In this blast from the past edition of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, he opens discussing several automotive issues, focusing on diagnostics and repair advice.

1. Driveability Issues: Ron compares diagnosing cars to Forrest Gump's famous line, "life is like a box of chocolates," saying driveability issues are unpredictable. He shares two examples from his shop:

   • A 2004 Volkswagen Touareg with a check engine light on for months and a lean fuel system code. The owner walked in with a scan tool, stating the issue and asking for a fix. Ron emphasizes the importance of mechanics conducting a thorough diagnosis rather than relying on the customer’s assumptions.
   • An 2008 Ford Fusion with a rolling idle problem, which after several diagnostics, was determined to likely have a bad throttle body. However, Ron notes the uncertainty in automotive repairs, where even clear diagnoses might not be the full story.

2. Handling Mechanic Conversations: Ron advises car owners to be clear about their concerns and to trust the expertise of the mechanic. He also suggests that the owner must have realistic expectations since repairs often involve educated guesses and problem-solving.

3. Callers' Car Problems:

   • Rick in New Haven describes a sticking brake caliper on his 2001 Buick Century. Ron explains that a sticking caliper would cause the car to pull to one side and recommends inspecting the brakes before the situation worsens.
   • Paul in Norway discusses a 2001 Toyota Camry that starts, runs briefly, and then shuts down. Ron suggests diagnosing whether the car has spark and injector pulse to narrow down the issue.
   • John in Shadyside, Ohio calls about a 1983 Honda Civic with a faulty fuel level sender. The part is unavailable, and Ron offers a creative solution: replacing the sender with a similar one from another car model, explaining how the sender works as a variable resistor in the fuel gauge circuit.

4. Car News and Advice: Ron briefly mentions the unveiling of the 2016 Buick , a sleek convertible aimed at competing with European cars. He highlights the car's impressive design, especially its fast-operating top, which opens in just 17 seconds.

Throughout the show, Ron stresses the importance of understanding how car systems work and how to approach repairs, suggesting that even when parts are unavailable, solutions can often be found with a bit of ingenuity.

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On this episode of  Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor from July of 2015, there are a variety of car issues from callers seeking help.

1. Head Gasket or Cooling System Issue?
   A caller from Omaha, Nebraska, Scott, discusses a potential head gasket issue on his 2024 Ford. Initially concerned about black coolant and overheating, Scott ruled out a head gasket problem after further checks. Ron suggests checking the radiator cap, as a faulty cap can cause coolant to boil over by not maintaining the right pressure, which lowers the boiling point. He advises replacing the radiator after 140,000 miles due to possible inefficiency, especially in older vehicles.

2. Intermittent Engine Problem
   Dennis from Clermont, Florida, reports an occasional engine bucking problem with his 1997 Dodge Van. A mechanic suspects a crankcase sensor issue, though no fault codes have appeared. Ron recommends diagnosing further, especially checking if the check engine light works and scanning for any codes. He stresses the importance of troubleshooting using basic diagnostics and getting fault codes from the mechanic.

3. Fuel Leak Smell in 2002 Concord
   Don from Shelton, Connecticut, calls in about a fuel smell coming from his 2002 Concord. Ron notes the importance of inspecting the fuel system, especially since the vehicle is older, and recommends checking for fuel leaks or damp spots under the vehicle. He warns against driving it if a leak is found, as it could be hazardous.

Throughout the show, Ron provides practical advice, urging listeners to check various car components like pressure caps, sensors, and fuel systems for potential issues that could lead to bigger problems down the road.

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In this weeks Hour 2 episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, the show delves into various car issues and the importance of a trustworthy relationship with your mechanic. Ron starts by discussing a scenario where a new customer at the shop was quoted nearly $11,000 for repairs on their Cadillac Escalade by the previous repair facility doing  the maintenance and repairs. He emphasizes that having a trusted mechanic is crucial because it’s rare for a vehicle to need a significant amount of repairs all at once unless it has been poorly maintained. Ron also highlights how modern car repairs require knowledge and proper equipment, and stresses the need for mechanics to stay updated with training to avoid mistakes.

Later, Ron takes calls from listeners, including Jim from Maryland, who has a 2002 GMC Sierra with a 350,000-mile history. Jim noticed transmission issues after using the truck in four-wheel drive during the winter. Ron suggests that the transmission may need a rebuild or replacement and talks about the value of investing in a remanufactured unit. They discuss the challenge of maintaining older vehicles and the importance of considering time and cost when deciding whether to repair or replace.

The second call is from Steve in Wisconsin, who describes issues with his 2006 Chevy Silverado’s four-wheel drive. The truck’s front end is hard to control in snow, and it seems to bind when driving on dry pavement. Ron helps Steve troubleshoot, explaining that the problem may stem from the shift motor or actuator, and advises further investigation. The conversation also touches on how the vehicle might have been involved in an accident, which could be contributing to the issues.

Throughout the episode, Ron provides valuable insights on car repairs, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication with mechanics, as well as the significance of proper diagnostics and timing in fixing issues with older vehicles.

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This week's Hour 1 episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor features a mix of shop stories and car repair advice. Ron starts by discussing a quieter week at the shop, mentioning how mid-March marks the transition between winter and spring, which leads to slower days for the short term. Grateful for the breather in business he talks about the fun (and sometimes surprising) experience of cleaning out his shop’s back room, uncovering old parts and tools, some of which date back decades. He reminisces about the various parts, including old exhaust studs and EGR valves, and reflects on how car repair has changed over the years, with manufacturers now providing more complete assemblies instead of smaller sub-assemblies.

Ron also talks about the sentimental and nostalgic aspects of owning a repair shop, where certain items accumulate over time. He mentions how cleaning out the back room can serve as a reminder of the evolution of the business and automotive technology.

The show also features a call from Connie in Wisconsin, who has an issue with her 2004 Ford F-150's transmission. The truck goes into reverse but won't go into drive. Ron discusses possible causes, including internal transmission issues and the trans range sensor, advising Connie to get a diagnostic check. He suggests evaluating the cost of repairing the transmission versus replacing the truck, offering practical advice based on the vehicle's age and condition.

Later, Ron helps Randy from Georgia with his Oldsmobile, which is leaking coolant near the head gasket. Ron advises Randy to check for further signs of leakage and suggests a deeper inspection if necessary, noting the importance of maintaining older vehicles and understanding when repairs might not be cost-effective.

Throughout the show, Ron emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and staying on top of repairs, especially with older vehicles. The show wraps up with a reminder for listeners to reach out for advice, as Ron’s phone lines are open for more car repair question

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor discuss the evolution of spark plugs, particularly focusing on advancements in spark plug technology, such as iridium spark plugs. They invite Matt Eaton from Denso to explain the changes in spark plug materials and design over the years.

Matt explains that spark plugs used to be made of copper or nickel but have evolved to use platinum and iridium, with iridium offering longer life and better performance. Modern iridium plugs can last over 100,000 miles, which is a significant improvement over older plugs, which needed replacement every 10,000 to 30,000 miles. He also highlights Denso's new Iridium TT plug, designed to improve ignition performance, fuel economy, and lower emissions, featuring a "twin tip" design for more efficient combustion.

Ron & Matt discuss the importance of maintaining spark plugs and the risks of neglecting them, including issues like rough idling, misfires, and reduced fuel economy. They also talk about the dangers of changing the gap on iridium plugs, as they are fragile and can be damaged easily.

The conversation wraps up with a humorous anecdote about a vehicle breakdown due to a snapped serpentine belt, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and replacing belts and hoses before they fail. They recommend that drivers replace belts and hoses every 5 years or 100,000 miles to avoid inconvenient and costly problems.

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Todays show finds host Ron Ananian, the Car Doctor, offering advice and insights on automotive repairs. The show includes a mix of casual conversation, technical advice, and listener call-ins.

In the episode, Ron discusses several topics, including the costs of automotive repairs. He shares a story about a customer with a 2010 Lincoln MKX whose seemingly simple repair—a passenger-side rearview mirror replacement—became a much bigger job, requiring new tires due to damage from hitting a pothole. Ron explains the challenges of maintaining an all-wheel-drive vehicle with uneven tire wear and suggests replacing all four tires for better performance, despite the higher cost.

The show also highlights the rising costs of vehicles, noting that a new Chevy Suburban now costs around $68,000, making a $2,000 repair bill seem more reasonable in comparison. Ron encourages listeners to consider the bigger picture when it comes to vehicle maintenance and repair costs.

The episode includes a call from a listener, Dave, who asks about routine maintenance beyond the usual oil changes and filter replacements. Ron emphasizes the importance of maintaining parts like O2 sensors, mass airflow sensors, and batteries, explaining how regular maintenance can help prevent expensive repairs down the road.

Another call comes from Maureen, who asks about a coolant issue in her 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. Ron advises her to monitor the coolant level and ensure it's consistently topped up, suggesting further investigation if the level drops continuously. He also highlights the potential need for replacing the coolant reservoir if it's too contaminated to read the level accurately.

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This radio interview with Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor features Ken Miller, President of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey and owner of 821 Collision in North Haledon, NJ. They discuss the upcoming Northeast Automotive Trade Show, the largest regional event of its kind, which is now in its 48th year and will be held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center March 14, 15 & 16, 2025

The conversation focuses on the evolving automotive repair industry, particularly the increasing complexity of vehicle technology. Miller explains how both collision and mechanical repair shops must adapt to new challenges, such as OEM certification requirements and advanced vehicle systems, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). He highlights how repairs, even as seemingly simple as replacing a battery or side mirror, now require specialized knowledge, tools, and calibration procedures.

The discussion also touches on the growing crossover between mechanical and collision repair shops due to advancing vehicle technology. Miller emphasizes the importance of training, certification, and industry collaboration. The trade show will feature over 100 vendors, various seminars, and an OEM panel to address these industry shifts.

The interview concludes with information on the event’s schedule, location, and registration details.

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor starts this weeks show with a repair from the shop. A new customer reached out for help with a 2018 Volvo experiencing a persistent shake at speeds above 52 mph. The car belongs to a couple from New Jersey and has been to a dealership multiple times without a resolution.

Diagnosis Process:

• Ron test-drove the car and noted a hula hoop-like vibration at certain speeds.
• Placing the car in neutral at 62 mph made the shake disappear, ruling out tires, wheels, and balancing issues.
• The shake returned under acceleration, indicating a loaded drivetrain issue.
• Unplugging the rear differential’s control unit didn’t resolve the shake, eliminating the rear axle as the cause.
• Inspection of the front suspension and axles led to the discovery of a damaged right front axle boot, which had lost 90% of its grease.

Conclusion:

• The right front axle was the likely culprit, also causing excessive wear on the right front tire.
• Despite expensive previous repairs (turbocharger replacements), the issue had been overlooked.
• The owners are now considering selling the car due to additional pending repairs.

Additional Callers & Topics:

1. Water Leak in a 2014 Honda Civic – A caller from Pennsylvania reported wet carpets and a possible leak from the trunk. Ron suggested checking:

   • Sunroof drains (already ruled out).
   • Tail light seals (common leak point).
   • Trunk drainage channels for debris.
   • Evaporator drain clog if the issue persists.

2. Chatter on Acceleration in a 2018 Hyundai – A caller from Long Island described a clutch-like chatter from a stop:

   • It’s worse when cold.
   • Hyundai performed a fuel injector service, but it didn’t help.
   • Ron advised checking fuel trim data and potential pending fault codes, even if no warning lights were present.

Show Highlights:

• Ron emphasized the importance of detailed inspections and not assuming diagnoses.
• The Car Doctor T-shirts and coffee cups are popular merchandise items.
• The show wrapped up with more calls about shutters, shakes, and general car problems.

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

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The show, hosted by Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, features automotive advice and discussions with callers about their car troubles.

• Guest Announcement:
  Ken Miller from the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey will be joining to discuss the upcoming Northeast Trade Show, the largest regional trade show in America, happening in the Meadowlands next weekend (March 14-16).

• Caller #1: Sarah from Tennessee (2003 BMW 330CI - Brake Issue)
  Sarah recently had her brakes and rotors replaced, but she's experiencing warning lights (yellow triangle with an exclamation point and a brake light) that appear in cold weather and disappear as the car warms up.

  • Ron suggests it could be a hydraulic issue or a brake pad wear sensor problem.
  • Advises Sarah to have the shop inspect it thoroughly, checking for leaks or faulty sensors.
  • Emphasizes that a good mechanic should verify the previous work, as the issue could be related to the brake job done six weeks ago.

• Caller #2: John from Connecticut (2022 Toyota Prius - Maintenance Questions)
  John is unsure about maintenance intervals for his Prius, particularly transmission fluid changes and timing belt replacement.

  • Ron recommends changing the CVT fluid at 60,000 miles and checking the condition at 50,000.
  • Advises oil changes every 5-6 months or 5,000-6,000 miles for longevity.
  • Timing belt should be replaced at 100,000 miles along with the water pump if necessary.

• Caller #3: Al from Maryland (2005 Nissan Sentra - Starter Issue)
  Al’s car has trouble starting, making a screeching noise. He suspects a starter or ring gear issue.

  • Ron suggests removing the starter to inspect for damage, hand-cranking the engine to check for missing or damaged teeth on the flywheel.
  • Advises checking battery cables, grounds, and connections for corrosion, which could contribute to slow cranking.

Ron spends the second half of the hour talking to Ken Miller of AASP/NJ about their upcoming Trade Show, Northeast 2025 at the NJ Meadowlands Exposition Center the weekend of March 14th, 2025.

The show closes with Ron emphasizing the importance of finding a trustworthy mechanic and staying on top of car maintenance.

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

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In this episode Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor interviews Satwinder Mangat, President of AllData, to discuss the evolving landscape of automotive technology and repair.

Key Topics Covered:

• Automotive Industry Trends & SEEMA Insights

  • Satwinder shares takeaways from the 2022 SEMA Show, highlighting a post-pandemic resurgence in innovation, attendance, and new car designs.
  • The industry is booming with technological advancements, making cars not just transportation tools but multifunctional, connected spaces.

• The Growing Complexity of Vehicle Repairs

  • Modern vehicles, equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and other tech, require precise calibration for safety.
  • What used to be a simple bumper replacement now involves recalibrating sensors and cameras to ensure proper functionality.

• AllData’s Role in Repair Information

  • All Data publishes OEM repair and diagnostic content, ensuring mechanics and car owners have accurate, up-to-date information.
  • Their ADAS Quick Reference Tool, which won P10 Innovation and SEEMA New Product Awards, helps technicians quickly access specifications for safe repairs.

• ADAS & Safety Concerns

  • Misaligned sensors or cameras (even a minor miscalibration) can lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
  • Real-world example: A caller experienced erratic car behavior after a windshield replacement—solved by recalibrating the ADAS system.

Takeaway Message:

The automotive industry is changing rapidly, with ADAS, EVs, and new tech redefining repairs. Access to the right information is crucial for safe, proper maintenance. All Data plays a key role in bridging the gap between OEM specifications and technicians, ensuring vehicles are fixed correctly and safely.

Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 

• Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
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• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.