Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - September 19, 2026

You bought the car. You made the payments. But when it needs repair, who really gets to decide who can fix it?

This week on The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian digs into the growing Right to Repair battle and explains why it goes far beyond getting a wiring diagram. Modern vehicles depend on software, secure gateways, scan tools, programming and telematics—and access to that technology may ultimately determine where your vehicle can be repaired.

Ron explains why Right to Repair is really about something much simpler: consumer choice.

Plus, a BMW M8 Competition that mysteriously needed spark plugs at only 5,000 miles, a longtime listener trying to push his Honda toward 400,000 miles, and Ron finishes the complicated cooling-system repair on a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid—with a little help from the OPUS IVS platform.

And sometimes the hardest automotive problems have the simplest answers: a Chevy Silverado with an annoying squeak proves once again why good diagnosis still matters.

Real cars. Real problems. Real answers.

Car Advice, Done Right 

🌐Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM 

 

 

 

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - September 19, 2026
You bought the car. You made the payments. But when it needs repair, who really gets to decide who can fix it?
This week on The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian digs into the growing Right to Repair battle and explains why it goes far beyond getting a wiring diagram. Modern vehicles depend on software, secure gateways, scan tools, programming and telematics&mdash;and access to that technology may ultimately determine where your vehicle can be repaired.
Ron explains why Right to Repair is really about something much simpler: consumer choice.
Plus, a BMW M8 Competition that mysteriously needed spark plugs at only 5,000 miles, a longtime listener trying to push his Honda toward 400,000 miles, and Ron finishes the complicated cooling-system repair on a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid&mdash;with a little help from the OPUS IVS platform.
And sometimes the hardest automotive problems have the simplest answers: a Chevy Silverado with an annoying squeak proves once again why good diagnosis still matters.
Real cars. Real problems. Real answers.
Car Advice, Done Right&nbsp;
🌐Visit: CarDoctorShow.com
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2&ndash;4 PM&nbsp;
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With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive. Call us at 855-560-9900.

With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive.  Call us at 855-560-9900.

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, master technician, and trusted voice in car repair and consumer advice. For more than 30 years, Ron has blended real-world shop experience with straight-talk radio, helping drivers understand their vehicles and the industry with clarity, humor, and honesty. As host of the long-running Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio show—heard nationwide across major networks—he brings diagnostics, storytelling, and practical wisdom together in a way only a seasoned mechanic can. Whether it’s a tough trouble code, a buying decision, or a behind-the-scenes look at shop life, Ron delivers the insight listeners rely on.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, master technician, and trusted voice in car repair and consumer advice. For more than 30 years, Ron has blended real-world shop experience with straight-talk radio, helping drivers understand their vehicles and the industry with clarity, humor, and honesty. As host of the long-running Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio show&mdash;heard nationwide across major networks&mdash;he brings diagnostics, storytelling, and practical wisdom together in a way only a seasoned mechanic can. Whether it&rsquo;s a tough trouble code, a buying decision, or a behind-the-scenes look at shop life, Ron delivers the insight listeners rely on.

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor™

Right To Repair Updates,  Who Really Control The Car?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/781118cc-d8f5-409c-990e-b4ca0156a6be/transcript

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 - September 19, 2026

There’s a storm brewing in the automotive world—and this time it isn’t just about the price of gasoline.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor™, takes a firsthand look at the growing engine-oil shortage as repair shops and retailers begin facing purchasing restrictions, prices climb and certain viscosities and specifications become harder to find. Why is this happening, how long could it last, and what should you be doing now to protect your vehicle?

Ron explains why modern engines require very specific oils, why simply grabbing the right viscosity off the shelf may not be enough, and why using the wrong specification to get through a shortage could become an expensive mistake.

Then it’s back to the phones: a 2000 Chevy Silverado with mysterious transmission and transfer-case problems raises an important diagnostic question—could something as simple as a bad ground be causing all the trouble?

Plus, with the cost of replacing a vehicle continuing to climb, Ron goes back to basics with practical maintenance advice: air and cabin filters, throttle-body cleaning, fuel-system service and the little things that can help your car run better and last longer.

Because today, it seems you have two choices: car payments or repair bills. Taking care of what you already own has never mattered more.

Real cars. Real problems. Real answers.

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

 

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 - September 19, 2026
There&rsquo;s a storm brewing in the automotive world&mdash;and this time it isn&rsquo;t just about the price of gasoline.
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor&trade;, takes a firsthand look at the growing engine-oil shortage as repair shops and retailers begin facing purchasing restrictions, prices climb and certain viscosities and specifications become harder to find. Why is this happening, how long could it last, and what should you be doing now to protect your vehicle?
Ron explains why modern engines require very specific oils, why simply grabbing the right viscosity off the shelf may not be enough, and why using the wrong specification to get through a shortage could become an expensive mistake.
Then it&rsquo;s back to the phones: a 2000 Chevy Silverado with mysterious transmission and transfer-case problems raises an important diagnostic question&mdash;could something as simple as a bad ground be causing all the trouble?
Plus, with the cost of replacing a vehicle continuing to climb, Ron goes back to basics with practical maintenance advice: air and cabin filters, throttle-body cleaning, fuel-system service and the little things that can help your car run better and last longer.
Because today, it seems you have two choices: car payments or repair bills. Taking care of what you already own has never mattered more.
Real cars. Real problems. Real answers.
Visit us at <a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com">https://www.cardoctorshow.com</a>
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The Engine Oil Shortage Is Here: What Drivers Need to Know

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/875a3dfa-7bce-4032-af49-b4ca0155fdac/transcript

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - September 12, 2026

Auto repair doesn’t always go according to plan—and sometimes just getting to the problem is half the battle.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes you inside the service bay with a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid suffering from a communication fault with its active grille shutter system. Multiple scan tools, OE-level diagnostics, circuit testing and a lot of disassembly eventually reveal the real culprit: a corroded power wire buried deep in the harness. It’s a perfect example of why good diagnostics have to be slow, methodical and proven—not guessed.

Then the phones light up. A listener with a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a “Service Shift Selector” warning and suddenly no reverse. Ron explains why the transmission itself may not be the problem and uses an old-fashioned landline telephone system to make today’s vehicle computer networks easy to understand.

Next, what do you do with a 2002 Honda with an incredible 323,000 miles and a slight transmission engagement delay? Repair it, replace the transmission—or leave well enough alone? Ron weighs the economics of keeping an older vehicle alive.

Plus: Ford 3.5L internal water-pump failures, Nissan ABS/VDC problems, wheel-speed diagnostics, and preparing a diesel for winter.

Real cars. Real problems. Real-world diagnosis.

Car Advice, Done Right 

🌐Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM 

 

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - September 12, 2026
Auto repair doesn&rsquo;t always go according to plan&mdash;and sometimes just getting to the problem is half the battle.
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes you inside the service bay with a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid suffering from a communication fault with its active grille shutter system. Multiple scan tools, OE-level diagnostics, circuit testing and a lot of disassembly eventually reveal the real culprit: a corroded power wire buried deep in the harness. It&rsquo;s a perfect example of why good diagnostics have to be slow, methodical and proven&mdash;not guessed.
Then the phones light up. A listener with a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a &ldquo;Service Shift Selector&rdquo; warning and suddenly no reverse. Ron explains why the transmission itself may not be the problem and uses an old-fashioned landline telephone system to make today&rsquo;s vehicle computer networks easy to understand.
Next, what do you do with a 2002 Honda with an incredible 323,000 miles and a slight transmission engagement delay? Repair it, replace the transmission&mdash;or leave well enough alone? Ron weighs the economics of keeping an older vehicle alive.
Plus: Ford 3.5L internal water-pump failures, Nissan ABS/VDC problems, wheel-speed diagnostics, and preparing a diesel for winter.
Real cars. Real problems. Real-world diagnosis.
Car Advice, Done Right&nbsp;
🌐Visit: CarDoctorShow.com
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2&ndash;4 PM&nbsp;
&nbsp;

When Auto Repair Isn’t Picture Perfect

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dab930e8-4799-4aa9-9617-b4c301588d6b/transcript

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 - September 12, 2026

Where do great mechanics come from? Are they born with “the touch,” or can it be taught?

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, looks at the technician shortage from a different angle: maybe the automotive industry hasn’t done enough to nurture the next generation.

Ron remembers a young trade-school graduate named Gus who knew the procedures—but one flat tire at the far end of the shop parking lot revealed something his education hadn’t taught him: how to improvise when the procedure no longer fits the situation. It leads Ron back to one of his father’s lessons: follow steps one through ten—but also know when the repair demands that you think outside the box.

Then there’s Danny. Years ago, Danny walked into Ron’s shop carrying an F-150 steering knuckle and needing help pressing ball joints. Ron handed him the tools and instructions and watched. Within half an hour, Danny had figured it out himself. Ron knew immediately: “Kid, you’ve got it.”

Nature or nurture? Maybe great mechanics require some of both.

Ron also gets back to the nuts and bolts with a 1996 Ford 7.3L Power Stroke water-pump repair—a job that reminds him how much fun working on an older truck can be after spending days diagnosing and disassembling a technology-packed Ford Escape Hybrid.

Plus: hunting down an obsolete Fiat 500 trunk latch, diagnosing P0420/P0430 catalytic-converter faults, aftermarket versus OE catalytic converters, and why a trouble code should begin a diagnosis—not automatically dictate the repair.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor — Car Advice, Done Right.

Car Advice, Done Right 

🌐Visit: CarDoctorShow.com

📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian

🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube

📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM 

 

 

 

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 1 - September 12, 2026
Where do great mechanics come from? Are they born with &ldquo;the touch,&rdquo; or can it be taught?
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, looks at the technician shortage from a different angle: maybe the automotive industry hasn&rsquo;t done enough to nurture the next generation.
Ron remembers a young trade-school graduate named Gus who knew the procedures&mdash;but one flat tire at the far end of the shop parking lot revealed something his education hadn&rsquo;t taught him: how to improvise when the procedure no longer fits the situation. It leads Ron back to one of his father&rsquo;s lessons: follow steps one through ten&mdash;but also know when the repair demands that you think outside the box.
Then there&rsquo;s Danny. Years ago, Danny walked into Ron&rsquo;s shop carrying an F-150 steering knuckle and needing help pressing ball joints. Ron handed him the tools and instructions and watched. Within half an hour, Danny had figured it out himself. Ron knew immediately: &ldquo;Kid, you&rsquo;ve got it.&rdquo;
Nature or nurture? Maybe great mechanics require some of both.
Ron also gets back to the nuts and bolts with a 1996 Ford 7.3L Power Stroke water-pump repair&mdash;a job that reminds him how much fun working on an older truck can be after spending days diagnosing and disassembling a technology-packed Ford Escape Hybrid.
Plus: hunting down an obsolete Fiat 500 trunk latch, diagnosing P0420/P0430 catalytic-converter faults, aftermarket versus OE catalytic converters, and why a trouble code should begin a diagnosis&mdash;not automatically dictate the repair.
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor &mdash; Car Advice, Done Right.
Car Advice, Done Right&nbsp;
🌐Visit: CarDoctorShow.com
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2&ndash;4 PM&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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&nbsp;

Can You Create a Great Mechanic?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e6b07f17-65d0-43f8-929d-b4c30157f06d/transcript

Right To Repair Updates, Who Really Control The Car?

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