Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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

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

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

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sat down with Spiro Morianis from BG Products to discuss smart summer prep for your vehicle. As road trips ramp up, they stressed the value of multipoint inspections—going beyond oil changes to check tires, fluids, and overall system health. Two commonly overlooked services stood out: Driveline fluid changes (differentials, transfer cases), especially in SUVs and trucks that tow or handle heavy loads. Fuel system cleaning, critical for GDI engines, which suffer from carbon buildup affecting performance and fuel economy. Regular use of products like BG 44K and occasional air intake cleanings keep engines running strong. Spiro also detailed BG’s Lifetime Protection Plan—a free, no-registration-needed warranty that rewards consistent maintenance with BG products. It's even transferable when you sell your vehicle and has covered major repairs, like a $4,000 engine job on a 341,000-mile car. Bottom line: Modern tune-ups mean full-system care, not just spark plugs. Stay proactive and keep your vehicle road-trip ready. More about BG Products at: BGFindAShop.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.

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.

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 The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian takes calls from real drivers facing real dilemmas. Debbie from Wisconsin wonders if it’s finally time to replace her trusty 2005 Ford Explorer — and Ron walks her through the pros and cons of keeping an aging SUV versus buying a costly modern crossover. From certified pre-owned tips to Wrangler warnings, it’s a masterclass in practical car buying advice. Later, John in Maine tracks down a pesky P0480 code after replacing the cooling fan in his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Ron dives into wiring diagrams, OE vs. aftermarket parts, and even post-collision troubleshooting. Finally, Paul from Virginia asks why there are so many kinds of antifreeze — and whether the "universal" stuff is actually safe. Ron breaks it down with an easy-to-follow answer rooted in engineering, not marketing. Have an aging ride or a mystery code of your own? Tune in, learn something, and maybe save yourself a bundle. 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.

🚗💡 “Cheaper” isn’t always smarter. This week the show, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor shared two stories that hit home: One listener passed on Ron’s $1,229 AC repair quote — using OEM parts and solid labor — and chose the cheaper shop instead. Even though he admitted it might fail. Another caller inherited a beautiful 2004 Chevy van from his mom… but the frame was rotted out. Emotion said fix it. Logic — and Ron — said let it go. The takeaway? “The cost of quality is remembered long after the price is paid.” Car repair isn’t just about tools and parts — it’s about long-term thinking, safety, and trust. 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.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes call from Las Vegas. Harry has 2 older GM vehicles. A 2000 Chevy Tahoe and a 2012 Cadillac CTS. Both have some pretty serious problems and unfortunately Ron has to be the bearer of bad news. Harry from Vegas has a 2000 Tahoe burning oil badly on the highway and a 2012 Cadillac CTS with a leaking head gasket or maybe a porous engine block. Ron suspects stuck oil rings and suggests trying Stiction Eliminator before considering a rebuild. The second problem involves coolant loss and a porous engine block seeping coolant, maybe! Tune in for the details! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor opens the show with a surprising report: new Chevy vans are under a “stop sale” unless you’re a fleet buyer purchasing six at a time. After verifying this with three NJ dealers, Ron questions why Chevy is pulling back on such a practical vehicle — especially when contractors and families still want vans, but can't get them. This leads to a broader rant: Ford dropped the Econoline for harder-to-service Transit vans, GM vans are disappearing, and essential parts like ignition coils for an 8-year-old van are already discontinued. His customer, unable to buy a new van, puts $11,000 into fixing up his 2016 — a move more and more drivers may face as parts dry up and new vehicle prices soar. Calls from listeners follow: Billy in Colorado is diagnosing EVAP codes on a Toyota Tacoma. Ron walks him through step-by-step testing of solenoids and sensors, emphasizing the role of the FTP sensor and proper use of a smoke machine. John with a 2006 Toyota 4Runner asks whether he should change his trans fluid after 140K miles. Ron says yes — if done gently and with the right WS-spec fluid using a BG fluid exchange, not a flush. Ron wraps by urging listeners: fall back in love with your car — because with limited availability, rising prices, and shrinking parts supply, you might be stuck with it longer than expected. 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.

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.

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.

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.

This is the stand alone interview from the June 7, 2025 Hour 1 Show. Ron Ananian ("The Car Doctor") and Isaac Nielsen of Mahle Aftermarket discuss modern automotive A/C systems, focusing on R-1234yf refrigerant and the importance of proper service equipment. R-1234yf replaced R-134a and requires stricter handling due to contamination risks. All A/C machines now include oxygen sensors and refrigerant identifiers to ensure refrigerant purity (≥98%) and prevent system damage. DIY charge kits and low-quality refrigerants (especially imports) can harm vehicles and equipment. Maintenance tips: Check filters for discoloration, clean internal lines with isopropyl alcohol, and flush hoses weekly. Oxygen sensors degrade over time, even in storage—only buy replacements when needed, as early shelf life affects performance. 🔧 Bottom line: Use quality refrigerant, maintain your machine, and monitor sensors to avoid costly failures. 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 Stand Alone Interview from the June 7th, 2025 Show: Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor sits down with Scott Brownstein of CRC Industries to talk about a wide range of topics and service procedures do's and don'ts for successful auto repair results. 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.

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.

On this episode of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian helps a caller with a 2002 Isuzu Trooper that lost four-wheel drive. He advises scanning for common fault codes tied to speed sensors or the vacuum switch but warns that parts for old Isuzus are hard to find, which may make repair impractical. Ron also addresses a prior caller’s claim that AC Delco batteries are subpar because they use recycled materials. A listener corrects this, pointing out that nearly all modern batteries are made with recycled components—a standard, environmentally responsible practice. Ron emphasizes the importance of proper diagnostics before replacing a battery. Later, CRC’s Scott Brownstein joins to discuss brake maintenance. He stresses the importance of cleanliness, proper "bedding in" of new pads and rotors, and using non-chlorinated brake cleaner. Using the wrong products, like carburetor cleaner, can compromise safety. Ron’s theme throughout: diagnose properly, use the right tools, and don’t cut corners. 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.

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.