Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

Welcome to Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor — the trusted voice in automotive repair, where real-world experience, sharp diagnostics, and straight talk come together to help you keep your ride running right.

🚙 2015 Jeep Wrangler — When “New” Parts Fail

• A regular customer brings in a well-maintained Jeep for a simple oil change — no complaints.

• Turns out, the check engine light is on. Codes: P0258 (vacuum pump issue) and P0440 (EVAP system fault).

• Vacuum pump tests fine. Ron proactively changes the booster check valve (which also contains a sensor).

• The ESIM (EVAP vent valve) was bad — replaced and verified fixed.

• Installs a new Chrysler purge valve — it fails.

• Tries a second new one — also fails.

• Old part works fine. Even an aftermarket copy failed.

• Conclusion: There’s a bad production run of purge valves, even from OEM sources.

• Lesson: “New doesn’t mean good.” Always diagnose, don’t just swap parts.

🧰 Classic '57 Chevy — Mysterious Trans Fluid Leak

• Ed owns a beautiful 1957 Chevy with only 57,000 miles.

• Reports a quart of automatic transmission fluid leaks out during storage — but not while driving.

• Ron suspects converter drain-back, a common issue on long-stored classics.

• Solutions:

  • A check valve on the trans cooler line

  • Possibly a longer dipstick tube

  • Or just lower fluid level when storing the car

• Ron offers to personally help Ed connect with a Tri-Five club since Ed doesn’t use the internet.

• Reminder: Old cars need smart storage habits, even if they’re in great shape.

🛠️ Toyota Tundra — Oil Filter Conversion Question

• John asks if he should convert his 2021 Toyota Tundra from a cartridge-style oil filter to a spin-on type.

• Reason: Concern about oil draining back and dry starts.

• Ron says: Stick with OEM unless there's a real issue.

  • Toyota designed it that way for a reason.

  • No widespread failures reported.

  • Don’t re-engineer something that works reliably.

• Takeaway: “Don’t fix what’s not broken — and don’t believe every mod you read about online.”

🔧 Ford 3-Valve Engines — Spark Plug Nightmares

• Chris, a longtime tech, shares frustration over broken spark plugs in Ford’s 3-valve engines.

• Asks Ron if there’s a better removal technique.

• Ron uses penetrating oil, works on hot and cold engines, and keeps multiple extractor tools (Lyle, KD, etc.).

• Bottom line: Even with prep, these plugs often break — it’s poor design.

• Wisdom: Use the best tools, stay patient, and don’t blame yourself — sometimes the part sets you up to fail.

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

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