On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, the first half tackles real-world issues—from new-car tech overwhelm to a GMC Denali folding-mirror diagnosis, plus maintenance advice for a 2016 F-250 and a Chevy Trax fuel-fill vent problem.

In the second half, IIHS’s Dr. Jessica Jermakian breaks down Child Passenger Safety Week: rear-facing timelines, why kids belong in the back seat to age 12, proper restraint selection/installation, modeling safe driving, and what to do if your airbag light is on—along with trusted resources at www.IIHS.org

• 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 Car Doctor – Checks, Banks & Real-World Car Fixes 

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron exposes the hidden headaches of running a small auto repair business—from a QuickBooks/FedEx check security scare to a TD Bank account freeze—and how a proactive Chase Bank solved it. Callers get practical fixes: a Chevy Tahoe brake-pedal height solution, a Duramax diesel fuel/vacuum diagnostic tip, and a Ford Explorer cold-start game plan. Plus, a sneak peek at a 2015 Toyota Highlander spark plug video that proves why “simple” jobs aren’t so simple.

• 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.

Flashing a School Bus (Legally): ABS Programming, Honda Axles, Hemi Misfires & EVAP Fixes

In this episode of Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a shop story you won’t forget—flashing a 2008 Chevy short school bus after its new ABS module came in blank. Using the OPUS IVS 360 and remote tech support, he gets the “empty” controller fully configured and back on the road, proving why software and programming matter just as much as wrenches in today’s repairs.

From there, Ron tackles real listener calls:

• How to choose the right Honda Accord CV axles without paying $1,100 each at the dealer

• The smart way to service Honda automatic transmissions with DW-1 fluid and why pressure switches matter

• Diagnosing a cylinder-6 misfire on a Dodge Durango Hemi using volumetric efficiency testing and running compression

• Understanding Infiniti’s P0448 EVAP vent code and how to test before replacing parts

Packed with practical scan tool strategies, shop-floor economics, and repair insights, this episode is a must-listen for DIYers, techs, and anyone trying to keep their vehicle on the road longer.

• 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 Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Thermostats, Cold Misfires, Dual-Tank Gremlins & Shop Truths

Ron opens with “the good, the bad, and the ugly,” then dives into rapid-fire diagnostics: a 2019 Chevy Blazer that loses A/C and power assist when a bad thermostat skews engine temp strategy; a 2017 Ford Explorer with P0300/P0316 cold-start misfires and how to prove cause using Mode 6, freeze-frame, power balance, and residual fuel-pressure tests; a 1996 Ford F-350 dual-tank fueling issue caused by check-valve logic/recall history; a quick clutch-interlock switch hack; and a Toyota Highlander Blackstone oil-analysis follow-up. Plus: why parts updates (hello, brake pad tape) and better shop communication matter. Practical steps, scan-tool tips, and straight talk for DIYers and pros.

Chapter Markers (condensed)

• 00:00 – Tease: “Good, Bad & Ugly” open; straight to the phones

• 01:11 – 2019 Chevy Blazer: thermostat fault, A/C & EPS cut by strategy

• 05:44 – 2017 Ford Explorer: P0300/P0316; Mode 6, freeze-frame, power balance, residual pressure plan

• 17:50 – 1996 Ford F-350: dual tanks pumping into each other; check valves & recall history

• 24:02 – Quick tip: clutch-interlock switch adjustment workaround

• 26:14 – 2015 Toyota Highlander: Blackstone oil-report results & contamination prevention

• 30:39 – Close: parts changes (pad adhesives), customer approach, and shop relationships

• 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 - Interview Summary – Optima Batteries with Daryl Brockman

Ron talks with Daryl Brockman from Optima Batteries about how today’s vehicles demand more from their batteries. With start/stop systems and heavy electronics, AGM batteries are the go-to for reliability and long life. Optima offers RedTop for standard loads, YellowTop for high-demand systems, and new lithium options for cars, trucks, powersports, RVs, and marine use.

Highlights include Optima’s CPR built-in jumpstart reserve, the PowerLink dongle for easy monitoring and charging, and a Bluetooth app that can wake a battery without popping the hood. Backed by Clarios, the world’s largest battery maker, Optima’s products carry top safety certifications and advanced lithium iron phosphate chemistry for cold-weather performance and long cycle life.

Find out more at www.optimabatteries.com

• 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

Fast phones this hour: real overheat triage, clutch/flywheel choices, steering play sanity check, BG carbon service for DI, modern sludge cures, and value axles.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Open / Tease

• 00:58 – Mark (Bronx) – Sudden Overheat, 4-cyl Honda
  Steam + gauge pinned = real overheat. Don’t drive; tow. Check thermostat/coolant/pump; rule out head gasket. Pull codes & vitals.

• 07:29 – Alan (MD) – ’99 Sentra Clutch
  Start OE or LUK. Machine shops scarce—consider kit with flywheel. Inspect rear main & PCV while in there.

• 11:48 – Quick Note
  Mitchell1 award mention.

• 12:21 – Frank (DE) – ’16 Silverado Steering Play
  Get true alignment (proper gear, printout); inspect for looseness.
  16:07 – PM: DI Carbon – GM recommends BG fuel service; use bgfindashop.com.

• 19:12 – Kent (ME) – ’08 Wrangler 3.8 Tick/Ping ~2k
  Likely carbon/valvetrain age. Start with BG clean, plugs, full baseline; pay for diagnosis.

• 27:03 – Alex (IA) – Drop the Pan?
  Modern engines: use chemistry, not pan pulls. Stiction Eliminator example; 5k oil/quality filter.

• 32:16 – Mailbag – ’07 Accord Axles (200k)
  Skip pricey OE; Advance/Carquest new axles = solid value/fit.

• 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

Three-day shop sprint, ATG misfire class takeaways, and a through-line: maintenance beats repairs. Then calls on when to keep/swap cars, run-flats vs spares, and streetable performance cooling—plus a quick washer-fluid myth-buster.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Open / Monologue
  3-day week grind; ATG class (Edison). Recognition from listeners. Big takeaway: factory schedule as baseline, oil at 5–6k, fluids-by-condition, turbos work harder—maintenance > repair.

• 07:25 – Case Study – ’15 Dodge Charger (P0128)
  Fast diag → thermostat; car shows “minimal maintenance” pitfalls. Cost-per-mile vs deferred work.

• 11:11 – Tom’s Inspection Story
  Full synthetic, 5k intervals; cost-per-month math on real ownership.

• 13:49 – Mark (Las Vegas) – ’08 Honda CR-V, 241k
  Loves simple tech; wary of CVT/turbos. Advice: rent/try newer tech, or keep CR-V and invest (engine/trans if needed) vs $30k+ replacement.

• 17:25 – Mark (cont.) – What to Buy / Wait?
  Shortlist: CR-V, RAV4, Blazer, Escape. Turbos are ubiquitous; hybrids add complexity. Consider waiting as regulations/offerings shift.

• 23:19 – Mike (CA) – ’14 BMW X5 Tires
  Run-flats vs spare. If converting, match rolling diameter & systems; run-flats have pros/cons, roadside realities.

• 27:00 – Kevin (MA) – ’72 Dart, Holley Sniper & Trans Cooler
  Handheld/tuner Q → check Holley; stall-converter heat, separate cooler, plug rad ports; “mild goes wild” on the street—detune for temps.

• 32:16 – Mailbag – Washer Fluid Colors
  Orange vs blue = freeze-point/formulation. Mixing generally OK if bottle allows; unlike oil/coolant/trans fluids.

• 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.

Diagnostics Isn’t a Guess: Go the Distance

Ron opens with the truth about diagnostics: commitment, not guessing, gets cars fixed. A stubborn ’06 Acura misfire sets the stage, then real calls highlight trust, process, and the dangers of shortcuts—from a Subaru owner who celebrates his shop, to a Jeep with a rear main leak, a Silverado with a dragging brake, and a Buick Enclave that turned into a parts-cannon case study.

Chapter Markers & Highlights

00:00 – Monologue: The Relationship & The Process

• Story of an ’06 Acura with years of failed repairs.

• Point: diagnostics require commitment (“go the distance”), not poking and hoping.

12:05 – Micah in Maine: Subaru Legacy

• Example of a strong shop–customer relationship.

• Rustproofing mishap solved because both shop and supplier worked together.

• Lesson: trust and respect pay off.

17:45 – Rocky in Maine: ’92 Jeep Wrangler

• Rear main seal leaking after clutch job.

• No miracle fixes; check PCV/blowby.

• Seal job takes finesse; plan proper repair when practical.

24:45 – Ted in Illinois: ’17 Chevy Silverado

• RF brake drags after driving.

• Internal hose failure can act like a check valve—sometimes on the other side.

• At ~100k miles, replace both front hoses and bleed system.

31:00 – Jacob: ’11 Buick Enclave

• Replaced injectors, pumps, cats removed, still bogging/misfiring.

• Lesson: stop the parts cannon.

• Next steps: restore cats, check manifold vacuum, test injectors properly.

Close – Ron’s Reminder
Mechanics aren’t expensive. They’re priceless—when you let them follow the process.

• 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.

Brakes, Transmissions, Driveline Clunks & the Future of Batteries

Description:
From spongy brakes on a 4Runner to a Malibu that won’t stay put in park, Ron takes listener calls on tricky driveline and transmission issues. Then Optima Batteries’ Daryl Brockman joins the show to break down the latest in AGM and lithium technology, Hypercore cold-start performance, and why battery tech is evolving faster than the cars they power.

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Spongy brakes on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner

• 06:20 – Malibu transmission rolls in “Park”

• 11:15 – Tacoma driveline clunk at stops

• 17:40 – Optima’s Daryl Brockman on AGM & lithium batteries

• 27:45 – PowerLink system & built-in jumpstart tech

• 32:45 – Battery safety certifications & takeaways

• 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.

EV Mandates, Appliance Bans & the Hidden Costs of Going Green | The Car Doctor Podcast

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sits down with energy expert Mark Mills for a wide-ranging discussion on EVs, government mandates, and the future of car ownership. Together, they break down:

• Why Washington’s appliance bans mirror EV mandates.

• What Germany’s sudden end to EV subsidies really means.

• The hidden costs of EV ownership—insurance, repairs, and batteries.

• Why trillions in infrastructure may never materialize.

• How mining, energy policy, and subsidies shape the real future of electric cars.

From cow methane to insurance companies pulling out of Florida, this episode looks beyond the showroom and into the economics, politics, and realities shaping your next vehicle.

• 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.