In this episode, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor tackles one of the most important questions in car ownership: when is it time to fix it, and when is it time to let go?

Mary Beth from Kentucky calls in with her 2011 Honda CR-V facing multiple issues — a clogged catalytic converter, transmission fluid loss, and power loss uphill. Ron helps her weigh the costs, the reality of CVTs and turbos in today’s market, and how to shop smart while staying safe. He also stresses the importance of trusting a shop that’s equipped for modern vehicles — scan tools and all.

Then, Jeremy in Maryland shares a close call after a faulty aftermarket battery leaked acid onto his sister’s Chevy Cruze, risking major electrical damage. Ron uses the moment to underline why professional parts and proper liability matter more than ever — especially with today’s high-tech vehicles and start/stop systems.

Plus, guest expert Spiro Morogiannis of BG Products joins to talk summer car prep, from often-overlooked driveline fluids to the carbon buildup dangers of GDI engines. He offers practical, shop-ready advice on what really keeps your car road trip–ready — and what dealers still get wrong about lifetime fluids.

Takeaways:

• Why “fix or replace” starts with being honest about your budget and goals.

• Not all CVTs and turbos are created equal — pick your brand carefully.

• Even “lifetime” fluids need changing.

• How a battery failure can become a safety issue.

• BG’s take on real-world summer maintenance — from fuel injectors to differentials.

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In this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor he shares a hard-earned truth: sometimes the best repair decision is knowing when not to repair at all. He opens with Paul’s 2015 Infiniti QX60 — a case of DIY diagnostics gone sideways — where Ron’s careful testing uncovers a failed all-wheel-drive coupler misdiagnosed by others as a transmission issue. The lesson? Put emotion aside, baseline the vehicle, and test — don't guess.

Next, Ron helps a frustrated owner of a 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid navigate a string of electrical gremlins, recalls, and communication breakdowns with the dealer. He offers insight on how to get answers, when to involve corporate, and how to make the system work for you.

Also featured:

• A 2016 Toyota Highlander smart key mystery with surprising safety implications.

• A call from a fellow mechanic about a 2007 Saturn with an intermittent trans fault — and the tough question: patch it or rebuild it?

This episode is packed with technical smarts, straight talk, and a reminder that sometimes, walking away is the best fix of all.

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

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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 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

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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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🚗💡 “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.

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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

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• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
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• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is back with more real calls from everyday drivers like you:

• 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.

• Spencer from Michigan reports his Chevy Impala’s fuel gauge jumping all over the place, but the car’s fuel economy is fine. Ron believes it’s a faulty gauge, not a fuel leak.

• Paul from Virginia Beach lost a key fob for his 2017 Mercedes Sprinter RV. With Mercedes’ strict policies and chip shortages, replacing it won’t be easy.

Stay tuned as Ron breaks down the fixes and offers tips you can trust.

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

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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   
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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

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

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

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This is the stand alone interview from the June 7, 2025 Hour 1 Show.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, sat down with Cherokee Hart, Finance Manager at Mahwah Ford, to discuss the current automotive market landscape, focusing on two key topics:

1. Impact of New Car Tariffs

Cherokee provided valuable insight into how recent tariffs on imported auto parts and vehicles are affecting both pricing and availability in the showroom. Key takeaways include:

• Tariffs are driving incremental price increases, especially for models reliant on imported components.

• Some consumers are opting to buy sooner rather than later to avoid potential future price hikes.

• Leasing programs and incentives are helping offset the rising costs in the short term.

2. Current Ford Deals

Cherokee also highlighted June promotions at Mahwah Ford, which include:

• 0% financing offers on select F-150 and Escape models.

• Cash rebates and loyalty incentives for returning Ford customers.

• Strong trade-in values, especially for used trucks and SUVs due to high demand in the pre-owned market.

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

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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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Quick Recap – Ron Ananian: The Car Doctor
Real calls, real problems, real solutions—from a trusted mechanic who actually cares.

🔧 Mark – ’98 F-150 Overheating
Still runs hot after major cooling system repairs.
Ron’s take: Check coolant flow—could be a bad new water pump, internal rust blockage, or missing airflow panels under the truck.

🛠️ Joel – ’94 Lexus LS400 Brakes
Soft pedal after a DIY brake job with his son.
Ron’s advice: Bleed the master cylinder first. ABS needs a specific process. Ron offers to send factory steps if Joel emails him.

🚘 Joseph – ’01 Mustang Trans Swap
Wants to switch from manual to automatic post-stroke.
Ron says: Make sure the shop can integrate the new transmission with the computer—and consider selling that valuable T5 manual trans.

🎙️ Why Listen?
Ron blends expert car advice with a personal, down-to-earth approach. Whether you’re a DIYer or just want to understand your mechanic better, this show delivers.

📞 Live Saturdays 2–4 PM ET | Call: 855-560-9900

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 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Critters in Cars: A Surprise Repair
“It’s like cheap underwear—it creeps up on you when you least expect it.”

This week, Ron shared a classic “Critters in Cars” story. A 2014 Honda Accord rolled into the shop with two unrelated fault codes: one for the throttle body and one for the purge valve. No connection between them—except that they were both on the same vehicle.

Turns out, the throttle body was filthy—carbon buildup so bad it gouged a ring in the housing. The fix? A new throttle body and a computer reflash. Easy enough.

But the purge valve? That’s where it got weird.

Even after replacing the valve, the car still wouldn’t show any change in fuel tank pressure during purge events. That meant the system wasn’t functioning—and Ron had a hunch. A closer look revealed chewed wires near the vent valve harness. Mouse damage.

Still, the pressure sensor wasn’t responding. The final clue? A tiny spiderweb inside the charcoal canister. Full of gunk. Blocked solid.

🛠️ The Fix: A new throttle body, repaired wiring, and a new canister. The car’s now running right.

🕷️ The Lesson: When check engine lights pop up, especially if there are multiple codes, don’t assume it’s all new. Rodent damage and long-term neglect often lurk underneath.

Ron’s takeaway? Drivers need to be more aware of their cars. Because what looks like a “just came on” light might actually be months of hidden trouble—and a mouse with a taste for wiring.

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 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.