Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor shares a story about a first-time customer who brought in a 2008 Volvo with a salvage title. Shop policy required a full inspection, which the customer agreed to, but his wife was upset about the cost and disclosure. Ron stresses the importance of honesty, comparing it to telling a doctor your full medical history. The inspection revealed past rear damage, but the car was safe if properly maintained.

Later, a caller named Jim sought advice on fixing a persistent oil leak in his Cadillac Escalade. Ron suggested checking for a warped housing and cautioned against sealant on the face of the shim gasket

Another caller, Mike, recommended using a stylus for touchscreens in cold weather, which Ron agreed was practical but noted that some issues are mechanical, not just usability-related. Overall, the episode highlighted the value of transparency and careful diagnostics in car repair.

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• 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 

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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 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

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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:

•  

  No blower, no AC compressor

  • 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

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• 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 

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Week in Review: Orchestrating Chaos in the Shop

In this episode, The Car Doctor Ron Ananian reflects on a jam-packed week at his repair shop. Despite starting with an empty schedule, by Tuesday the shop was overflowing with work—requiring fast decisions and careful coordination to manage the mechanical mayhem.

Highlights from the Shop Floor

• 2005 PT Cruiser: A long-neglected vehicle returned with cooling issues. Years after ignoring Ron’s advice to replace the timing belt, the owner finally faced the consequences. Ron installed a thermostat and added K-Seal as a last-resort fix for the aging car.

• 2011 Chrysler Town & Country: Rusted components turned a routine control arm job into a full-blown project. The team had to drop the engine cradle to work around seized bolts—a reminder that even desert-stored vehicles aren't immune to corrosion.

• 2012 Cadillac SRX: This first-time customer thought the engine was overheating, but Ron revealed the truth: a stuck-open thermostat triggered a misleading warning due to GM’s default strategy. Minimal maintenance over the years left the car beyond practical repair.

• 2009 Toyota Camry: What began as an oil change uncovered a cascade of neglected issues—bad water pump, leaking radiator, cracked belts, and more. Despite the chaos, Ron's team got it back on the road, only to discover a failing alternator minutes before closing time.

Takeaway

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, highlights how delayed maintenance snowballs into major repairs—costing more time, money, and stress for both customers and shops. This episode captures the unpredictable rhythm of running a repair shop and reinforces the importance of staying ahead on vehicle care.

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 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor – Memorial Day & Auto Advice

Ron opens the show by previewing next weekend’s Memorial Day episode, which will again feature archived interviews with his late Uncle Steve—a WWII P-51 fighter pilot. This tradition honors veterans and reminds listeners of the deeper meaning behind the holiday.

Listener Calls:

• Frank (2019 Honda Touchscreen Issue):
  Ron advises against disconnecting the battery and recommends a professional diagnostic at the dealership. Documenting the issue is key in case of future recalls or warranty updates.

• Mike (1978 Mercury Marquis Revival):
  For this low-mileage classic car, Ron stresses proper prep before starting: check oil, prime the engine manually, clean the fuel system, and inspect cylinders to avoid damage.

• Bob (2008 Range Rover Transmission Issue):
  With over 240,000 miles, Ron recommends a full code-based diagnosis before considering solenoid repair or full transmission replacement.

Final Thoughts:

The show blends technical advice with heartfelt reflection, as Ron uses his platform to promote careful diagnostics and meaningful Memorial Day remembrance through stories like Uncle Steve’s.

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• Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!
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• 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 

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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

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• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

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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 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

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🚗 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 
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor on KVOI 1030 AM:

Summary of Interview with Ron Ananian on KVOI AM 1030:

In this interview with Host Allen Kath, on KVOI AM 1030, car expert and radio host Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, discusses the essentials of summer car care and travel preparation. Drawing on over 50 years of automotive repair experience, Ananian shares practical advice for everyday drivers, emphasizing preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns during road trips.

Key points from the discussion include:

• Start with the basics: Check oil change history, tire pressure, and perform visual inspections. Faded oil change stickers often indicate overdue service.

• Don't wait until the last minute: Due to ongoing parts shortages and quality issues, repair shops may face delays. Plan maintenance well ahead of any travel.

• Synthetic oils are now standard: Older cars still benefit from synthetic blends, but maintenance intervals should still be followed based on time and mileage.

• Battery maintenance is critical: Batteries often fail in hot climates like Arizona due to heat and vibration. A battery over 3–5 years old may be at risk, especially in cars like Hondas that use high-failure Group 51 batteries.

• Dashboard lights matter: Check engine lights are not decorative—they signal real problems and should not be ignored.

• Women are a significant part of his audience: Ananian notes he aims to educate and empower all listeners, especially women, by explaining car issues clearly and from a safety-first perspective.

• Modern vehicles require more technology: Many repairs now need scan tools and battery management resets, making DIY fixes less feasible for most people.

Ananian highlights a cultural tendency to neglect car care until something breaks, comparing it to how people always find money for a broken water heater or air conditioner, but hesitate on car repairs. He encourages drivers to treat car upkeep as a non-negotiable part of travel preparation.

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

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  • 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 

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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 
• 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.