Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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Latest Episodes:

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - August 2, 2025 - Hour 2 - Car Repair Costs & Cadillac Power Loss - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

Car Repair Costs & Cadillac Power Loss | The Car Doctor

Podcast Description

In this hour of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian tackles rising car repair costs and answers listener calls with real‑world shop advice:

2003 Cadillac DeVille – new window regulator but still inoperative
2016 Cadillac SRX – ABS, StabiliTrak & power steering failures
2010 Ford F‑150 5.4L – intermittent power loss and tricky diagnosis

Ron explains why auto repair bills are climbing, the hidden costs of modern diagnostics, and how to avoid surprise expenses at the shop.

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 - August 2, 2025 - Hour 1 - The $11,000 Missed Diagnosis - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

Why Car Repairs Really Cost So Much | The Car Doctor

Car repair bills are rising—and Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, breaks down why. In this episode, he shares real stories from the repair shop, from rising subscription fees for tools like Identifix to the hidden expenses of modern diagnostics. Learn how technology, labor, and supply chain challenges all drive repair costs—and what every car owner should know before their next service visit.

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 - July 26, 2025 - Hour 1 - Used Car Red Flags - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

🎧 Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

Episode Title: Ford Fusion Check Engine Mystery + Used Car Red Flags

Summary:
In this episode, Ron tackles a 2016 Ford Fusion with 166K miles showing P018B low fuel pressure and P0299 turbo underboost—a warning to anyone buying used GDI turbo cars without proper inspection. Learn why scan tool diagnostics should be mandatory before buying, especially in states like Florida with no emissions testing.

Also on the show:

A 2002 Ford Thunderbird gets a coolant flush—but what is a “coolant service kit”?
A 2007 Chevy Colorado suffers from a failing PCM that only works when hot.
A 2012 Honda Fit A/C quits in 107°F heat—Ron explains where to begin.
Plus: Why cheap $79 oil changes may cost more than you think.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.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 - July 26, 2025 Hour 2 - Cadillac SRX Power Steering Fail - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

Episode Title: Cadillac SRX Power Steering Fail, Tacoma Coolant Advice, F-150 Power Loss, and Parking Lot Tips

Description:
This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor:

🔧 A 2016 Cadillac SRX loses power steering, ABS, and StabiliTrak—and GM no longer makes the control module. Ron discusses whether a Delco replacement is worth the risk.

🌡️ A 2016 Toyota Tacoma owner asks if switching from pink to green coolant is safe. Ron breaks down coolant chemistry, the dangers of poor advice, and the right way to do a coolant exchange.

⚠️ A 2010 Ford F-150 with a 5.4L engine suffers from intermittent power loss. Ron explains how to use freeze frame and Mode 6 data to find the root cause.

🅿️ Plus, smart parking lot habits that reduce steering wear and improve safety.

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 - July 19, 2025 - Hour 2 - The Cost of Keeping It Running - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

The Car Doctor Radio Show with Ron Ananian – “The Cost of Keeping It Running”

This week, Ron tackles a GMC with wipers stuck on high, a Volvo XC60 with a sunroof that leaks like a sieve, and dives deep into the rising cost of keeping your car on the road in 2025. From 16-spark-plug tune-ups to picked-through parts and poor-quality replacements, it's a no-BS look at life in the bay—and what it means for you behind the wheel.

Real repairs. Smart diagnostics. And always, real talk.

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 - July 19, 2025 - Hour 1 - Flooded Highways and Failing Engines- (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

The Hidden Dangers Lurking Under Your Hood

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor:

Experience the chaos of a relentless Northeast storm that turned highways into rivers and tested every driver’s survival skills. Ron’s harrowing ride through near-zero visibility is a powerful reminder that a well-maintained vehicle isn’t just convenience—it’s a lifeline.

Dive into chilling stories of coolant leaks and disappearing oil that could silently sabotage your engine and cost you thousands—or worse, your safety. Hear a listener’s heartbreaking struggle that nearly ended in tragedy, and why Ron insists every mechanic and driver must be prepared for the unexpected.

If you care about your car, your safety, and the truth behind those warning signs, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in. Stay safe. And remember—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.

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - July 12, 2025 - Stephen Wants Help Buying A Used Jeep - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

Call of the Week
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 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 of Jeep and Chrysler products, from oil change intervals to parts distribution headaches. Ron gives an honest, mechanic’s-eye view: yes, Jeeps can be tanks—but they can also be trouble. The advice? Stick with low mileage, buy the V8 if it’s the one you want, don’t skimp on the service contract, and remember—when it comes to vehicles, like relationships, it pays to know their history.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.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 - July 12, 2025 - Hour 2 - I Need Help Buying A Used Jeep - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

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 - July 12, 2025 -Hour 1 - Exposing A Crooked Repair Shop - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

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 $6,000 in bodywork to pass inspection.

Ron’s advice: Don’t do it. The car’s too old, the rust too deep. Time to move on.

The Mystery Battery Drain:

Caller Fred has found a 2.6-amp draw on a 2005 Lesabre but couldn’t isolate it.

Ron’s advice: Start with the underhood fuse box — it likely feeds the rest. Pulling fuses in the wrong order can mislead you.

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.

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Mark In Las Vegas - The Case of the No Shutting Off Toyota Highlander - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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 personalization settings, or even past aftermarket wiring changes. It’s a great reminder that even smart key systems need smart diagnostics—especially when safety’s at stake.

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.

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