In this episode of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian provides a quick yet detailed rundown on car battery issues, which have been particularly common in his shop lately. He explains that even relatively young batteries (3-4 years old), especially AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, can fail unexpectedly, even after passing a test. Ron advises listeners in colder climates to replace older batteries before they fail, rather than waiting for a problem to occur. He also highlights the strain on local battery supplies and the risk of being stranded with a dead battery.

The show then transitions to a call from a listener, Mike from Michigan, with an issue involving extended crank times and a check engine light. After diagnosing the code (P1633) related to a loss of voltage to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), Ron advises Mike to check the wiring and sensors related to the five-volt reference signal, as this could be causing the problem. He emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnosis beyond just reading codes.

Later, Ron discusses oil change intervals for hybrid vehicles, using a caller's 2024 Hyundai Elantra hybrid as an example. While the manual suggests 8,000 miles, Ron suggests more frequent oil changes (around 4,000 miles) for hot climates like Las Vegas, where harsh conditions can take a toll on the engine. He also talks about the significance of choosing quality oil and filters, and his personal preference for using full synthetic oil.

The show closes with some light-hearted advice on dealing with oil leaks, particularly with Mini Coopers, and the importance of good practices in oil changes, such as always replacing the drain plug gasket to prevent future issues.
Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com 
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 

 

 

In this episode of The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian provides a quick yet detailed rundown on car battery issues, which have been particularly common in his shop lately. He explains that even relatively young batteries (3-4 years old), especially AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, can fail unexpectedly, even after passing a test. Ron advises listeners in colder climates to replace older batteries before they fail, rather than waiting for a problem to occur. He also highlights the strain on local battery supplies and the risk of being stranded with a dead battery.
The show then transitions to a call from a listener, Mike from Michigan, with an issue involving extended crank times and a check engine light. After diagnosing the code (P1633) related to a loss of voltage to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), Ron advises Mike to check the wiring and sensors related to the five-volt reference signal, as this could be causing the problem. He emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnosis beyond just reading codes.
Later, Ron discusses oil change intervals for hybrid vehicles, using a caller's 2024 Hyundai Elantra hybrid as an example. While the manual suggests 8,000 miles, Ron suggests more frequent oil changes (around 4,000 miles) for hot climates like Las Vegas, where harsh conditions can take a toll on the engine. He also talks about the significance of choosing quality oil and filters, and his personal preference for using full synthetic oil.
The show closes with some light-hearted advice on dealing with oil leaks, particularly with Mini Coopers, and the importance of good practices in oil changes, such as always replacing the drain plug gasket to prevent future issues.
<ul>
<li>Find out more about us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cardoctorshow.com">www.cardoctorshow.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Follow Us On Instagram&nbsp; -&nbsp; &nbsp;@ronananian&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos&nbsp;</li>
<li>Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

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 25, 2025 - Hour 2 - Hybrid Oil Change Interval - (855)560-9900 - 24/7 Hotline

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/203b66a6-5311-45be-b85d-b2700162be2d/transcript

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