Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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Latest Episodes:

Classic Car Doctor: When Your Car Needs a Software Update Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - October 17, 2015

This week, Ron dives into the ever-growing role of technology in automotive repair. First, he welcomes Hugh Atkins of Drew Technologies for a discussion on computer flashing, module programming, and why software updates have become a routine part of modern vehicle service.

Ron then takes a call on a 2010 GMC Savana 3500 and discusses the pros and cons of switching to synthetic transmission fluid in a higher-mileage vehicle. Later, Harlan Siegel of Launch Tech USA joins the program to talk scan tool technology, diagnostics, and how today's technicians depend on advanced equipment to solve increasingly complex vehicle problems.

The phones stay busy with a caller seeking advice on a troublesome 2014 Ford Focus transmission, one of the most talked-about drivability issues of its era. Ron also answers an email regarding excessive oil consumption on a 2007 Toyota RAV4, explaining the causes, potential repairs, and what owners should know before making decisions.

It's a look at how automotive repair continues to evolve as today's vehicles rely as much on software and electronics as they do on nuts and bolts.

Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900

🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classic Car Doctor: Two Repairs That Made Me Shake My Head Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

Originally Broadcast October 17, 2015

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

Ron starts the hour with not one, but two Repair of the Week stories that left even him shaking his head. Sometimes the hardest part of fixing cars isn't the diagnosis—it's understanding how they got into that condition in the first place.

Ron then takes a call on a 2004 Pontiac Vibe and answers a variety of maintenance and repair questions before welcoming special guest Jerry Ostalecki from GetGibbs.com to discuss lubricants, corrosion protection, and keeping equipment running longer.

Later, a listener with a 2007 Toyota Matrix calls after removing and reinstalling a factory CD player only to find it no longer works, leading to a discussion about electronics, wiring, and the surprises that can occur when taking modern vehicles apart. Ron also answers an email regarding a software issue on a Ford F-150 and explains why today's vehicles often require as much computer knowledge as mechanical skill.

All that and more this week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor.

Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900

🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 20, 2026 - Hour 1 - Classic Car Doctor Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

A Car Dr. Classic repeat from February of 2026. Ron and the crew

are off this weekend to celebrate Father's Day and get a little family

maintenance time. Enjoy!

Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900

🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 20, 2026 - Hour 2 - Classic Car Doctor Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

A second hour Car Dr. Classic repeat from February of 2026. Ron and the crew

are off this weekend to celebrate Father's Day and get a little family

maintenance time. Enjoy!

Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900

🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting Your Kicks on Route 66—and Keeping Today's Cars Alive Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 13, 2026

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a listener preparing to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling historic Route 66 sparks a conversation about America's automotive past, the roads that built the country, and the memories that still live along the Mother Road.

Ron shares stories about the history of Route 66, the rise of the Interstate Highway System, classic television, small-town America, and why some of the best automotive adventures happen when you slow down and take the long way there. From Burma Shave signs to roadside garages and forgotten towns, it's a reminder that cars have always been about more than transportation.

Also this hour:

A Honda CR-V owner battles a steering issue tied to a known Honda recall.
An aging Saturn Ion develops an anti-theft system failure, leading to a discussion about repairing older vehicles in a world where parts and support are disappearing.
A GM assembly-line worker calls in with an unusual problem on his new Chevy Trax and shares what it's like building today's vehicles.
Ron explains why the modern automobile battery may be the most misunderstood component on today's cars and why battery failures often create problems that look like something much worse.

Whether you're planning a Route 66 adventure, maintaining a modern vehicle, or simply remembering the days when cars were simpler, this episode is a reminder that every road has a story.

Car Advice Done Right.

📞 Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900

🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The $16,000 Transmission, a Billboard, and the Best Compliment I've Ever Received Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 13, 2026

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a repair story that refuses to go away comes full circle.

Ron revisits the now-famous $16,000 Chevy Tahoe transmission repair, the real-world case that sparked conversations about whether it's better to repair the vehicle you own or start over with another unknown used car. But the story takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter with a listener reveals that sometimes the lessons behind the repair matter more than the repair itself.

Along the way, Ron shares a behind-the-scenes look at spotting his own podcast billboard near MetLife Stadium, a morning cruise in his black '55 Chevy, and a reminder that maintaining a vehicle is often about more than saving money—it's about understanding value.

Also this hour:

Should you keep a low-mileage 2021 Toyota Highlander if you've heard rumors of transmission problems?
Why some Subaru headlight assemblies become cloudy and what owners can do about it.
How heat affects modern vehicle batteries and why batteries often fail from summer temperatures rather than winter cold.
The importance of understanding long-term ownership costs before making major repair decisions.

Sometimes the biggest automotive lessons aren't found in the repair bay—they're found in the conversations that happen because of it.

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.

The Long Memory of Modern Cars Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares the story of a 2021 Chevy Suburban that suddenly became a no-start vehicle four months after being repaired from an accident. What appeared to be a simple breakdown turned into a lesson in modern diagnostics, networked vehicle systems, and why today's cars can develop problems long after the original event that caused them.

Ron explains how fault codes don't necessarily tell you what's broken, only where the computers became confused, and why understanding a vehicle's history is often the key to finding the real answer. The repair ultimately led to a failing transmission control module, programming challenges, and a reminder that successful diagnostics is as much detective work as it is automotive repair.

Also this hour, Ron discusses whether it's worth repairing a high-mileage Toyota Highlander with a failed transmission, helps a Hyundai Tucson owner navigate the well-known engine failure warranty issues, and answers an email about what maintenance should be performed immediately after purchasing a used vehicle with unknown service history.

Car Advice Done Right

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.

Drive It Longer: The New Economics of Car Ownership Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron takes a closer look at a growing trend across America: drivers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever. With new car prices climbing, repair costs rising, and monthly payments pushing record levels, many motorists are choosing to invest in the vehicles they already own rather than replace them.

Ron explains why a cheap oil change may actually cost more in the long run, how regular maintenance has become the key to long-term vehicle ownership, and why today's cars require a different approach than the vehicles of years past. He also shares real-world shop stories, including a battery failure discovered during a routine service visit and a roadside repair adventure involving a high-mileage Toyota Corolla that proves preparation still matters.

Plus, Ron helps a caller diagnose a stubborn brake pedal problem on a Chevy Silverado, discusses the pros and cons of buying a low-mileage Chevy Equinox, and highlights an unusual no-start condition on a Jeep Grand Cherokee caused by something as simple as a windshield tint installation.

If you're wondering whether to repair, replace, or simply maintain the vehicle in your driveway, this episode offers practical advice from the service bay and a realistic look at the true cost of car ownership today.

Car Advice Done Right

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 - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think. Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

From the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015.

In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines.

Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service.

Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles.

Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota.

A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with r cars is often more personal than we think.

Car Advice Done Right

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 - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 1 - Audi Codes, Airbags & Frozen Custard Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

From the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015.

In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares the repair story of the week involving a 2003 Dodge Durango with a failed engine that spent five months sitting partially disassembled at another repair facility before finally arriving at R/A Automotive. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of proper diagnosis, communication, and choosing the right repair shop.

Ron also helps a caller with an Audi A3 displaying a P0068 trouble code, answers a listener email regarding airbag concerns, and takes a call involving a 2012 Hyundai Elantra and an unusual insurance-related airbag issue.

In one of the more unique interviews from the archives, Ron talks with David Gott, owner of David's Famous Gourmet Frozen Custard and a longtime fan of the show. The conversation offers a fun look at small business ownership, customer service, and the relationships built through a shared passion for serving people.

A mix of automotive advice, real-world repair experiences, and memorable conversations from a different era of the show.

Car Advice Done Right.

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.

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