Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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 Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🚘 Today on Ron Ananian: The Car Doctor 🔧 Ron tackled myths, misdiagnoses, and the real science of fixing cars: 🔋 Battery Confusion – Cold = weak battery? Yes. But replacing it every 3–4 years “just because” is fear, not fact. 🚗 Toyota Knock – V6 top-end noise? Start simple: belt off, check VVT, use your ears before your wrench. 🛠️ Hyundai Headache – 1 year, $3.5K in parts, still no fix. Might not be the engine—could be the trans starting in 2nd gear. 🧠 The real fix? Science, logic, testing—not guessing. 🗣️ “Cars are physics, math, science. Fix them with facts—not fear.” 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 Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🚗💬 This week on Ron Ananian: The Car Doctor 🔧 Ron tackled what really matters in car repair: honesty, method, and smart business. 🛑 "Reasonable Repair" – Don’t throw money at rust buckets. Ron helped a customer with a 17-year-old Mitsubishi realize when it's time to let go—focusing on safety first, not pointless repairs. 🔍 Main Call: 1973 Opel Manta – Paul’s classic car sputters & stalls. Ron lays out a step-by-step diagnostic plan: ✅ Spark strength ✅ Coil voltage ✅ Fuel pump vacuum test ✅ Tank restrictions ✅ Vacuum/timing check 📏 Diagnosis isn’t guesswork. It’s science + logic = results. 💡 Takeaway: ✔️ Be honest with customers ✔️ Diagnose methodically ✔️ Use slow weeks to sharpen your shop 🗣️ “No car is unfixable—only improperly diagnosed.” 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 Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron starts this episode stating you never know what you’re going to get with auto repair with the story of a new customer with a vehicle with a salvage title : takes a call on a 14 Escalade with an oil leak at the oil cooling unit : takes a call on touch screens and using a stylus pen to operate, and talks about the brakes on a 25 vehicle that almost feels like the ABS is kicking in at inappropriate times : takes a call on an 09 Focus with a broken rear sway bar link and a cracked rear lower control arm : talks about a 10 Fusion with a brake problem that can’t be duplicated. 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 Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor he previews a Memorial Day tradition featuring a past interview with his late Uncle Steve, a WWII pilot. He takes a call from Nancy in Wisconsin, who asks about using fuel system cleaner in her 2020 Chevy Trax. Ron approves, recommending it at every oil change or monthly as preventative care. He also advises her to check if major services like the 30,000-mile maintenance were done and to prepare for the upcoming 60,000-mile service. He encourages staying informed and recommends resources like AutoBatteries.com and BGFindAShop.com. Ron shares shop stories emphasizing timely oil changes and praises the new Ford Mustang GT for its performance. He invites listeners to submit old Uncle Steve interviews to build a tribute archive and reflects on his uncle’s incredible wartime journey. The episode ends with a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. 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 Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Vehicle: 2008 Honda Ridgeline Issue: Blower fan and AC stop working after restarting the car (typically after refueling) Behavior: Comes back on after driving or waiting Happens intermittently Most Likely Cause: Blower Motor Power Transistor (Resistor Module) Controls blower speed and provides ground Common failure point on this vehicle Failure prevents both blower and AC compressor from working Recommended Action: Replace the blower motor power transistor Located under dash, by blower housing Use OEM or Denso for reliability Optional Diagnostics: Check for 12V at white/blue wire (blower power) Test blue/black wire for ground (from transistor) Bypass transistor ground to confirm blower motor works 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 Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Orchestration of a Repair Shop (Hosted by Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor) In this episode Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes listeners behind the scenes of a particularly hectic week at his repair shop, offering a candid and insightful look at the challenges of managing modern automotive repair. Known for his storytelling and deep industry knowledge, Ron reflects on what he calls the "orchestration" of a repair shop—comparing it to conducting a symphony filled with unexpected crescendos, missed beats, and moments of brilliance. The Week in Review: A Shop in Motion Ron opens the show with his usual musing on how best to kick things off and quickly dives into the unpredictable nature of auto repair. By mid-Tuesday, his shop had already taken in enough work to fill not only the current week but the next as well—despite having no appointments scheduled just days earlier. The sudden workload surge required fast thinking, tight coordination, and prioritization of repairs, each with its own “personality,” as Ron describes. Notable Cases from the Shop 1. The 2005 PT Cruiser — Delayed Maintenance Revisited One story involves a longtime customer driving a PT Cruiser that had been neglected for over a decade. Twelve years ago, Ron had warned her that the car needed a timing belt and cooling system service. She chose to ride it into the ground. Now, the vehicle was back, experiencing overheating symptoms. The team couldn’t find any obvious faults during multiple road tests, so Ron decided to install a new thermostat and use a bottle of K-Seal, a trusted sealer for aging engines. The customer, now in her mid-80s, was given this cost-effective solution—likely the last fix before the car’s final ride. 2. 2011 Chrysler Town & Country — Rust Never Sleeps Another job involved a Town & Country with worn control arm bushings. Though the car had been parked in dry Arizona for years, corrosion had made basic repairs almost impossible. Axles couldn’t be removed, bolts were fused, and the team had to lower the engine cradle to complete the job. It was a harsh reminder that rust doesn't always follow logic—and that even straightforward jobs can turn into complex undertakings. 3. 2012 Cadillac SRX — The Manufacturer’s "White Lie" A first-time customer brought in an SRX with a warning message claiming the engine was overheating. But the problem wasn’t what it seemed. The thermostat had failed in the open position, causing the engine to run too cool, not too hot. Ron explained how GM’s system defaults to turning on the cooling fans and disabling the temperature gauge in such cases—a strategic design intended to force customers into a shop, even if the car isn't technically overheating. For this customer, who had done almost no maintenance on the car aside from oil changes, Ron had to delicately break the news that it probably wasn’t worth fixing due to the car's poor overall condition. 4. 2009 Toyota Camry — The Avalanche of Neglect Perhaps the most dramatic case of the week involved a Toyota Camry that came in for a simple oil change—but left the team buried in an avalanche of repairs. Years of deferred maintenance came to a head: the water pump was failing, the radiator was leaking, the belts were dangerously cracked, and more. Ron had warned the customer years ago that ignoring needed maintenance would lead to catastrophic failure—and this week, it all hit at once. Despite being overbooked, the shop managed to complete the job, but not without major hurdles. Just as Ron was wrapping up the repair late Friday afternoon, a new problem emerged: a loud knocking noise. After a tense diagnostic process, he traced the sound to the alternator, which had developed a bearing failure—likely caused by the earlier water pump issue. The car would need to return the following week for even more work. Final Thoughts Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, brings decades of experience and unmatched storytelling to every episode. This one stands out as a perfect...

Ron starts this episode with a call on a 19 Honda with intermittent touch screen : takes a call on a 78 Marquis that has been parked for 40 years, and the caller wants to know how to proceed to get it on the road : takes a call on an 08 Range Rover where the transmission drops out of gear when accelerating : talks about strange emails he receives : talks about losing coolant and the use of K-Seal : answers an email on an 18 VW and a change in oil specifications for the vehicle : answers an email about a jump starter and the writer asks about air compressors about the same size : answers an email about brakes on an 18 Toyota. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Call Of The Week from Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show... Joe from Pennsylvania has a 2010 Chevy Impala that intermittently gets stuck in Park. The shifter doesn’t have a manual release, and AAA refuses to tow it in that condition. Ron explains the issue likely involves the shift interlock circuit, which depends on the brake light switch, Body Control Module (BCM), and a solenoid controlled by a dark green wire with a white stripe. Ron advises Joe to: Check if brake lights work when the issue occurs. Test for 12V on the green/white wire when pressing the brake. Use a 194 test bulb inline on that wire to confirm power. Check the ground at the solenoid. Make sure the brake switch was calibrated (BPP calibration) if it was replaced. If power reaches the solenoid but it doesn’t click, it’s likely the solenoid or ground. If no power, the problem is upstream in the circuit. Ron emphasizes understanding the circuit before replacing parts. 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 Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian "The Car Doctor" Radio Show: Ron opens the show by discussing recent media appearances, particularly focusing on dashboard warning lights, with a segment on the check engine light drawing significant listener interest across social media platforms. Ron then takes us on a deeper dive into the check engine light; what it means when it turns on and then off intermittently, He emphasizes that modern cars constantly self-test their systems—especially emission-related components—and even transient issues can trigger the light. Ron stresses the importance of capturing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) as soon as the light appears, either with a personal scanner, a visit to a parts store, or by asking a trusted mechanic. He discusses common causes like fuel blend issues, oxygen sensor faults, and catalytic converter efficiency (e.g., codes P0420 and P0430). He explains how systems like freeze frame data provide vital context, such as engine conditions at the time of failure, and why clearing codes prematurely can erase that valuable info. He criticizes the "head-in-the-sand" approach many car owners take, warning against ignoring warning lights before long trips. To drive home the point, he likens a car's self-check to a person’s morning routine—each check step can reveal issues before they become major. In the second half, a caller named John discusses an intermittent starting problem on his 2003 Chevy Impala. After replacing a crank sensor and checking the fuel system, John discovers that the ignition control module was the root cause. Ron walks through his logical diagnostic approach, including checking spark color, using plastic tubing to test for fuel leaks, and watching for rodent damage (which John found). Ron commends John for his solid diagnostics and suggests replacing the coils as preventative maintenance. In a later call, a listener named Joe describes a 2010 Impala stuck in park due to a shifter issue. Ron begins diagnosing by asking if the brake lights work—implying a possible brake switch or shift interlock solenoid failure. He continues to diagnose the problem for all; except for the caller, whom does not seem to be listening. Ron closes with show updates, reminding listeners about a new YouTube video on diagnosing a fuel pump issue in a 2015 Tacoma and reminds everyone about his available T-Shorts and merchandise found on his website. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🚗 Car Doctor Episode Recap: Safety First! 🛠️ with Ron Ananian This week, Ron dives into vehicle neglect and safety concerns, with real examples from his shop: 🔧 2015 Chevy City Express Van – Tire cords were exposed and flapping, yet the driver was still using it daily. 🔧 Brake Failure – A car had no rear brake pad left, but the owner ignored the noise because “it went away.” 🔧 2002 Honda Odyssey – Rear wheel bearing was so destroyed the wheel was nearly detaching! 💡 Ron’s Message: Times are tough, but skipping car maintenance can lead to serious accidents. Cut a luxury, not your safety. 🎥 Coming Sunday: New YouTube video on diagnosing a tricky no-start in a 2015 Toyota Tacoma, including why aftermarket scan tools failed and only a factory-level tool (Opus IVS) gave the right answer. 📞 Caller Highlights: 🔹 Tom from Wisconsin – Silverado randomly stalls. Ron suggests checking voltage at the ignition switch and fuse block. 🔹 Darryl from Tennessee – No heat in his Lexus. Likely a blend door or HVAC module issue, but needs a scan tool to confirm. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast Episode: The Right to Repair—A Farmer’s Fight for Independence Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor In this powerful episode, Ron Ananian shifts the conversation on the Right to Repair from the garage to the fields, speaking with Jared Wilson, a multi-generation farmer from Missouri. Together, they expose the real-world impact of restrictive repair policies on American agriculture and the broader implications for all of us. Key Highlights: 🚜 A Farmer’s Perspective on Right to Repair Jared Wilson shares firsthand how being unable to fix his own John Deere equipment due to proprietary software and locked diagnostics puts his livelihood at risk. 🛠️ Dependence on Authorized Dealers Without access to necessary tools and software, farmers face: Costly repairs Long delays during peak seasons Operational shutdowns during planting or harvest windows 🌾 Beyond Tractors: It’s About Food Security The episode makes clear that this isn't just a technical issue—it affects: National food production Economic resilience in rural communities The independence and sustainability of American farming ⚖️ Legal and Ethical Questions Ron and Jared discuss how corporate control over repair rights raises serious concerns about ownership, fairness, and long-term viability. 🔧 A Mechanic Meets a Farmer Ron bridges the gap between his world of auto repair and the farmer’s reality, showing how the Right to Repair movement touches nearly every aspect of modern life. ❗ A Warning for the Future The conversation ends with a sobering question: If we lose the right to repair today, what critical systems—agricultural or otherwise—might fail tomorrow? Listen in to hear how one farmer’s story represents a growing nationwide struggle—and why this fight affects us all. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor AI Comes to Automotive Diagnostics In this forward-looking episode, Ron Ananian dives into the future of auto repair technology with guests Steve Etheridge and Jim Fish from Opus IVS. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is being integrated into modern diagnostic tools—and what that means for technicians, shops, and the automotive industry as a whole. Key Highlights: 🔧 Introduction of the DrivePro 2 Scan Tool Learn about Opus IVS's newest innovation, the DrivePro 2, a cutting-edge diagnostic device designed to streamline and enhance vehicle troubleshooting. 🤖 Meet AiDN: The Built-In AI Assistant Discover how AiDN (Artificial Intelligence Diagnostic Network) helps technicians by interpreting scan data, offering suggestions, and guiding repair decisions. 💬 Two-Way Chat Functionality Explore the tool’s interactive chat system that allows real-time communication between the technician and the AI, creating a more intuitive and efficient workflow. 🚗 Faster, Smarter Diagnostics Understand how AI can reduce diagnostic time, improve accuracy, and support techs of all skill levels with complex issues. 🔍 Behind the Scenes with Opus IVS Steve Etheridge and Jim Fish provide insights into the development process and the company’s vision for the future of diagnostics. 🎧 Why This Matters Now Ron emphasizes the importance of staying ahead in an evolving industry and why techs need to understand and adopt AI-driven tools. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the automotive repair landscape—starting today. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's a summary and bullet point breakdown of the call between Eric from Pennsylvania and Ron Ananian on The Car Doctor radio show from April 26, 2025: 🔧 Caller Issue: Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ Mileage: 230,000 miles Engine: Multiple crate engine replacements (current one is 3rd crate engine) Main Symptom: Voltage drops from ~14V to 10V during driving, especially on long trips. AC compressor shuts off when voltage drops. Vehicle eventually enters limp mode. Turning headlights on brings voltage back to normal (~14V). 🛠️ Previous Work Done: New Alternator and Battery: Both replaced with OEM GM parts (twice). Added Ground Wires: Installed by an electrical specialist. AFM (Active Fuel Management) Disabled. No Aftermarket Parts: Only modification is AFM delete. 🧠 Diagnostic Observations & Suggestions (Ron Ananian): Key Question: Is this a headlight-specific circuit issue or a general electrical load problem? Blower Fan Test: Blower fan doesn’t resolve the issue like headlights do, suggesting it’s circuit-specific, not general load. Electrical Theory: Turning headlights on might bypass GM’s energy-saving mode, stabilizing voltage. Could be a module communication/network issue—one module dropping out could cause system-wide failure. Ron compares it to computers on a network: one fails, the rest follow. 🧪 Further Diagnostic Path Ron Suggests: Scan Tool Needed: Check for module communication failures during voltage drop. Cluster/Oil Pressure Warning: Oil pressure reads low on dash but is fine on manual gauge. Possible faulty cluster or wiring issue, possibly affecting system behavior. Check Bulkhead Connector: Wiring harness going through firewall may be suspect. Evaluate What’s Working: Don’t just chase bad parts—establish what’s good (e.g., fuel trims, throttle position, vacuum). Disconnect AC Compressor Electrically: See if the issue still occurs with AC unplugged to isolate AC clutch as a cause. 🔁 Next Steps for Eric: Determine if AC compressor clutch is affecting the system or just coincidentally shutting off. Investigate further with his technician using Ron’s suggestions. Call back with updates for continued guidance. Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.