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 - April 26, 2025 - Hour 2 - Tricky Electrical Problem on a 13 Suburban - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

🎙️ Ron Ananian: The Car Doctor — Episode Recap

Main Topic: The True Cost of Diagnosis & What It Really Takes to Fix Modern Vehicles
Special Note: Catch Ron on WOR Radio (NY) at 9:40 AM, Monday, May 5 to kick off a special series on Dashboard Warning Lights — starting with the infamous Check Engine Light.

🔧 This Week’s Opening Rant: Diagnosis Costs Are No Joke

Ron opens the show addressing a hot topic:

“Why are diagnosis costs so high — and why are people so shocked?”

With today’s vehicles functioning more like rolling computers, diagnosis isn’t a matter of swapping a part or running a quick test. It requires training, tools, and time. As Ron says:

“Have we taken things to an extreme? Maybe. But this is where we are.”

📢 Coming Next Week: Jared Wilson & the Fight for the Right to Repair

Ron previews an upcoming conversation with Jared Wilson, a farmer-turned-activist who’s become a key voice in the Right to Repair movement.

Jared made national headlines fighting for access to repair his $600,000 farm tractor.
When it broke mid-harvest, the only option was to tow it to a dealer — risking total crop loss.
Ron highlights how this battle affects everyone — including the food on your table.

📞 Caller Spotlight: Eric in PA — 2013 Chevy Suburban

Eric shares a bizarre issue with his Suburban:

After a GM crate engine swap, the voltage drops while driving.
The A/C shuts off, and the truck goes into limp mode.
The fix? Turning on the headlights restores the voltage to 14V.

Ron’s take:

This could be tied to GM’s energy-saving mode, a headlight circuit anomaly, or even a network module failure.
Suggests digging into:
- Scan tool data: Are any modules dropping offline?
- Wiring harness & cluster connections
- The oil pressure sensor, which might be feeding bad data to the instrument cluster.
- Rule out any aftermarket electronics or engine swap side effects.

Ron’s philosophy:

“Tell me what’s good. Before we chase ghosts, let’s confirm what’s working.”

📞 Caller: Joe in NJ — 2003 Malibu with Low Miles

Joe scored an '03 Malibu with only 66k miles but had to replace the water pump.
Ron says that’s not shocking for a 22-year-old vehicle. Key tips:

Test coolant for acidity using litmus strips (basic chemistry flashback!).
Perform a coolant flush using a machine, not just a drain-and-fill.
Stick with DEX-COOL (modern versions have resolved early issues).
Brands like PEAK are a good choice.

📧 Listener Email: Bob in SC — 1996 Ford F-150 Transmission

Bob’s E4OD reman transmission:

Intermittently slams into reverse, loses all gears, and sometimes resets by cycling the key.
Ron suspects a possible control or electrical issue, but with a nearly 30-year-old truck, it's also about parts availability.
Advice:
- Consider another reman while parts are still available.
- Or bench it and inspect — especially if this isn’t your only vehicle.

🧠 Ron’s Final Thought:

“You’re not driving a car — you’re driving a computer on four wheels.”
Diagnostics today are about interpreting networks, modules, and signals, not just checking spark and fuel.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 26, 2025 - Hour 1 - The Difficulty Diagnosing Cars - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

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 tools and verify against known good data.
- “Scan tools don’t fix cars — they gather information.”
Confirmed Bad Fuel Pump:
- Used a test light (round headlight bulb) to confirm power delivery.
- Replaced pump, truck started.
- Gas gauge issue followed: showed empty despite a half-full tank.
- Removed and reinstalled the pump to cycle float — gauge returned to normal.
- Lesson: Sometimes parts need time or manual cycling to recalibrate.
Video Content Coming:
- Recorded the repair in stages with help from the shop crew.
- Will be posted online, tied into the radio show for deeper understanding.
Industry Insight & Customer Behavior:
- Ron notes customers are increasingly anxious about car costs and repair timelines.
- Reminder: Don’t keep calling the shop — they’ll let you know when your car is ready.
Listener Call – 2000 Toyota Tundra Brake Job:
- Caller had trouble fitting new pads and caliper.
- Ron advises:
  - Always replace rotors with pads to ensure proper bedding.
  - Be cautious about caliper piston not fully retracting.
  - Clean and inspect slide pins.
  - Older calipers may need replacement.
- Scolds (gently): "You're doing it wrong, brother."
Listener Call – 2013 GMC Terrain with Tapping and Stalling:
- Symptoms: Tapping sound, surging at stops, stalling.

Upcoming Appearance

📻 Ron will be on WOR Radio (NYC) at 9:40 AM on Monday, May 5, launching a new segment series on dashboard warning lights—starting with the Check Engine Light.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classic Car Doctor - July 25, 2015 - Hour 1, Second Half - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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 transmission cooler. He recommends replacing the radiator, flushing both systems, and servicing the transmission, cautioning it could cost up to $1,000, depending on parts and labor.
2000 Dodge Intrepid – No-Start Electrical Issue:
A listener struggles with a persistent no-start issue. After sensor replacements and a fuse fix, the problem continues. Ron suspects a shorted wire in the engine harness — a common issue where the wiring rubs against the valve cover and wears through, causing fuse failures.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Interview - April 19, 2025 - Aaron Shaffer of Standard Motor Products - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

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?

🏭 About Standard Motor Products

Founded in 1919, originally Standard Ignition.
Now focuses on vehicle control systems, not just engine parts.
Operates 21 global manufacturing plants with full in-house engineering.

⚠️ Quality Matters: Amazon Parts vs. Standard

Many parts sold online are cheap, untested, and unsafe.
No regulatory body ensures quality in auto parts sales.
Inferior parts (e.g., purge valves, injectors) can cause engine damage.
Standard builds to OEM or better specs with proper validation and testing.

🔧 Highlighted Products

Fuel Injectors: Made in Greenville, SC—the only full-line U.S. injector plant.
Include precise spray patterns and full install kits.
Blue Streak line: Premium parts with upgrades over OEM (e.g., better materials, moisture protection, complete kits).

🔍 Industry Trends

Rise in advanced ICE tech (turbochargers, GDI/MFI systems, VVT, cylinder deactivation).
These components are now failing in aging cars, creating aftermarket demand.
Standard also supports newer tech like ADAS sensors and is preparing for EV needs (battery cooling parts).

📦 Resources

Website: standardbrand.com
YouTube: Standard Brand – 700+ videos for DIYers and pros

Visit Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 19, 2025 - Anne And Her DC to DC Charging Station Problem 2023 Pro Master Van Conversion - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

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?

🔧 Ron’s Response & Key Takeaways ✅ Idling Itself Is Not the Issue...

Ron reassures Ann that idling a modern vehicle occasionally for power needs is not inherently harmful, but the impact depends on:

How much current (amps) is being pulled from the alternator.
How long the engine is left idling.
How well-maintained the engine and charging system are.

⚠️ What to Watch Out For:

Alternator Load:
- Every alternator has a maximum amperage rating (e.g., 100 amps).
- If your power station charger pulls close to or over that limit, especially at idle where alternators are less efficient, it can overwork or overheat the alternator.
- Constant high output shortens its lifespan or could cause premature failure.
Engine Heat & Wear:
- Idling generates less airflow than driving, so under-hood heat builds up.
- Extended idling stresses:
  - Cooling system
  - Oil and fluids
  - Electrical components
- Emergency vehicles often use heavy-duty parts (like heat-resistant hoses) to handle this, but stock vehicles don’t.
Modern Smart Charging Systems:
- Newer vehicles like Ann’s have computer-controlled alternators.
- They adjust alternator output based on demand, which helps efficiency and could reduce stress during charging—a positive for her setup.

🔍 Ron’s Recommendation

Ann should have an auto-electric shop or RV specialist do a draw test:

Connect the power station,
Run the van at idle,
Measure the actual amperage being pulled from the alternator.
Then compare that number to the alternator’s rated capacity.

This test will confirm whether idling for charging is within safe limits or if adjustments (like a higher-output alternator or changing charging habits) are needed.

✅ Practical Advice in the Meantime

Charge the power station while driving when possible—this reduces stress on the system.
Be diligent with routine maintenance, especially:
- Oil changes
- Cooling system checks
- Battery and charging system inspections

🛠️ Conclusion:

Ron didn’t see anything immediately dangerous with Ann’s setup, but emphasized that understanding actual power draw is key to preventing long-term damage. With smart planning and regular maintenance, charging a power station from a vehicle alternator can be done safely.

Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor also available.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 19, 2025 - Hour 2 - The Stripped Out Oil Drain Plug - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

This Week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

🛠 Opening Story – It’s All About the Diagnosis
Ron diagnoses a 2018 Chevy Traverse's cold-start rattle in 30 minutes—just a loose catalytic converter.
Moral: It’s not about force—it’s knowing where to look.

🧰 Caller: Stripped Drain Plug (Tom, AZ)
Tom’s shop says his Buick needs a $700 oil pan after stripped threads. Ron says:

Try a helicoil or time-sert first
Toggle plugs are temporary
After 22 years, give the shop a chance to make it right

🚗 Caller: Low-Mileage Tacoma (Tim, PA)
2016 Tacoma with 23k miles—what to replace?

Coolant: Yes, at 10 years
Hoses: Maybe wait till year 15
Battery: Replace if it’s original
Fuel system cleaning can help prevent carbon buildup
Reminder: Time matters as much as miles.

📦 Interview Preview – Aaron Schaeffer (Standard Motor Products)
SMP is more than engine parts—now making sensors, ABS, park assist, and more.
Buyer beware: Cheap parts online can cause serious issues.
SMP fuel injectors = OE-quality, U.S. engineered and tested.

🧠 Big Takeaways

Smart diagnostics save big bucks
Maintenance isn’t just about mileage
Quality parts + good shops = longer-lasting cars

📞 More Info

Live Saturdays 2-4PM ET
cardoctorshow.com
Instagram: @ronananian
Hotline: (855) 560-9900

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 19, 2025 - Hour 1 - DC-DC Battery Chargers - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

Episode Summary

Ron dives into everything from classic car quirks to modern maintenance musts. Here's the quick rundown:

🔧 Powerglide Fix (1957 Chevy)
Old Chevy transmissions can burp fluid out the dipstick. Ron suggests a clever vent mod using a small pipe plug and copper tube to safely release air pressure—no gimmicks needed.

🚗 Shop Trend: Fewer Cars, Bigger Repairs
People are delaying maintenance, leading to major repairs. One oil change turned into a 3-day suspension job. Lesson? Small problems snowball if ignored.

📋 Top 5 Maintenance Tips

Track mileage, don’t guess
Know your service intervals (30k/60k/etc.)
Replace batteries around year 5
Don’t push 15,000-mile oil changes
Regular checkups save $$$

⚡ Van Life Charging Advice
Ann’s charging her camper van’s power station by idling her 2023 Ram ProMaster. Ron warns: that’s hard on alternators. Charge while driving and get your draw measured by a pro.

🧰 Crank-No-Start Troubleshooting
Fred’s hard-starting 3.7L engine might not be a timing issue. Ron says: check spark, fuel, and codes before guessing. Could be a sensor or even a security glitch.

💡 Final Takeaway
Delaying maintenance is costly. Stay ahead with routine checks, especially with today’s car prices. Prevention beats a breakdown every time.

📞 More Info

Call The Car Doctor: (855) 560-9900
Live Saturdays 2-4PM ET
cardoctorshow.com
Follow on IG: @ronananian
YouTube for tips & repairs

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classic Car Doctor - July 25, 2015 - Hour 1, First Half - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

In July 15, 2015, Ron Ananian, "The Car Doctor," hosted an engaging hour of automotive advice and listener interactions.

Safety Inspections in New Jersey: Ron discussed the elimination of safety inspections in New Jersey, expressing concerns about vehicle safety standards.
Listener Call-Ins: He addressed various car issues, including a 1994 Toyota Camry with rough driving after new tires, a 2006 Camry experiencing rough shifting, and a 2000 Dodge Stratus with a transmission leak and shifting problems.
Throughout the show, Ron emphasized the importance of proper diagnostics and maintenance, offering listeners practical advice for common automotive issues.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 12, 2025 - Mechanic Chris from NH & Spark Plug Replacement On Ford Pickups - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 13, 2025

Show notes

“Call of the Week” – Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 12, 2025

This week's featured call came from Chris in New Hampshire, a longtime mechanic (working since age 15, now 59) who shared an inventive and surprising method he used to successfully remove spark plugs from a problematic Ford 3-valve engine — notorious for plugs that break during removal due to carbon buildup.

Main Highlights:

Merchandise Update: Before the call, Ron promoted the new Car Doctor and ARI Automotive T-shirts available on the show's website, including long sleeves with pockets — just in time for Father’s Day.
Chris’s Story:
Chris was dealing with a particularly stubborn set of spark plugs that wouldn’t budge — even with heat and power tools. One plug broke during removal. While trying to extract it, he had a last-ditch idea:
He poured freezing cold water into the hot spark plug hole, rapidly cooling the metal. To his surprise, the broken shell loosened and came out effortlessly.
Encouraged, he used the same process on the remaining plugs — heat the engine, remove the coil, then pour cold water into the plug wells — and successfully removed all without breakage. He’d never seen anything like it before or since.
Ron’s Take:
Ron praised Chris for thinking outside the box and called his success a result of experience, creativity, and problem-solving under pressure. He agreed that while the trick worked in this case, it might not be a guaranteed method every time. They discussed how many issues in auto repair — like seized spark plugs or exhaust fasteners — fall into the 30–40% of the job that’s unpredictable and requires innovation.
Themes:
- Mechanics’ burnout and mental resilience.
- The importance of experimentation in tricky repair situations.
- Carbon buildup as the root cause of spark plug failure in 3-valve Fords.
- That old-school ingenuity still has a place in today’s automotive world.
Conclusion:
Chris wanted validation — was his method genius or just dumb luck? Ron reassured him: “It worked. You got paid. It’s a win.” He promised to try it if a similar case came up and mentioned his own YouTube video on removing stubborn exhaust fasteners.

This call was a great blend of humor, experience, and real-world advice — showcasing the mix of skill and improvisation that defines professional wrenching.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 12, 2025 - Hour 1 - 57 Belair with a Transmission Leak - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Apr 12, 2025

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

Welcome to Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor — the trusted voice in automotive repair, where real-world experience, sharp diagnostics, and straight talk come together to help you keep your ride running right.

🚙 2015 Jeep Wrangler — When “New” Parts Fail

A regular customer brings in a well-maintained Jeep for a simple oil change — no complaints.
Turns out, the check engine light is on. Codes: P0258 (vacuum pump issue) and P0440 (EVAP system fault).
Vacuum pump tests fine. Ron proactively changes the booster check valve (which also contains a sensor).
The ESIM (EVAP vent valve) was bad — replaced and verified fixed.
Installs a new Chrysler purge valve — it fails.
Tries a second new one — also fails.
Old part works fine. Even an aftermarket copy failed.
Conclusion: There’s a bad production run of purge valves, even from OEM sources.
Lesson: “New doesn’t mean good.” Always diagnose, don’t just swap parts.

🧰 Classic '57 Chevy — Mysterious Trans Fluid Leak

Ed owns a beautiful 1957 Chevy with only 57,000 miles.
Reports a quart of automatic transmission fluid leaks out during storage — but not while driving.
Ron suspects converter drain-back, a common issue on long-stored classics.
Solutions:
- A check valve on the trans cooler line
- Possibly a longer dipstick tube
- Or just lower fluid level when storing the car
Ron offers to personally help Ed connect with a Tri-Five club since Ed doesn’t use the internet.
Reminder: Old cars need smart storage habits, even if they’re in great shape.

🛠️ Toyota Tundra — Oil Filter Conversion Question

John asks if he should convert his 2021 Toyota Tundra from a cartridge-style oil filter to a spin-on type.
Reason: Concern about oil draining back and dry starts.
Ron says: Stick with OEM unless there's a real issue.
- Toyota designed it that way for a reason.
- No widespread failures reported.
- Don’t re-engineer something that works reliably.
Takeaway: “Don’t fix what’s not broken — and don’t believe every mod you read about online.”

🔧 Ford 3-Valve Engines — Spark Plug Nightmares

Chris, a longtime tech, shares frustration over broken spark plugs in Ford’s 3-valve engines.
Asks Ron if there’s a better removal technique.
Ron uses penetrating oil, works on hot and cold engines, and keeps multiple extractor tools (Lyle, KD, etc.).
Bottom line: Even with prep, these plugs often break — it’s poor design.
Wisdom: Use the best tools, stay patient, and don’t blame yourself — sometimes the part sets you up to fail.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected