Remote from “somewhere in Pennsylvania,” Ron turns a repair-shop counter chat into a bigger question: don’t shop for the cheapest or the flashiest—shop for the capable. Then the phones fly: a 2021 Nissan Kicks with a stubborn P0101 (use calculated load & fuel trims, don’t parts-swap), a 2024 Highlander maintenance roadmap (fluids early and often), a 1970 Impala idle-stop solenoid lesson, a 2002 Sequoia stuck in 4WD low (likely front-diff actuator/binding—stop driving, inspect), and a 2002 Cummins with dead batteries (charge correctly, then parasitic-draw test <50 mA).

Closer: “Good mechanics aren’t expensive—they’re priceless.”
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

Remote from &ldquo;somewhere in Pennsylvania,&rdquo; Ron turns a repair-shop counter chat into a bigger question: don&rsquo;t shop for the cheapest or the flashiest&mdash;shop for the capable. Then the phones fly: a 2021 Nissan Kicks with a stubborn P0101 (use calculated load &amp; fuel trims, don&rsquo;t parts-swap), a 2024 Highlander maintenance roadmap (fluids early and often), a 1970 Impala idle-stop solenoid lesson, a 2002 Sequoia stuck in 4WD low (likely front-diff actuator/binding&mdash;stop driving, inspect), and a 2002 Cummins with dead batteries (charge correctly, then parasitic-draw test &lt;50 mA).
Closer: &ldquo;Good mechanics aren&rsquo;t expensive&mdash;they&rsquo;re priceless.&rdquo;
<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>
&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 - October 4, 2025 Hour 1 - The Remote Roller Coaster

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/fa4a1778-b57c-4aa0-b613-b36c0154aa3c/transcript

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron kicks things off with a shout-out to Coach Keith at CrossFit Bison — baseball season is coming, pitchers and catchers have reported, and yes… Ron might be running again. Then it’s right into real-world auto repair with a mix of laughs, shop logic, and listener follow-ups that close the loop.

Matt calls in with an ’01 Chevy Venture where the cooling fans will run when jumped — but won’t come on under normal operation. Ron explains why this may not be a bad fan or relay at all, but a control/strategy issue involving the BCM and load-shed management — the kind of problem you solve with testing, not guessing.

Bruce in Utah shares the win of the week: a pristine ’78 Mercury Marquis that hadn’t been started in 40 years… brought back to life and now turning heads everywhere it goes. Ron talks about the satisfaction of keeping older, repairable vehicles alive — and why we’re all just caretakers of the classics.

Plus, Chris reports back on a Chrysler Pacifica cold-start nightmare that ended up being start/stop battery related — proving again that modern vehicles can mean two batteries and big repair bills if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. And Steven closes the loop on a 2023 F-150 catalytic converter issue that didn’t qualify for a recall — but did get handled under warranty.

Ron wraps with updates on parts supply issues, why start/stop may be headed for a rethink, and a reminder that the best repair relationship is built on trust, proper maintenance, and doing things the right way.

The mechanics aren’t expensive — they’re priceless.
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

 

 

 

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron kicks things off with a shout-out to Coach Keith at CrossFit Bison &mdash; baseball season is coming, pitchers and catchers have reported, and yes&hellip; Ron might be running again. Then it&rsquo;s right into real-world auto repair with a mix of laughs, shop logic, and listener follow-ups that close the loop.
Matt calls in with an &rsquo;01 Chevy Venture where the cooling fans will run when jumped &mdash; but won&rsquo;t come on under normal operation. Ron explains why this may not be a bad fan or relay at all, but a control/strategy issue involving the BCM and load-shed management &mdash; the kind of problem you solve with testing, not guessing.
Bruce in Utah shares the win of the week: a pristine &rsquo;78 Mercury Marquis that hadn&rsquo;t been started in 40 years&hellip; brought back to life and now turning heads everywhere it goes. Ron talks about the satisfaction of keeping older, repairable vehicles alive &mdash; and why we&rsquo;re all just caretakers of the classics.
Plus, Chris reports back on a Chrysler Pacifica cold-start nightmare that ended up being start/stop battery related &mdash; proving again that modern vehicles can mean two batteries and big repair bills if you don&rsquo;t know what you&rsquo;re dealing with. And Steven closes the loop on a 2023 F-150 catalytic converter issue that didn&rsquo;t qualify for a recall &mdash; but did get handled under warranty.
Ron wraps with updates on parts supply issues, why start/stop may be headed for a rethink, and a reminder that the best repair relationship is built on trust, proper maintenance, and doing things the right way.
The mechanics aren&rsquo;t expensive &mdash; they&rsquo;re priceless.
<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>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 14, 2026 -  Hour 2 - Pitchers & Catchers, Cooling Fans & Comebacks That Solved The Problem

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0d99d360-1ca1-44ff-9b8a-b3f101640dd1/transcript

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a hard truth: auto repair isn’t about cheap — it’s about correct.

After a caller questions a $500 brake job, Ron explains why doing brakes the right way matters, how labor rates really work, and why confidence in your mechanic is just as important as confidence in your car.

Then comes every technician’s worst nightmare — a wheel falling off a customer’s Toyota after dealership service. Ron walks listeners through what happened, why this kind of mistake can be deadly, and why the real story is how the dealer stepped up, owned it, and made things right — the true measure of a repair shop.

Plus, Ron helps Greg in Wisconsin chase down a complicated Nissan misfire, covering real-world diagnostics like vacuum testing, timing chain concerns, coolant intrusion, and scan tool strategy.

The hour wraps with advice on GM truck maintenance, oil choices, transmission servicing, and why waiting too long between oil changes can quietly shorten your vehicle’s life.

It’s an honest, inside-the-shop look at what separates parts swapping from professional diagnostics — and why the cheapest repair often ends up being the most expensive.
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

 

On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a hard truth: auto repair isn&rsquo;t about cheap &mdash; it&rsquo;s about correct.
After a caller questions a $500 brake job, Ron explains why doing brakes the right way matters, how labor rates really work, and why confidence in your mechanic is just as important as confidence in your car.
Then comes every technician&rsquo;s worst nightmare &mdash; a wheel falling off a customer&rsquo;s Toyota after dealership service. Ron walks listeners through what happened, why this kind of mistake can be deadly, and why the real story is how the dealer stepped up, owned it, and made things right &mdash; the true measure of a repair shop.
Plus, Ron helps Greg in Wisconsin chase down a complicated Nissan misfire, covering real-world diagnostics like vacuum testing, timing chain concerns, coolant intrusion, and scan tool strategy.
The hour wraps with advice on GM truck maintenance, oil choices, transmission servicing, and why waiting too long between oil changes can quietly shorten your vehicle&rsquo;s life.
It&rsquo;s an honest, inside-the-shop look at what separates parts swapping from professional diagnostics &mdash; and why the cheapest repair often ends up being the most expensive.
<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>
&nbsp;

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 14, 2026 - Hour 1- The Wheel That Fell Off: Trust, Brakes, and Real Auto Repair

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3386212a-2f1a-46cf-a5d8-b3f101630294/transcript

This hour, Ron opens with a hard number—$26.2 billion—and what it says about the EV business model, vehicle pricing, and why consumers may be the ones ultimately paying the tab. He breaks down what’s happening in the market, why automakers are reassessing EV strategy, and what it could mean for the cost of buying and owning a car.

Then it’s back to real-world problems listeners are facing today:


A rust-belt truck with tire wear and frozen alignment cams—when does it make sense to repair, and when is it time to start shopping?


A swollen battery case and what it can signal about charging issues and battery life.


A hot-start stumble on a ’99 Acura TL—Ron walks through practical diagnostics (fuel volume, deadhead pressure testing, and heat-soak sensor checks).


A Hyundai Tucson burning oil at an alarming rate—how to push for help, what documentation matters, and why technical bulletins exist for a reason.


A 2016 Tahoe running 195° transmission temps because of a factory thermal bypass—Ron explains the risks, the logic (or lack of it), and why a middle-ground thermostat solution may make sense.

Plus: the latest fallout from the First Brands situation and how parts availability—calipers, wipers, and more—can create real holes in the supply chain that affect every repair bay in America.
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

 

 

 

This hour, Ron opens with a hard number&mdash;$26.2 billion&mdash;and what it says about the EV business model, vehicle pricing, and why consumers may be the ones ultimately paying the tab. He breaks down what&rsquo;s happening in the market, why automakers are reassessing EV strategy, and what it could mean for the cost of buying and owning a car.
Then it&rsquo;s back to real-world problems listeners are facing today:
<ul data-start="446" data-end="1186">
<li data-start="446" data-end="582">
A rust-belt truck with tire wear and frozen alignment cams&mdash;when does it make sense to repair, and when is it time to start shopping?
</li>
<li data-start="583" data-end="672">
A swollen battery case and what it can signal about charging issues and battery life.
</li>
<li data-start="673" data-end="829">
A hot-start stumble on a &rsquo;99 Acura TL&mdash;Ron walks through practical diagnostics (fuel volume, deadhead pressure testing, and heat-soak sensor checks).
</li>
<li data-start="830" data-end="984">
A Hyundai Tucson burning oil at an alarming rate&mdash;how to push for help, what documentation matters, and why technical bulletins exist for a reason.
</li>
<li data-start="985" data-end="1186">
A 2016 Tahoe running 195&deg; transmission temps because of a factory thermal bypass&mdash;Ron explains the risks, the logic (or lack of it), and why a middle-ground thermostat solution may make sense.
</li>
</ul>
Plus: the latest fallout from the First Brands situation and how parts availability&mdash;calipers, wipers, and more&mdash;can create real holes in the supply chain that affect every repair bay in America.
<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>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - February 7, 2026 -  The EV Bill Comes Due: Burning Oil, Hot Trans Temps, and Parts Going Missing

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6161611f-307e-45a4-a49f-b3ea01684aa6/transcript

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - October 4, 2025 Hour 1 - The Remote Roller Coaster

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