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.

Why Cars Cost More Than Just Repairs | The Car Doctor Podcast

From BMW leases to Toyota hybrids, wiring harness nightmares to blown diesel dreams, Ron Ananian takes calls that prove cars are more than machines — they’re a lifestyle choice. In this episode:

• Should you buy out that BMW X5 lease or go Toyota RAV4?

• Why a Ford E-150’s hidden wiring fault proves experience matters.

• The safe choice when an Audi tire takes a sidewall hit.

• One Marine’s $11,000 RAM EcoDiesel disaster and why he traded it for a Toyota.

Maintenance, safety, and smart decisions — Ron breaks down what every car owner needs to know before signing the next check.

• 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.

From Florida heat to Maine winters to a single mom’s daily grind—this week’s Car Doctor covers it all. Tom from Lakeland asks if tire pressure should follow the placard or the sidewall in the Florida heat. Paul in Maine is burning through Prius rear brakes, and Ron explains the factory fix every Prius owner should know. Then Alicia from Illinois, with 227k miles on her Ford Escape, wonders if it’s time to repair or replace. Ron delivers practical tips, industry insights, and honest advice that every driver can use.

Keywords: tire pressure tips in hot weather, Toyota Prius rear brake wear, Ford Escape overheating and AC failure, K-Seal head gasket sealer, certified pre-owned car buying advice.

• 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.

From Louisiana highways to Texas garages to Florida driveways—this hour of The Car Doctor covers it all. John from Louisiana reports a blown head gasket on his 2018 Honda Accord 2.0 turbo, part of a growing issue among Honda owners. Ron explains why turbo engines are failing and how to push Honda for support when repairs run into the thousands. An email from Daniel reveals a shop mistake that left his car misfiring after a routine service, highlighting why road tests and customer care are critical. Then Tyler in Texas struggles with a Nissan Frontier throwing P0335 crankshaft sensor codes after an engine rebuild—Ron points to factory bulletins and lab scope diagnostics as the way forward. The hour wraps with Tom in Florida debating Mobil 1 vs. Amsoil oil.

Keywords: Honda Accord head gasket failure, Nissan Frontier P0335, auto repair shop mistakes, lab scope diagnostics, Amsoil vs Mobil 1, Car Doctor podcast.

• 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.

Tiffany’s $16,000 Jeep Corrosion Battle |  Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Podcast

Description:
Jeep door hinge corrosion, costly repairs, and a year-long fight—Tiffany shares how she finally got Jeep to pay a $16,000 bill. Ron Ananian explains galvanic corrosion, hidden recall risks, and why some Chrysler and Crossfire repairs are so expensive.

Tune in on your local radio affiliate or listen to the complete podcast for more tips, solutions and repair advice. 

• 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.

Ford F-350 Stall Mystery, Jeep Door Hinge Fail & VW Beetle Memories | The Car Doctor Podcast

In this episode of Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron digs into a puzzling Ford F-350 stall problem that mimics a fuel delivery issue despite holding steady fuel pressure. Learn his diesel truck troubleshooting approach, from checking PCM relay pins to comparing injector pulse width with MAP sensor readings, and why capturing data during failure is the key to solving intermittent stalling.

Next, caller Tiffany recounts her battle with Jeep door hinge corrosion—a defect that cost $16,000 to repair but was finally covered after a year of persistence. She also shares the challenges of sourcing parts for a Chrysler Crossfire key fob and explains why her VW Beetle restoration project, a 1972 convertible, is still her favorite car.

Ron wraps the hour discussing oil change mistakes to avoid—including why drawing oil through the dipstick can leave sludge behind—and offers transmission service tips on when and why to drop the pan instead of relying solely on a fluid exchange.

Packed with mechanic shop stories, car troubleshooting tips, and real-world repair strategies, this episode delivers practical advice for both do-it-yourselfers and anyone navigating dealership repairs.

• 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.

When Bad Car Repair Days Come in Bunches | The Car Doctor Podcast

Some days in the auto repair shop feel like “grape days” — problems arrive in bunches, and every job fights you. In this episode of Ron Ananian The Car Doctor, Ron shares real mechanic shop stories from one such day.

It starts with a Ford Escape turbo repair—a pricey vacuum line assembly tied to a rare fault code that turned into hours of labor. Then, two Hondas roll in with comeback potential: a Honda CR-V no start caused by a worn ignition switch, and a Honda Odyssey AC problem that turned out to be more about temperature settings than refrigerant.

Listeners also call in with their own challenges. One Lexus owner fights brake squeal after an aftermarket pad and rotor install, while a classic car restoration enthusiast seeks Dodge Dart tire fitment advice after a Dana rear-end swap.

Packed with car troubleshooting tips, repair shop insights, and practical fixes you can use, this episode proves even bad days in the shop can lead to solutions — and sometimes, a good laugh.

• 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.

Car Repair Costs & Cadillac Power Loss | The Car Doctor

Podcast Description

In this hour of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian tackles rising car repair costs and answers listener calls with real‑world shop advice:

• 2003 Cadillac DeVille – new window regulator but still inoperative

• 2016 Cadillac SRX – ABS, StabiliTrak & power steering failures

• 2010 Ford F‑150 5.4L – intermittent power loss and tricky diagnosis

Ron explains why auto repair bills are climbing, the hidden costs of modern diagnostics, and how to avoid surprise expenses at the shop.

• 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.