power reaches the solenoid but it doesn’t click, it’s likely the solenoid or ground. If no power, the problem is upstream in the circuit. Ron emphasizes understanding the circuit before replacing parts. Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The

Ron Ananian "The Car Doctor" Radio Show: Ron opens the show by discussing recent media appearances, particularly focusing on dashboard warning lights, with a segment on the check engine light drawing significant listener interest across social media platforms. Ron then takes us on a deeper dive into the check engine light; what it means when it turns on and then off intermittently, He emphasizes that modern cars constantly self-test their systems—especially emission-related components—and even transient issues can trigger the light. Ron stresses the importance of capturing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) as soon as the light appears, either with a personal scanner, a visit to a parts store, or by asking a trusted mechanic. He discusses common causes like fuel blend issues, oxygen sensor faults, and catalytic converter efficiency (e.g., codes P0420 and P0430). He explains how systems like freeze frame data provide vital context, such as engine conditions at the time of failure, and why clearing cod

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor on KVOI 1030 AM: Summary of Interview with Ron Ananian on KVOI AM 1030: In this interview with Host Allen Kath, on KVOI AM 1030, car expert and radio host Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, discusses the essentials of summer car care and travel preparation. Drawing on over 50 years of automotive repair experience, Ananian shares practical advice for everyday drivers, emphasizing preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns during road trips. Key points from the discussion include: Start with the basics: Check oil change history, tire pressure, and perform visual inspections. Faded oil change stickers often indicate overdue service. Don't wait until the last minute: Due to ongoing parts shortages and quality issues, repair shops may face delays. Plan maintenance well ahead of any travel. Synthetic oils are now standard: Older cars still benefit from synthetic blends, but maintenance intervals should still be followed based on time and mileage. Battery maintenance is critical:

Podcast Episode: The Right to Repair—A Farmer’s Fight for IndependenceRon Ananian, The Car Doctor In this powerful episode, Ron Ananian shifts the conversation on the Right to Repair from the garage to the fields, speaking with Jared Wilson, a multi-generation farmer from Missouri. Together, they expose the real-world impact of restrictive repair policies on American agriculture and the broader implications for all of us. Key Highlights:

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor AI Comes to Automotive Diagnostics In this forward-looking episode, Ron Ananian dives into the future of auto repair technology with guests Steve Etheridge and Jim Fish from Opus IVS. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is being integrated into modern diagnostic tools—and what that means for technicians, shops, and the automotive industry as a whole. Key Highlights:

Here's a summary and bullet point breakdown of the call between Eric from Pennsylvania and Ron Ananian on The Car Doctor radio show from April 26, 2025:

Episode Summary: Ron Ananian – The Car Doctor Car Repair is Getting Tougher:Ron emphasizes that modern car repair requires constant learning. Vehicles are more complex, and assumptions can lead to misdiagnosis. Case Study – 2015 Toyota Tacoma, Crank No-Start: Towed into the shop with a crank-no-start issue. Suspected fuel pump failure. Two options to access it: Drop the rusted fuel tank (difficult due to NJ winters and corrosion) Remove the truck bed instead — easier and safer Diagnosed fuel system with wiring diagrams and voltage checks. Found ~10.8V at the fuel pump resistor — enough to power the pump. Checked for ground and continuity — both were good. Considered immobilizer as a cause (Toyota uses fuel cut in anti-theft and overheating situations). Scan Tool Confusion: Snap-On scan tool incorrectly reported a fuel cut. Opus scan tool and factory Toyota software showed no fuel cut. Lesson: Don’t rely on one scan tool — use multiple t

Classic Car Doctor - Ron Ananian: The Car Doctor – Episode Summary 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Flash Update:Ron revisits a caller’s issue with being charged for a software update (PCM/TCM flash). He believes the dealer may be misrepresenting the service, since emissions-related components like PCMs are usually covered under an 8-year/80,000-mile federal warranty. He advises the caller to push back and escalate the issue. 2010 Ford Escape Airbag Concern:A listener finds out that after a 2010 accident, the airbag system was never properly repaired — someone installed an "inhibitor" that disabled the airbags, leaving them inactive for years. Ron is alarmed, calling it a major liability and safety risk, and urges the caller to speak with their insurance company and possibly escalate it legally. 1998 Ford Expedition – Transmission & Coolant Mixing:A caller reports cross-contamination between transmission fluid and engine coolant. Ron explains this is likely due to a failed radiator t

Radio Interview - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Talks with Aaron Schaeffer (Standard Motor Products) Topic: Where do auto parts come from, and what should consumers know about quality?

Call Of The Week; Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, April 19, 2025 Ann from Arizona called into Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor to ask about using a Bluetti DC-to-DC charger to power her portable power station from her 2023 RAM ProMaster 1500 cargo van while idling. She lives and travels in the van and relies on the power station for everyday needs like cooking and charging devices. Her question: Can prolonged idling to charge the power station damage the alternator or vehicle systems?

This Week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor