Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 1, 2025 - Hour 2 - All About AllData Information Systems - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

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, which won P10 Innovation and SEEMA New Product Awards, helps technicians quickly access specifications for safe repairs.
ADAS & Safety Concerns
- Misaligned sensors or cameras (even a minor miscalibration) can lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
- Real-world example: A caller experienced erratic car behavior after a windshield replacement—solved by recalibrating the ADAS system.

Takeaway Message:

The automotive industry is changing rapidly, with ADAS, EVs, and new tech redefining repairs.Access to the right information is crucial for safe, proper maintenance. All Data plays a key role in bridging the gap between OEM specifications and technicians, ensuring vehicles are fixed correctly and safely.

Find out more about us at 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 - March 1, 2025 - Hour 1 - Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

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 to their boosted intake systems, which a standard EVAP smoke machine cannot properly diagnose.
Applications Beyond Engines – Smoke technology is also used to detect water leaks in vehicle cabins, HVAC issues, and even cooling system leaks if the coolant is drained beforehand.
Exploring New Applications – The show briefly touches on whether smoke or pressure testing could be applied to air conditioning systems, though there isn’t a definitive answer yet.

Find out more about us at 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 4, 2015 - Hour 1, First Half - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

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, prioritize maintenance, and avoid being stranded due to preventable issues. The show also welcomed calls from listeners to discuss car-related concerns.

Find out more about us at 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 4, 2015 - Hour 1, Second Half - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

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 modern cars are becoming more complex, making professional diagnostics increasingly necessary. The episode closes with a patriotic salute to the U.S. in honor of Independence Day.

Find out more about us at 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 - February 22, 2025 - Hour 1 - Finding Spark Plug Wires for a 1961 Rambler American - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

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 parked.
- Visit AutoBatteries.com for information on choosing the right battery.
Call-In Segment: Finding Spark Plug Wires for a 1961 Rambler
- A caller struggles to find plug wires long enough for his flathead six-cylinder engine.
- Ron suggests checking Standard Motor Products for the correct part number.
- Alternatively, he recommends buying a universal set for a Chevy small-block V8 and cutting them to the correct length.

Conclusion:

The show blends technical advice with humor, emphasizing battery maintenance for modern vehicles and addressing a classic car enthusiast's problem. Ron's expertise and straightforward approach make complex car issues easy to understand.

Find out more about us at 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 - February 22, 2025 - Hour 2 - What's In The Go Bag? (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

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 tool for more accurate testing.
John from Boston (03 Lincoln Town Car)
- His serpentine belt snapped while driving, making the steering tight.
- After replacing the belt, the steering feels loose and "lazy."
- Ron begins diagnosing but the summary cuts off before a resolution.

Throughout the episode, Ron emphasizes methodical diagnostics, avoiding assumptions, and prioritizing simple tests before complex repairs. He closes the show this week talking about a recent article he read about electrical testing, circuits and ground connections in the latest edition of ALLDATA News.

Find out more about us at 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 - February 15, 2025 - Hour 2 - 08 Colorado with Intermittent No Crank/No Start - (855)560-9900 Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

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 control module (BCM) connection. George should have a mechanic inspect these grounds, check for error codes, and ensure all wiring is in good condition.

Throughout the show, Ron emphasizes proper diagnostics over assumptions, highlighting the importance of thorough inspections beyond state safety tests.

Find out more about us at 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 - February 8, 2025 - Hour 1 - 1989 Camaro Tach Reading Error - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

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 fuel injection systems.
Regular diagnostics are crucial—understanding baseline performance metrics can help identify problems early.

The segment concludes with a listener call regarding a 2014 GMC Sierra experiencing intermittent starting issues. The host suggests checking fuel trim data and vehicle grounds, emphasizing how voltage-sensitive modern vehicles can be.

The overarching theme: Cars are becoming more technologically complex, making proper diagnostics and quality maintenance more critical than ever.

Find out more about us at 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 - February 8, 2025 - Hour 2 - 1997 Oldsmobile 88 That Won't Shift Into Gear - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

Find out more about us at 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 4, 2015 - Hour 2, 2cnd Half - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

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 Issue
Roger 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 Issue
Tom'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 troubleshooting steps for car owners.

Listeners are encouraged to call the 24/7 hotline at (855) 560-9900 with their automotive questions and to visit www.cardoctorshow.com for more information.

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.

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