Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Todays show finds host Ron Ananian, the Car Doctor, offering advice and insights on automotive repairs. The show includes a mix of casual conversation, technical advice, and listener call-ins. In the episode, Ron discusses several topics, including the costs of automotive repairs. He shares a story about a customer with a 2010 Lincoln MKX whose seemingly simple repair—a passenger-side rearview mirror replacement—became a much bigger job, requiring new tires due to damage from hitting a pothole. Ron explains the challenges of maintaining an all-wheel-drive vehicle with uneven tire wear and suggests replacing all four tires for better performance, despite the higher cost. The show also highlights the rising costs of vehicles, noting that a new Chevy Suburban now costs around $68,000, making a $2,000 repair bill seem more reasonable in comparison. Ron encourages listeners to consider the bigger picture when it comes to vehicle maintenance and repair costs. The episode includes a call from a listener,

This radio interview with Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor features Ken Miller, President of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey and owner of 821 Collision in North Haledon, NJ. They discuss the upcoming Northeast Automotive Trade Show, the largest regional event of its kind, which is now in its 48th year and will be held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center March 14, 15 & 16, 2025 The conversation focuses on the evolving automotive repair industry, particularly the increasing complexity of vehicle technology. Miller explains how both collision and mechanical repair shops must adapt to new challenges, such as OEM certification requirements and advanced vehicle systems, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). He highlights how repairs, even as seemingly simple as replacing a battery or side mirror, now require specialized knowledge, tools, and calibration procedures. The discussion also touches on the growing crossover between mechanical and collision repair shops due to adva

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor starts this weeks show with a repair from the shop. A new customer reached out for help with a 2018 Volvo experiencing a persistent shake at speeds above 52 mph. The car belongs to a couple from New Jersey and has been to a dealership multiple times without a resolution. Diagnosis Process: Ron test-drove the car and noted a hula hoop-like vibration at certain speeds. Placing the car in neutral at 62 mph made the shake disappear, ruling out tires, wheels, and balancing issues. The shake returned under acceleration, indicating a loaded drivetrain issue. Unplugging the rear differential’s control unit didn’t resolve the shake, eliminating the rear axle as the cause. Inspection of the front suspension and axles led to the discovery of a damaged right front axle boot, which had lost 90% of its grease. Conclusion: The right front axle was the likely culprit, also causing excessive wear on the right front tire. Despite expensive previous repairs (turbocharger replacements),

The show, hosted by Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, features automotive advice and discussions with callers about their car troubles. Guest Announcement:Ken Miller from the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey will be joining to discuss the upcoming Northeast Trade Show, the largest regional trade show in America, happening in the Meadowlands next weekend (March 14-16). Caller #1: Sarah from Tennessee (2003 BMW 330CI - Brake Issue)Sarah recently had her brakes and rotors replaced, but she's experiencing warning lights (yellow triangle with an exclamation point and a brake light) that appear in cold weather and disappear as the car warms up. Ron suggests it could be a hydraulic issue or a brake pad wear sensor problem. Advises Sarah to have the shop inspect it thoroughly, checking for leaks or faulty sensors. Emphasizes that a good mechanic should verify the previous work, as the issue could be related to the brake job done six weeks ago. Caller #2: John from Connecticut (2022 Toyota Pri

In this episode Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor interviews Satwinder Mangat, President of AllData, to discuss the evolving landscape of automotive technology and repair. Key Topics Covered: Automotive Industry Trends & SEEMA Insights Satwinder shares takeaways from the 2022 SEMA Show, highlighting a post-pandemic resurgence in innovation, attendance, and new car designs. The industry is booming with technological advancements, making cars not just transportation tools but multifunctional, connected spaces. The Growing Complexity of Vehicle Repairs Modern vehicles, equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and other tech, require precise calibration for safety. What used to be a simple bumper replacement now involves recalibrating sensors and cameras to ensure proper functionality. AllData’s Role in Repair Information All Data publishes OEM repair and diagnostic content, ensuring mechanics and car owners have accurate, up-to-date information. Their ADAS Quick Reference Tool,

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor introduces Chuck Kincaid from Redline Detection, a frequent guest on the show, to discuss diagnostic techniques, particularly the use of smoke machines. Key topics covered: Importance of Diagnostics – The show highlights how vehicles today require advanced diagnostics, from simple issues like leaky tires to complex problems in electric vehicles. Using Smoke Machines for Leak Detection – Chuck explains how different types of smoke machines help diagnose various vehicle issues, including lean fuel conditions, evaporative emissions system leaks, and intake gasket failures. Pressure Variations in Smoke Machines – Not all smoke machines function the same. Higher pressure smoke machines (up to 10-15 psi) are necessary for certain tests, such as detecting intake and exhaust leaks, while lower pressure machines work for EVAP systems. Turbocharged Vehicles and Smoke Testing – The conversation covers how turbocharged engines require higher-pressure smoke testing due

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor's Fourth of July radio show from 2015 focused on car maintenance, particularly battery health during the summer heat. Host Ron Ananian emphasized that heat is a major factor in battery failures, noting an increase in cases at his shop. He also pointed out that battery manufacturers have changed their warranties, eliminating prorated coverage. Regular maintenance, such as checking battery terminals, oil levels, tire pressure, and fluid levels, can prevent breakdowns. Ron shared a personal story about seeing a stranded vehicle and linked it to poor maintenance habits. He criticized last-minute car service requests, urging listeners to be proactive. He also mentioned a Consumer Reports article on increasing oil consumption issues in vehicles and discussed a known problem with oil consumption in Honda models from 2008-2012. Honda has extended warranties to address the issue, but repairs depend on the quality of technicians. The episode encouraged vehicle owners to stay informed, priori

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