Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Copyright: 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

Latest Episodes:

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - October 4, 2025 Hour 1 - The Remote Roller Coaster Oct 04, 2025

Show notes

Remote from “somewhere in Pennsylvania,” Ron turns a repair-shop counter chat into a bigger question: don’t shop for the cheapest or the flashiest—shop for the capable. Then the phones fly: a 2021 Nissan Kicks with a stubborn P0101 (use calculated load & fuel trims, don’t parts-swap), a 2024 Highlander maintenance roadmap (fluids early and often), a 1970 Impala idle-stop solenoid lesson, a 2002 Sequoia stuck in 4WD low (likely front-diff actuator/binding—stop driving, inspect), and a 2002 Cummins with dead batteries (charge correctly, then parasitic-draw test <50 mA).

Closer: “Good mechanics aren’t expensive—they’re priceless.”

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 27, 2025- Hour 2 - Hot Rods, Air Conditioning & Busy Phones - (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

Ron takes his hot rod out for a spin for the first time in a while, then it’s straight into a marathon of listener calls. From every corner of America and on every kind of vehicle, it’s another fast-paced hour with The Car Doctor.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 27, 2025 - Hour 1 - When Plans Change: Shop Lessons & Non-Stop Calls - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Car Doctor, Ron explains why the show isn’t on remote as planned and turns the change into a lesson from a recent shop repair. Then the phones light up, and it’s a full hour of fast-paced problem solving as Ron races to get everyone an answer before time runs out.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Dr Interview - Dr. Jessica Jermakian, Insurance Institute Highway Safety - Child Passenger Safety Week Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

Ron sits down with IIHS’s Dr. Jessica Jermakian. Together they break down Child Passenger Safety Week: rear-facing timelines, why kids belong in the back seat to age 12, proper restraint selection/installation, modeling safe driving, and what to do if your airbag light is on—along with trusted resources at www.IIHS.org

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 20, 2025 - Hour 2 - From Buying Cars To Broken Cars to Putting Kids In Cars - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, the first half tackles real-world issues—from new-car tech overwhelm to a GMC Denali folding-mirror diagnosis, plus maintenance advice for a 2016 F-250 and a Chevy Trax fuel-fill vent problem.

In the second half, IIHS’s Dr. Jessica Jermakian breaks down Child Passenger Safety Week: rear-facing timelines, why kids belong in the back seat to age 12, proper restraint selection/installation, modeling safe driving, and what to do if your airbag light is on—along with trusted resources at www.IIHS.org

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 20, 2025 - Hour 1 - The Great Check Book "Robbery" - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

The Car Doctor – Checks, Banks & Real-World Car Fixes

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron exposes the hidden headaches of running a small auto repair business—from a QuickBooks/FedEx check security scare to a TD Bank account freeze—and how a proactive Chase Bank solved it. Callers get practical fixes: a Chevy Tahoe brake-pedal height solution, a Duramax diesel fuel/vacuum diagnostic tip, and a Ford Explorer cold-start game plan. Plus, a sneak peek at a 2015 Toyota Highlander spark plug video that proves why “simple” jobs aren’t so simple.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 13, 2025 - Hour 1 - Flashing A School Bus - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

Flashing a School Bus (Legally): ABS Programming, Honda Axles, Hemi Misfires & EVAP Fixes

In this episode of Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a shop story you won’t forget—flashing a 2008 Chevy short school bus after its new ABS module came in blank. Using the OPUS IVS 360 and remote tech support, he gets the “empty” controller fully configured and back on the road, proving why software and programming matter just as much as wrenches in today’s repairs.

From there, Ron tackles real listener calls:

How to choose the right Honda Accord CV axles without paying $1,100 each at the dealer
The smart way to service Honda automatic transmissions with DW-1 fluid and why pressure switches matter
Diagnosing a cylinder-6 misfire on a Dodge Durango Hemi using volumetric efficiency testing and running compression
Understanding Infiniti’s P0448 EVAP vent code and how to test before replacing parts

Packed with practical scan tool strategies, shop-floor economics, and repair insights, this episode is a must-listen for DIYers, techs, and anyone trying to keep their vehicle on the road longer.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 13, 2025 - Hour 2 - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Thermostats, Cold Misfires, Dual-Tank Gremlins & Shop Truths

Ron opens with “the good, the bad, and the ugly,” then dives into rapid-fire diagnostics: a 2019 Chevy Blazer that loses A/C and power assist when a bad thermostat skews engine temp strategy; a 2017 Ford Explorer with P0300/P0316 cold-start misfires and how to prove cause using Mode 6, freeze-frame, power balance, and residual fuel-pressure tests; a 1996 Ford F-350 dual-tank fueling issue caused by check-valve logic/recall history; a quick clutch-interlock switch hack; and a Toyota Highlander Blackstone oil-analysis follow-up. Plus: why parts updates (hello, brake pad tape) and better shop communication matter. Practical steps, scan-tool tips, and straight talk for DIYers and pros.

Chapter Markers (condensed)

00:00 – Tease: “Good, Bad & Ugly” open; straight to the phones
01:11 – 2019 Chevy Blazer: thermostat fault, A/C & EPS cut by strategy
05:44 – 2017 Ford Explorer: P0300/P0316; Mode 6, freeze-frame, power balance, residual pressure plan
17:50 – 1996 Ford F-350: dual tanks pumping into each other; check valves & recall history
24:02 – Quick tip: clutch-interlock switch adjustment workaround
26:14 – 2015 Toyota Highlander: Blackstone oil-report results & contamination prevention
30:39 – Close: parts changes (pad adhesives), customer approach, and shop relationships

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Interview - The Future Of Battery Technology - Optima Batteries & Daryl Brockman - Aug 30, 2025 Sep 07, 2025

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Interview Summary – Optima Batteries with Daryl Brockman

Ron talks with Daryl Brockman from Optima Batteries about how today’s vehicles demand more from their batteries. With start/stop systems and heavy electronics, AGM batteries are the go-to for reliability and long life. Optima offers RedTop for standard loads, YellowTop for high-demand systems, and new lithium options for cars, trucks, powersports, RVs, and marine use.

Highlights include Optima’s CPR built-in jumpstart reserve, the PowerLink dongle for easy monitoring and charging, and a Bluetooth app that can wake a battery without popping the hood. Backed by Clarios, the world’s largest battery maker, Optima’s products carry top safety certifications and advanced lithium iron phosphate chemistry for cold-weather performance and long cycle life.

Find out more at www.optimabatteries.com

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 6, 2025 - Hour 2 - OverHeating, Clutches & Carbon Cleaning: Quick Diagnoses, Smart Maintenance - (855)560-9900 24/ 7 Hotline Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

Fast phones this hour: real overheat triage, clutch/flywheel choices, steering play sanity check, BG carbon service for DI, modern sludge cures, and value axles.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Open / Tease
00:58 – Mark (Bronx) – Sudden Overheat, 4-cyl Honda
Steam + gauge pinned = real overheat. Don’t drive; tow. Check thermostat/coolant/pump; rule out head gasket. Pull codes & vitals.
07:29 – Alan (MD) – ’99 Sentra Clutch
Start OE or LUK. Machine shops scarce—consider kit with flywheel. Inspect rear main & PCV while in there.
11:48 – Quick Note
Mitchell1 award mention.
12:21 – Frank (DE) – ’16 Silverado Steering Play
Get true alignment (proper gear, printout); inspect for looseness.
16:07 – PM: DI Carbon – GM recommends BG fuel service; use bgfindashop.com.
19:12 – Kent (ME) – ’08 Wrangler 3.8 Tick/Ping ~2k
Likely carbon/valvetrain age. Start with BG clean, plugs, full baseline; pay for diagnosis.
27:03 – Alex (IA) – Drop the Pan?
Modern engines: use chemistry, not pan pulls. Stiction Eliminator example; 5k oil/quality filter.
32:16 – Mailbag – ’07 Accord Axles (200k)
Skip pricey OE; Advance/Carquest new axles = solid value/fit.

Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected