Sometimes the best repair is the one you don’t make—and Ron explains why with a 2007 Mercury Milan that came in for a simple turn-signal problem. What looked like an easy bulb swap turns into a lesson in modern diagnostics, networked body modules (GEM/SJB), and the harsh reality of obsolete parts and programming limitations.

Then Ron takes a call on a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica with an intermittent no-start and a “pop-pop” sound near the battery—plus a hood that wouldn’t even open—raising questions about cable routing, connections, possible prior damage, and whether the van has start/stop with an auxiliary battery.

Plus: an F-150 slowly losing coolant with no visible leaks—Ron walks through pressure testing, dye testing, internal vs external loss, and when a sealant strategy may make sense on high-mileage trucks. And for low-mileage drivers wondering when to change oil, Ron stands by his rule: five months or five thousand miles—because an oil change is also a maintenance checkpoint, not just fresh oil.
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

 

 

 

Sometimes the best repair is the one you don&rsquo;t make&mdash;and Ron explains why with a 2007 Mercury Milan that came in for a simple turn-signal problem. What looked like an easy bulb swap turns into a lesson in modern diagnostics, networked body modules (GEM/SJB), and the harsh reality of obsolete parts and programming limitations.
Then Ron takes a call on a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica with an intermittent no-start and a &ldquo;pop-pop&rdquo; sound near the battery&mdash;plus a hood that wouldn&rsquo;t even open&mdash;raising questions about cable routing, connections, possible prior damage, and whether the van has start/stop with an auxiliary battery.
Plus: an F-150 slowly losing coolant with no visible leaks&mdash;Ron walks through pressure testing, dye testing, internal vs external loss, and when a sealant strategy may make sense on high-mileage trucks. And for low-mileage drivers wondering when to change oil, Ron stands by his rule: five months or five thousand miles&mdash;because an oil change is also a maintenance checkpoint, not just fresh oil.
<ul>
<li data-start="67" data-end="172">Grab your Car Doctor gear &ndash; T-shirts &amp; more at <a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com" data-start="120" data-end="170">CarDoctorShow.com</a></li>
<li data-start="173" data-end="260">
Follow the wrench &ndash; Instagram @ronananian for shop life &amp; behind-the-scenes
</li>
<li data-start="261" data-end="333">
Watch &amp; learn &ndash; Auto repair tips &amp; videos on our YouTube Channel
</li>
<li data-start="334" data-end="419">
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 &ndash; (855) 560-9900
</li>
<li data-start="420" data-end="485">
Join the conversation LIVE &ndash; Saturdays 2&ndash;4 PM Eastern
</li>
</ul>
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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™

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 10, 2026 - Hour 1 - The Best Repair Is Not To Make One

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2bbcd3aa-3e6f-4fde-a57a-b3ce01699818/transcript