Critters in Cars: A Surprise Repair
“It’s like cheap underwear—it creeps up on you when you least expect it.”

This week, Ron shared a classic “Critters in Cars” story. A 2014 Honda Accord rolled into the shop with two unrelated fault codes: one for the throttle body and one for the purge valve. No connection between them—except that they were both on the same vehicle.

Turns out, the throttle body was filthy—carbon buildup so bad it gouged a ring in the housing. The fix? A new throttle body and a computer reflash. Easy enough.

But the purge valve? That’s where it got weird.

Even after replacing the valve, the car still wouldn’t show any change in fuel tank pressure during purge events. That meant the system wasn’t functioning—and Ron had a hunch. A closer look revealed chewed wires near the vent valve harness. Mouse damage.

Still, the pressure sensor wasn’t responding. The final clue? A tiny spiderweb inside the charcoal canister. Full of gunk. Blocked solid.

🛠️ The Fix: A new throttle body, repaired wiring, and a new canister. The car’s now running right.

🕷️ The Lesson: When check engine lights pop up, especially if there are multiple codes, don’t assume it’s all new. Rodent damage and long-term neglect often lurk underneath.

Ron’s takeaway? Drivers need to be more aware of their cars. Because what looks like a “just came on” light might actually be months of hidden trouble—and a mouse with a taste for wiring.

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com
Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts & Clothing!
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 


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

 

 

 

Critters in Cars: A Surprise Repair &ldquo;It&rsquo;s like cheap underwear&mdash;it creeps up on you when you least expect it.&rdquo;
This week, Ron shared a classic &ldquo;Critters in Cars&rdquo; story. A 2014 Honda Accord rolled into the shop with two unrelated fault codes: one for the throttle body and one for the purge valve. No connection between them&mdash;except that they were both on the same vehicle.
Turns out, the throttle body was filthy&mdash;carbon buildup so bad it gouged a ring in the housing. The fix? A new throttle body and a computer reflash. Easy enough.
But the purge valve? That&rsquo;s where it got weird.
Even after replacing the valve, the car still wouldn&rsquo;t show any change in fuel tank pressure during purge events. That meant the system wasn&rsquo;t functioning&mdash;and Ron had a hunch. A closer look revealed chewed wires near the vent valve harness. Mouse damage.
Still, the pressure sensor wasn&rsquo;t responding. The final clue? A tiny spiderweb inside the charcoal canister. Full of gunk. Blocked solid.
🛠️ The Fix: A new throttle body, repaired wiring, and a new canister. The car&rsquo;s now running right.
🕷️ The Lesson: When check engine lights pop up, especially if there are multiple codes, don&rsquo;t assume it&rsquo;s all new. Rodent damage and long-term neglect often lurk underneath.
Ron&rsquo;s takeaway? Drivers need to be more aware of their cars. Because what looks like a &ldquo;just came on&rdquo; light might actually be months of hidden trouble&mdash;and a mouse with a taste for wiring.
Visit us at <a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com">https://www.cardoctorshow.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Check out our Web Site for T-Shirts &amp; Clothing!</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;
Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com">https://www.cardoctorshow.com</a>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&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 - June 14, 2025 - Hour 1 - The Cheap Underwear Repair Honda - (855)560-9900  24/7 Hotline

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3e4a66cf-31bc-424e-ba33-b2fc0158dad4/transcript

Advertisement