Ron Ananian The Car Doctor Apr 18, 2026

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 4, 2026 - Hour 2 - The Right To Repair

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35:19

Term

recall on the piston rings

This is a recall for the piston rings, which are small parts inside the engine that help keep oil from getting into the combustion area. If they don’t work right, the engine can start burning oil. That can also lead to more damage inside the cylinders over time.

Term

cylinder walls are scored

When they say the cylinder walls are “scored,” they mean the inside of the engine cylinders has scratches or grooves. That kind of damage can happen when the engine isn’t sealing or lubricating correctly. It can lead to oil burning and loss of engine performance.

Concept

recall already done vs later engine damage

This segment highlights a common ownership reality: even if a recall was performed, the underlying wear process may have already started, or the repair may not fully prevent future damage. The host asks whether the recall was completed at lower mileage, and the implication is that timing matters. It’s a reminder to monitor symptoms like oil consumption and to document repair history.

Term

compression test

A compression test is a quick check of how well each cylinder is sealing. If the numbers are low, it can mean worn parts inside the engine.

Term

scoring

Scoring is when the inside of the cylinder wall gets scratched or damaged. That’s a bad sign because it can ruin how the engine seals and runs.

Term

boroscope

A borescope is like a tiny camera that lets you look inside the cylinder. If they see damage (like scoring), it usually means the engine needs serious work.

Term

subframe

A subframe is part of the car’s structure that helps hold important systems in place. If it’s damaged, it can affect how the car drives and can be expensive to fix, so the speaker’s point is that it was replaced for free.

Term

goodwill

Goodwill is when the car maker decides to help pay for a repair even if it’s not covered by warranty. It’s basically a “we’ll help this time” situation.

Brand

Hyundai

Hyundai is the car brand being discussed. The speaker is questioning whether Hyundai’s recall/repair actions fully fixed the engine problem or if it came back later.

Term

warranty enhancement

A warranty enhancement is an extended or expanded warranty coverage that goes beyond the standard factory warranty, usually tied to a known issue. The speaker suggests some dealers may replace certain parts under this enhanced coverage when they’re known to fail, but only within specific mileage/time limits.

Term

kilometers

Kilometers are just the distance measurement. The speaker is pointing out that after a certain number of kilometers, the same problem returned, which makes them doubt the original fix.

Term

engine recall

An engine recall is when the car maker fixes a known problem with the engine. The speaker is saying that Hyundai’s engine recalls have been frequent, and when engines are replaced properly, they usually last a long time—so a repeat failure suggests something may not have been done correctly.

Term

engine replacement

Engine replacement means the whole engine gets swapped out, not just a small part. The speaker’s worry is that the recall might have been treated like a check instead of actually replacing the engine, so the problem came back.

Concept

recall software update vs later engine failure

This is about how a recall fix (sometimes just a software update) doesn’t always prevent later problems. The owner may not know exactly what the shop did, and then the car develops a bigger issue later. The host is basically asking whether it’s fair when the fix wasn’t enough or can’t be proven.

Term

spark knock

Spark knock is when the engine starts burning fuel at the wrong time. It can sound like a rattling or pinging noise. If it’s not fixed, it can hurt the engine over time.

Term

cylinder noise

Cylinder noise is an unusual sound coming from the engine’s cylinders. Sometimes it’s caused by how the engine is burning fuel, not just worn-out parts. Updates can change the engine’s settings to reduce the noise.

Term

CNDS software update

CNDS sounds like a computer update for the engine. Instead of replacing parts, it changes how the engine runs to reduce certain noise or combustion problems. It’s important because it can change what the car should do after the recall work.

Term

engine consuming oil

Engine oil consumption means the car is burning or using oil faster than normal. That can lead to low oil levels, which is risky for the engine. If it gets bad enough, the repair can become very expensive.

Term

quart of oil in a thousand miles

That phrase means the engine is using a lot of oil—like you have to add a whole quart very often. Normally oil should last much longer than that. When an engine burns oil, it can also cause problems with the emissions system.

Term

oil consumption

Oil consumption means the engine is using oil faster than it should. If it’s too high, it can mean worn internal parts that let oil get burned. That’s a big deal because it can lead to bigger engine and exhaust problems.

Term

catalytic converter

A catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system that cleans up the car’s pollution. If your engine is burning oil, that oil can clog or damage the converter. Over time, the converter can fail sooner than it should.

Term

service information and copies of bulletins

Service bulletins (often called technical service bulletins, or TSBs) are manufacturer-issued documents that describe known issues and recommended repair procedures. Getting the right bulletin matters because it can point to the correct diagnostic steps and parts/updates for a specific problem. This is especially relevant when diagnosing recurring faults like oil consumption or emissions-related failures.

Term

engine just raced

They’re saying the engine revved like it was trying to go, but the car didn’t move the way it should. That usually points to a problem between the engine and the wheels, not just the engine itself.

Term

reverse vs drive not working

Reverse works, but drive doesn’t—so the car can move backward but not forward. That pattern usually means the problem is in how the transmission engages the forward gears.

Term

module

They were told a computer/controlled unit (“module”) is likely causing the problem. That module controls parts inside the transmission that decide when and how the car changes gears.

Term

valves are not opening and closing

They think the transmission’s internal fluid-control parts aren’t working correctly. If those valves don’t move properly, the car may not engage the forward gears.

Term

miles on this car

They ask how many miles are on the car because mileage affects what problems are likely and whether it’s still covered. It also helps estimate what maintenance might be needed.

Term

five-speed transmission

A transmission is what lets the engine use different gear ratios to move smoothly and efficiently. If a transmission breaks, fixing it usually costs a lot because it’s a big, labor-heavy job.

Term

transmission replacement

If the transmission is too damaged to repair, the shop may replace it with a rebuilt or new one. The price depends on how hard it is to get to the transmission and what replacement parts are available.

Term

brake roters are rusty

Rust on brake rotors is common when a car sits for years because moisture corrodes the metal surface. Even if the brake system is otherwise fine, rust can cause vibration, noise, or uneven pad wear until the rotors are cleaned or resurfaced/replaced.

Concept

resurrecting a car that's been sitting

When a car sits for a long time, parts can rust or go bad just from time. Getting it back on the road usually means checking and replacing the things that wear out while it’s parked.

Term

dry rotted tires

Tires can get old and crack even if they still have tread. If they’re dry-rotted, they can be unsafe because they don’t grip as well.

Term

second car

They’re talking about whether it makes sense to buy a different car or fix the current one. Money is the deciding factor here.

Term

PCV orifice in the valve cover

PCV is a system that keeps the engine’s “blow-by” gases from building up pressure inside the engine. If the PCV part gets clogged or fails, the engine can act weird and make strange noises.

Term

water pump problems

The water pump moves coolant through the engine to prevent overheating. If it fails, the car can run hot and may leak coolant.

Term

ignition coil problems

Ignition coils generate the high voltage needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder. Coil failures can cause misfires, rough running, and may trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) depending on the vehicle.

Term

four wheel brakes

If a shop says you need brakes on all four wheels, it usually means the pads/rotors (or drums) need work at every corner, not just the front or rear. That’s why the cost can add up quickly.

Term

every fluid in the car should be changed

If a car sits for a long time, the fluids can get old or contaminated. Changing them helps the car run correctly and reduces the chance of damage.

Term

fault code information

Fault codes are like the car’s clues about what went wrong. If the battery dies, those clues can disappear, so it’s harder to figure out the real cause.

Term

diagnosis

Diagnosis means figuring out what’s actually causing the problem. Instead of guessing, a shop checks the car so you don’t pay for the wrong repair.

Term

repairing it or replacing it

This is the decision framework between fixing the existing unit versus installing a replacement. Cost comparisons should include not just the price, but also warranty length and the likelihood of addressing the true root cause.

Term

lease

A lease is like renting a car for a few years with monthly payments. At the end you usually give it back, unless you choose to buy it.

Term

upfront down payment

A down payment is the money you pay upfront when you start the lease. It can change your monthly cost, so it matters when you’re comparing lease offers.

Concept

cost estimates and working backwards

The “work your way backwards” approach means starting with likely repair costs from a specialist, then using those numbers to decide the best financial path (repair vs replace vs lease). It’s a practical method for avoiding guesswork when pricing is uncertain.

Term

overhaul

An overhaul is a more extensive rebuild of a component, typically replacing worn internal parts and restoring it to a reliable operating condition. For transmissions, an overhaul cost estimate helps compare against replacement pricing and warranty coverage.

Term

check engine lights

The check engine light is your car’s way of saying, “Something isn’t right.” If it keeps blinking or turning on and off, the problem may be intermittent, like a sensor that’s acting up only sometimes.

Term

hybrids

A hybrid uses both gas and electricity to help the car move more efficiently. The segment is saying more people are considering hybrids lately.

Term

EV enthusiasm

“EV enthusiasm” refers to consumer interest and excitement around electric vehicles. The segment suggests that interest is cooling a bit, which can shift market demand and, indirectly, the types of vehicles that show up in repair shops and require specialized diagnostics.

Concept

software-managed vehicle networks

Modern cars are run by computers that talk to each other over a network. If the software controls features and diagnostics, it can also control who is allowed to troubleshoot and repair the car.

Term

scan tool subscription

Some cars may require a paid account to use the diagnostic computer that reads error codes. That can make it harder for independent mechanics to check and fix problems.

Term

auto start

Auto start lets your car start by itself or from a remote command. On some newer cars, it may require an activation or subscription, so it doesn’t always work the same way for every owner.

Company

John Deere

John Deere makes tractors and other farm equipment. Here, they’re mentioned because they agreed to a settlement related to the right to repair—basically making it easier for owners and repair shops to diagnose and fix equipment.

Term

digital diagnostic and repair tools

Digital diagnostic and repair tools are manufacturer software/hardware used to read fault codes, run tests, and guide repairs. For modern vehicles and equipment, these tools can be required to confirm what failed and to perform correct repairs.

Term

offline diagnostics and reprogramming

This means a mechanic can use the tools to check problems and update the machine’s software without waiting for an online connection. It can speed up repairs when time matters.

Term

diagnostic tools

Diagnostic tools are the equipment/software used to identify faults and determine the correct repair path. In modern systems, having the right diagnostic tools can be the difference between a quick fix and a long wait for a dealer technician.

Concept

independent repair shops

Independent repair shops are regular mechanics that aren’t tied to the brand’s dealership. The episode is saying they need access to the same repair information so customers aren’t stuck waiting on the dealer.

Term

pads and rotors

This is a common brake job: replacing the brake pads and sometimes the metal discs they clamp onto. The point here is that older repairs were easier to do without special software.

Term

electronic service mode

Electronic service mode is a special computer setting that lets a shop work on the car in a controlled way. Without it, some repairs can’t be done correctly because the car won’t allow the change.

Term

piston calipers

Brake calipers squeeze the brake pads against the rotor to slow the car down. When the calipers are electronically controlled, service work may need extra steps so the system knows what’s happening.

Term

Battery replacement requires registration

When you replace a battery, the car often needs to be told about the new one. Otherwise the car may charge it incorrectly because it’s still using old battery information.

Term

internal resistance

Internal resistance is basically how “easy” it is for the battery to push and pull electrical current. The car uses that info to decide how to charge and manage the battery.

Term

scan tools need software updates

Car diagnostic computers (scan tools) need updates to talk to the car correctly. If the tool can’t communicate, the shop can’t properly diagnose or fix the problem.

Concept

right to repair

Right to repair means you should be able to get your car fixed without being forced into only one option. It’s about making sure owners and independent shops can access the information and tools they need.

Concept

technology becomes a gatekeeper

A “gatekeeper” is something that controls access. Here, it means the car’s software rules can make it harder or more expensive to get repairs done by the shop you want.

Concept

service base problem

The “service base problem” is basically the issue of whether there will be enough places that can fix vehicles. If only certain people can access the right software/tools, repairs get harder for everyone.

Concept

who controls the repair

Instead of arguing about what powers the car, the point is about who gets to fix it. If you can’t repair your own car, then it’s not really “yours” in practice.

Part

Holly double pump

They’re talking about a Holley carburetor with an accelerator pump. That pump adds extra fuel when you press the gas. If the truck stumbles or burbles at idle but improves when you give it throttle, it can be a carb adjustment or a fuel/air leak issue.

Term

burble

“Burble” is that chugging/popping sound the engine makes when it’s not running smoothly at low RPM. It usually means the engine isn’t getting the right fuel/air mix (or sometimes the spark timing is off). That’s why it shows up at idle or when you stop.

Part

mild cam

A “cam” is part of the engine that controls when the valves open and close. Even a mild cam can change how the engine idles, especially on carbureted setups. If it suddenly got worse, it usually means something changed in the fuel/air or spark, not just the cam.

Term

too rich

“Too rich” means there’s too much fuel compared to air. That can make the engine run rough and pop/burble at idle. It’s often fixed by adjusting the carburetor’s idle mixture or checking for fuel delivery problems.

Term

idle speed

Idle speed is how fast the engine spins when you’re not pressing the gas. If it’s too low, the engine can feel rough or stall; if it’s too high, it can run unevenly or waste fuel.

Term

idle mixture

Idle mixture is the balance of fuel and air the engine uses when you’re idling. If it’s off, the engine can run rough, hesitate, or even stall when you’re stopped.

Term

base idle

Base idle is the “starting” idle RPM you set when the engine is warmed up and not under extra load. It helps you tune the engine so it behaves consistently when you turn on accessories or shift into gear.

Term

leaning it out

Leaning it out means the engine is getting less fuel compared to air. A little change might help, but too little fuel can make the engine run rough or die at idle.

Term

RPM

RPM tells you how fast the engine is spinning. When tuning idle, people watch RPM to make sure the engine stays steady when you’re stopped.

Term

air conditioning

When the A/C is on, it puts extra demand on the engine. That can make idle RPM drop or the engine feel rough unless the idle is set correctly.

Term

in gear

When the car is in gear, the engine has extra work to do. A good idle tune should keep the engine from bogging down or running rough when you’re stopped.

Term

carburetor

A carburetor is the part that blends fuel and air for the engine. If it gets dirty or worn out, the engine may idle too fast, idle poorly, or stall. The hosts are checking whether the carb needs cleaning or a rebuild.

Term

vacuum secondary

Some carburetors open the “second set” of throttle plates only when the engine needs more power. A vacuum-secondary setup uses engine vacuum to decide when to open them. They’re trying to figure out which secondary type this carb uses.

Term

rebuild the car

“Rebuild the car” here refers to rebuilding the carburetor—disassembling it and replacing worn or damaged components (often with a rebuild kit). The goal is to restore correct fuel metering and sealing so idle and transition circuits work properly. The hosts use a diagnostic observation (idle speed behavior) to decide when a rebuild is warranted.

Term

idle jets

Idle jets are tiny fuel passages that help the engine run smoothly when you’re not pressing the gas. If they get clogged, the engine’s idle can change—either speeding up or acting like it’s going to stall. That’s why they’re watching what the idle does during the test.

Term

air bleeds

Air bleeds are calibrated openings in a carburetor that introduce air to help shape the fuel/air mixture, especially at idle and transition. When air bleeds are restricted, the mixture can shift and cause abnormal idle behavior. In the segment, restricted air bleeds are treated as a rebuild indicator.

Term

gaskets

Gaskets are the sealing parts that keep fuel and air from leaking where they shouldn’t. If they wear out, the carb can start mixing fuel and air incorrectly. That can lead to bad idle or other running problems.

Term

marine fuel

Marine fuel is a type of fuel used for boats, and people sometimes choose it because it can behave differently than regular gas. Here, they’re saying it helps prevent the carb from getting gummed up, partly because it doesn’t have ethanol. That can matter a lot for older carbureted engines.

Term

octane

Octane is basically how resistant the fuel is to knocking or pinging in the engine. In this conversation, they’re debating whether octane is the real reason for using marine fuel, or whether it’s about keeping the carb cleaner.

Term

ethanol

Ethanol is a common oxygenate blended into many pump fuels. In carbureted systems, ethanol can contribute to deposits, corrosion, or fuel system “gumming,” especially when fuel sits for long periods. The hosts connect ethanol absence to better carb longevity and fewer sticking/varnish issues.

Term

double pumper

A “double pumper” carburetor typically refers to a carburetor with an accelerator pump circuit that provides extra fuel when you open the throttle, often with two pump actions (or two pumpers) to improve throttle response. This is relevant because throttle response issues can mimic other carb problems, so identifying the carb type helps narrow the diagnosis. The hosts mention it as part of identifying the carb they’re working with.

Term

mixture screws

Mixture screws control how much fuel the engine gets when it’s idling or just barely off idle. If you turn them, the engine can start running smoother or cleaner. The goal is to get the right fuel/air balance for that carburetor.

Concept

tuning

“Tuning” here means adjusting the carburetor settings so the engine runs right. Weather and air conditions can change how the engine behaves, so the “best” settings aren’t always identical every day. That’s why people tweak it again.

Concept

air density changes with temperature and location

When the air is cooler, it’s denser and contains more oxygen. That changes how much fuel the engine needs to run well. So the carb settings that worked in one season or location may need adjusting in another.

Term

fuel pressure

Fuel pressure is how hard the fuel pump pushes gas to the engine. If it’s too low, the engine may not get enough fuel. If it’s right, the engine can run the way it should.

Term

brand pump

The pump brand matters because not all replacement fuel pumps perform the same. Two pumps that look similar can deliver different pressure or flow. Knowing the exact pump helps figure out what’s wrong faster.

Term

oil analysis

Oil analysis is like sending a sample of your engine oil to a lab. They look for tiny metal bits and other signs of engine wear so you can tell what’s really going on inside the motor.

Term

cut the oil filter open

By cutting open the oil filter, you can see what kind of gunk or metal it trapped. That can help figure out whether the engine is wearing internally or if something else is contaminating the oil.

Term

fuel pump

A fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the engine, and a failing pump can cause hard starts, misfires, or poor performance. The suggestion to try a different brand implies that fuel delivery quality can vary and may affect drivability.

Company

Stool Warner

They’re talking about trying a different brand of fuel pump. The key takeaway is to choose a known, reputable brand rather than whatever is cheapest.

Concept

critical thinking / think outside the box

This is about diagnosing cars by using clues instead of guessing. If one approach isn’t working, you try a different idea and check what the evidence says.

Term

ignition points

Ignition points are an older ignition system part that helps control when the spark plug fires. If they’re worn or adjusted wrong, the engine can run rough or not start.

Term

timing set correctly

Timing is when the spark happens in the engine cycle. If it’s not set right, the engine may feel weak, run rough, or make strange noises.

Term

distributor

A distributor is part of older ignition systems that sends the spark to the right cylinder. If it moves or loosens, the spark timing can change and the engine can run poorly.

Term

timing chain

The timing chain keeps the engine’s moving parts lined up. If it gets loose, the engine timing can be off, and the car may run poorly even if nothing else seems obviously broken.

Term

manifold vacuum

Vacuum is like suction inside the engine. Some carburetors use that suction to pull fuel in the right amounts, so if vacuum changes, the carb can idle or run differently.

Term

fault codes

Fault codes are like the car’s error messages. If there are no messages, the car might still be running wrong, so you have to look deeper than the dashboard lights.

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start your injuries. The Car Doctor is in the garage

and ready to take your call.

I had the greatest show open in history. Well maybe

not in history, maybe it wasn't that great. It was

definitely an open. But instead, I'm gonna go talk to

Steven in New Brunswick, Canada, because I know Tom wants me to take calls right away, So let's open the phone lines. Steven, I'm coming to you first babe, tell

me the story, tell everybody to tell.

Okay, Well, I have many other topics I want to call earlier, but this one here is the most recent.

For my son and his girlfriend. About six months ago,

they bought a twenty twenty Hyende Velocity, right, and they had this we'll say, about one hundred and twenty thousand kilometers.

They did check for recalls and there was originally a recall on the piston rings that may fail.

Right, Well, the recall number is actually twenty two h one forty two h kind of common.

Which was a couple of years ago. So they said

it was okay. But of course, you know it's got

well in one hundred and fifty thousand kilometers, which is what one hundred thousand or a little bit less than hundred thousand miles, right, you know, And they started noticing that, you know, it's taken a little bit of oil. Let's say,

Well Hyundai is known for that, but that's fine. But

they took it in. They did a scope and they

are saying that the cylinder walls are scored something and was the recall?

Was the recall already done? Stephen?

Yes, yes, So maybe back at the lower mile it.

It may it may have looked fine. I I'm not sure.

I'm not sure actually what they did to determine that the rings are still good back two or three years ago when it was only two or three years old, right, right, So that's the unknown.

Wait, but but I'm a little confused because who said that the recall was done?

Well, yeah, when you look it up, yeah, Hyundai's it was done. And when you look it up on the

on the site, it'll tell you it was completed or not.

Right when you're transport Canada will say that it was completed.

So it was brought into the dealer whoever previously owned it, they did whatever they're supposed to do, and they sent back saying it was completed. So I think they just

looked at it and they said, well, yeah, there's no problem.

But that might have been at the lower kilometers. So

right now you know there's any figure? Is it a

ticking time bomb or will run another three years?

I said, well that's tough.

You could do a compression test. But if the rings

are faulty, you know, or could you know, are they just going to they could let go? Who knows? Right?

Well? Right? If if so, let's let's go to today, right,

if they've looked, if somebody's looked inside the cylinders with a borscope and they're seeing scoring, yes, then yeah it's and I can tell you go get a price quote to replace that engine. You better be sitting down. Yeah,

it's it's it's staggering. Did you get a quote?

Well no, Well we're trying to do. We had good

luck before they had. Of course, you know, young people

and their money seen high undays, are you know, cheap for a reason?

Right?

Well, you know what you know what? You know what

Hyundai stands for, don't you? Oh?

I have no, I can't think it right off of the bat.

But hope you understand. Hope you understand nothing's drivable and inexpensive,

and you know you have to own one to understand that they're good cars. I always say they're good cars.

They are a great five year automobile. And then and

I'm gonna get all kinds of mail and overron I've got ten year. Yeah, great, lucky you.

But yeah, they had another high end die that had two hundred thousand on the and the subframe was bad, and under good will they replaced it.

LD have you actually talked to Hyundai corporate.

Stephen No, and we were lucky enough with the other high end day. It was just the local store and

they replaced the sub frame for free under the good will.

So they're asking, you know, I'm not sorry. I know

sometimes some recalls because I worked for another dealership and I know there's some warranty enhancement. Sometimes they put on

parts they know they have problems with and they will replace that part on the warranty enhancement. But it's only

upter so many kilometers. But I'm not sure about Hyundai

and the engines for that.

I'm finding it and I'm not outing you. I'm just

finding it really hard to believe that this had the recall actually done and it's gone bad a second time with the exact same problem. Because to their credit, you know,

for all the Hyundai engines that have been recalled, and you know, my god, from twenty thirteen on, it seems like every Hyundai's had an engine recall and replaced at least once. Those second engines usually last the life of

the car.

So they didn't.

Replace the engine.

What do they do?

I think what it seems like they just they checked it and said, well, this engine doesn't have that problem, and that's my concern.

Well no, well okay, so wait a minute, so you're saying when you're saying, somebody checked it for the recall but didn't actually perform the engine replacement exactly. Oh, then

then it needs an engine. Call Hyundai and say hey, listen,

it wasn't bad, then it's bad. Twenty five thousand kilometers

later are recalls at recall? How can that not be?

I don't know, I don't know if they have I know, yeah, that's that's the thing where we that's the things because I know I'm trying to remember that the recall that they I don't know they did something electronic to say if it starts to go bad, that it mains it makes more noise. I'm trying to remember from memory.

Well, there's actually there's actually two bulletins that are engine related, Steven all right. The two bulletins here in the States.

It's one of them is twenty twosh oh one dish oh forty two H and the other one is twenty two dish em DISH double eight H. The eight H

deals with spark knock and software programming and cylinder noise.

Cylinder noise issues. They do it. It's called the CNDS

software update.

That's the one I was thinking, right.

But I would call Hyundai and say, listen, it wasn't bad twenty five thousand kilometers ago. You know, it's whether

it's the late How do I know the guy did it right? Look, these are two young people that have

purchased two hun days prior. Here's your argument. Okay, they

purchased two hun days prior. You're about to show them

why they should continue to buying Hundays for the rest of their lives because they're young people and they tend to stick with Brent. Right, we all listen. I was

raised on Chevrolet. What am I still driving?

Right?

And I suffered through some GM nightmares that everybody can be aware of. So I think it's a conversation with

corporate where they've got to say, look, you know here I am, what are you going to do for me?

And I would I would would, I would get over the head of the dealer because I don't think the dealer is going to fight for it like you're.

Gonna Because I think I remember reading somewhere like they're saying that it was six was some type of enhanced offer to listen for noise and the right correct correct correct.

So you know you bought this used car at the time of purchased, this recall was done. You don't know

what was done. All you know is twenty five thousand

kilometers later, you've got an engine that's consuming oil and you've been told that now it needs an engine. How

is that fair?

Yeah? Now, would it be fair to say that in

general high undie engines may be similar to subers. They

do consume oil over between oil changes, like at the nature of the Beast.

Yeah, I think. Listen, the industry in the last twenty

years has tried to feed the consumers. No pun intended

that a quart of oil in a thousand miles is acceptable.

It may be acceptable in their world, it's not acceptable in Ron's world, but you know, we deal with it.

So I think, you know, if it's a quart of oil in a thousand miles, that's one thing. But you've

got to realize this is only going to get worse.

If the walls are scuffed and the rings are banged up, it's only going to get worse. And every quart of

oil that burns through that engine is also coding and clogging the catalytic converter and leading that to an early failure.

Exactly. I've learned a lot listening to you over the

last years.

When I found Thank you, sir, I appreciate it. I

wish it was more I could do for you. But

I would talk. I would talk to Hyundai Corporate and

you know, just go to the front of the horse.

As Dad used to say.

Okay, all right, perfect, well, I'll be calling back with many other titles.

Well, yeah, let us let us know what. Let us

know what this uh, what this transpires to be. I

will tell you this. I haven't done it in a while,

but there is a way to go to the Hundai website and get service information and copies of bulletins. I

haven't had to do it for a while, but you can search it and you will find it you want to look for, like I said, twenty two oh one, forty two and twenty two em double eight and at least you have copies of the bulletins in hand. All right,

kidd ol, good luck, take care of those kids. You're

very welcome, sir. You'd be well, I'm running any in

the car. Doctor. We are back right after this. Hey,

let's get right over to Carlon and Sylvania. Carlin. What's

going on, Girland? How I'm sorry girl? Yeah, sir, yes, sir,

Let's go.

You got I got a twenty eleven Crews back a few years ago, maybe about twenty one Thanksgiving, I went to the store to buy something, and when I left the store, got in the car, drove down to the stoplight, was waiting. People were getting behind me, and finally the

light changed and I made the right turn to go home, and the engine just raced.

It didn't.

It didn't, It didn't move the car. I didn't realize

it wasn't moving the car because it really hadn't stepped on the accelerator that hard. But it got to the

point where I had some guys helped me push it back into the parking lot. At that time, I didn't

realize I could drive it in reverse, but we pushed it back in the parking lot, and finally, while we were there, we realized it would run in reverse, but it wouldn't go in the drive years before we drive years gotcha. So I ended up waiting until about maybe

two o'clock in the morning and going down to the store, getting in the car and driving it and reverse all the way home and where that's where it sits now.

And it's been sitting a while, and I'm getting ready to start it up just to run the engine. It's

been a couple of years or so, matter of fact, maybe maybe five three five.

It's five years. Well, twenty twenty one was five years, right, yeah, right, okay.

And so.

I looked on it and had to see if there was any recalls or or what could I do with it?

And they gave me all kinds of diagnoses, and it said that the main thing that happens probably is a module that in it. The valves are not opening and

closing the right way and stuff like that. Normally I

would probably be working something like this myself. However, this

is a newer car, so I'm not getting into it.

As a matter of fact, they didn't even have a way to change the transmission through it. Check it. They

say is you don't have to change your transmission do it, which I find unbelievable. However, uh so I'm stuck down.

I want to know where should I go from here to try to I want to think it to a trainee, please, So.

Let's let's let's let's let's let's have a general conversation. Okay, okay,

you know how many miles are on this car?

About fifty seven, so.

It's less than sixty thousand miles. Yes, all right, So

I don't remember if that's a four or six speed transmission.

Let's let's round it off and say it's a five speed.

It's not, but so you know in New Jersey dollars, that's probably a five to seven thousand dollars transmission replacement.

Just just saying right, just to get a number on the table. Okay, okay, so let's let's let's go to

the higher number, seven grand. The part of the how

can I say it? Part of the downside, if there's

even more of a downside. The car's been sitting five years,

so all the brake roaders are rusty unless you've been driving around and reverse for the past five years. Right,

So all the roaders are rusty. All the rubber is

five years older, the tires are probably dry rotted. You know,

what are we trying to resurrect? And then before you

answer that question, what have you been driving in the meantime?

Have you been driving?

I really haven't been driving I've been kitching the bus, I've been getting rides. I've gone through a lot of

trauma here my wife as last year, I'm sorry, and before that I was the sole caregiver.

Right for her for those too sure, sure, yeah.

So I just haven't been able to get out.

So let me let me ask you the question this way, Car Garland, I'm sorry. If I said to you go

out and buy a second another car, do you have twenty grand to go buy a second car, a different car?

I really don't.

Okay, So we want to try and make we want to try and make this one work. Yeah, all right, Now,

I'm going to tell you cruises as a vehicle, they weren't great. They're okay, they're not great. They're not top

of the list. A lot of the failures are common,

you know. I don't know if you've been through the

valve cover debacle where the PCV orifice in the valve cover would fail or get clogged and create all sorts of noises and issues, water pump problems, you know, ignition coil problems, things like that. I don't know what you've

done to it. It's only got sixty thousand miles on it,

so I guess what I'm trying to tell you is just you know, brother to brother. I'm just trying to say,

you know, let's say it is a transmission. Would you

find would you find the seven grand?

I would have to I mean, rather than try to go out and find twenty.

Right, Okay, So let's say you find the seven We've got figure right that. And you know, if you're a

mechanic or you're handy and you can do some of this stuff, even cost of parts. Let's say the car

needs four wheel brakes, there's got to be four five hundred dollars in material there, right, Yeah, so now there's seventy five hundred and if it needs tires eight hundred one thousand, okay, right, and then you know, probably every fluid in the car should be changed. It's been sitting

five years. Coolant, engine, oil, break, fluid, just normal maintenance.

And then I guess the other thing we got to think about is what are you going to do with the car after you get it running? Is it around

town driving? Are you are you going back to work?

Is it going to be long distance stuff?

You know?

Are you going to be within walking distance of the house?

Should it break down? Again, you know, all that kind

of comes into the mix. I know what you're looking for.

What's the simple way out? Could it be a trans

control module? Sure it could, absolutely and getting it diagnosed

would definitely be a lot better solution. The problem is

it's five years older. The battery's dead, right or did

the battery ever go dead?

Yes?

Right, so the battery went dead. Any fault code information

on the initial failure is long gone, So you know, whatever information is in there now when you go to put it in gear may not be the whole story because you know, did the transmission fail back in twenty one because of you know it had it had circumstances leading up to that failure? Or you know, did this

create that? Be got that and now we've got that

and we've got that failure. Are we going to have

to back up and fix the other two things that cause it? If you follow what I'm saying, Uh huh,

So I think getting a diagnosis is a good place to start. I don't know that a transmission is going

to be the end of it, right, you know, could they just repair it? If they have to pull the

trends out of the car, you're gonna have to weigh the difference between repairing it or replacing it. You know,

if it's twenty five hundred versus six thousand, seven thousand, but seven thousand gets you a transmission that's gonna work and have a guarantee on it for a year or two or three? Are we better off doing that? Right?

Oh?

Okay?

Last thought? Okay? Can we lease a car?

Well?

I mean, with the piggts that you're giving me, it sounds like leasing could be something that I would have to consider. I mean, you know, considering the upfront down

payment that you put on a lease car. I never

looked into a lease car, but I think some of the numbers on TV and then the month, because it might be to my benefit to look at it.

Right, I think, I think you've got to think. I

think we need to go on a mission here, all right, kiddo, we need to go look at numbers. Right, depending on

where you are in Pennsylvania, you know, what's the local economy, what's the transmission cost? I think we need to get

some numbers. I would go to a trans shop. Hey,

what would it cost if we had to overhaul it?

You know, what do you see as common failures? And

then go get some least numbers and work your way backwards.

You know where to find me if you need me.

Good luck, I'm running any in the car. Doctor, I'm

back right after this.

He Ron, keep you right.

The band is awful lowed this week. I noticed them.

They're kind of riled. I was looking at rott A

Motive News this week and there's a pattern developing, whether you realize it or not. And it's not one big headline.

It's like a dozen little check engine lights that are flashing off and on telling you there's a problem ahead.

I see that. You know, tariffs are in the conversation again, right,

Hybrids seem to be gaining momentum. Right, More of you

were buying hybrids are at least looking at them, and the ev enthusiasm is kind of cooling off a little bit.

You guys want practical. You want to get to work.

You know, you want to get a to B you want to drive. Today's car isn't repaired anymore, though, and

that's what you've got to be thinking about, because it's managed.

And I'm noticing more and more the software that operates the car is managed, the network within the car is managed.

They're controlling the scan tool. Right, you need a subscription

on some cars to get auto start to work, which is absolutely red all right. We used to do it

years ago with three buttons off the fob. Push this

button once, this button twice and the car would start.

Now we're making it so you can warm up your car when you get off an airplane twenty minutes beforehand, so you get out to a warm car. I think

that's an extreme condition, but they're managing everything. And that

kind of brought me to the pinnacle of stories this week.

John Deere. John Deere, the tractor company just agreed to

a ninety nine million dollar right to repair settlement. Now

you've got to understand, and it is, but it isn't.

It isn't about tractors. It's about access. It's about who's

going to get to diagnose what they own. It's about

being able to fix it for somebody if they own it.

It's who gets to repair what and whether ownership really still means ownership, because that's really what this is about.

There are farmers who are I've paid John Deere dealers for repairs going back to twenty eighteen, and I just want to let you know as part of this settlement, and you should go look it up at John Deere.

You know, you may be able to recover money from the ninety nine million dollars settlement, but the bigger story that's going to continue is access. Now. John Deere agreed

to provide digital diagnostic and repair tools for ten years and expand access to offline diagnostics and reprogramming. Now that

could mean less downtime and more independent repair. And understand

what this is about. You've got a three hundred acre

farm in the middle of Kansas and your tractor breaks down in the middle of it. We had the gentleman

on whose name escapes me at the moment. I shall

look him up once. He's probably done dancing in the

street because I'm sure he's elated that this was solved.

And I'm hoping it's solved. That's what I'm reading. That

it's solved, and your tractor breaks down in the middle of your three hundred acre farm. How do you get

it out of the middle of the three hundred acres?

You got to a guy out there to fix it, but the guy doesn't have the diagnostic tools. And while

you're waiting for the John Deere technician to show up, which, as we learned so much over the past couple of years, that could take two to three weeks, that could take two to three months, and your crop goes bad. So

the right to repair has become a real tickle my funny bone because it's a sign of problems and things to come. We need more owner repair. We've got a

lower repair friction. We've got to make it so people

can get their stuff fixed. Where does this sound familiar,

I said to myself as I was reading this article.

Sounds kind of like what independent repair shops. We've been

talking about it for years, Right, Who gets information, who gets tools? Who gets to compete? Who's left standing at

the dealership service counter because there's no other choice? And

the dealership is backed up a couple of weeks or months because there's no other choice. And that's really what

right to repair is about. You know, a break job

used to be pads and rotors. Well, we've talked about

this recently. Right, we can't just do that because we've

got to put that many vehicles in electronic service mode.

We've got to retract the piston calipers because of electronic motors.

Battery replacement requires registration, you and I. You know, I laugh,

but I don't laugh. Everybody says to me, Oh, ron

I just throw a battery in it. Well, yeah, but

we've got to register the battery. We've got to tell

the vehicle, Hey, we changed the battery, we changed the internal resistance, we changed the electrical heart of the system.

So we've got to register the battery so that the alternator, the computer and the modules can can react to that properly and run the vehicle. You wouldn't change the warp

drive in the enterprise without letting Scotty know. So we

could reprogram a few things, right, because that's basically what you're driving. You're driving a spaceship. Routine repairs. In a

repair shop, they stop call because scan tools need software updates.

I talked about it a couple of weeks ago. It

happens all the time. The tool needs repair before the

car can be repaired. Now, look, the farmers have been

going through it, the repair shops are going through it.

I am not anti technology. I've got to think I

am pro fairness. I just want everybody to have the

ability to repair what they own, pro choice, pro access.

But when technology becomes a gatekeeper instead of a tool.

When technology forces farmers to lose money, when technology forces vehicle owners to have to make a choice they don't want to make. We've kind of crossed into something different,

haven't we. You know, the John Dearer story matters because

maybe it'll become the precedent I'm hoping, you know, maybe it'll change the way the service base problem gets overcome, and maybe that becomes the bigger fight over the future of the automobile. You know, it's it's not gas versus electric,

it's not hybrid versus e V. It's it's something bigger.

What we're really seeing and what John Dear really means is who controls the repair? Because if you can't fix

what you own, do you really own it? Do you

think about it? Eight five five five six oh nine

nine zero zero ron at cardoctorshow dot com. Send me

an email, give me a call, let's talk about it.

I'm Ronning any and the Car Doctor. We're back right

after this. Hey, let's go down to Florida and talk

to John John. Welcome to the Car Doctor, Sir. How

can I help?

Hey, I'm an eighty four year old card guy and still do the old stuff. I've got a sixty six

Cheby C ten okay four fifty four a Holly double pump, I don't hollies drive me crazy? And turbo four hundred

and I have a problem that developed it months to berbal when I'm at a real low idle movement or if I stop, it'll just burble itself out. But if

I hit it, it takes off pretty good. I'm not

quite sure what's going on.

With stock stock stock four fifty four.

John, it's kind of mild camy a medium rise. It's

a torque cam and a medium rise.

Yeah, but nothing crazy, right, Okay? And did it used

to run well and now all of a sudden it's starting to give you problems?

Yeah, it was running good and probably about a month ago.

I out cruising and stop at light, start burbling and go out. And usually I think that means it's too rich.

I'm not sure.

Well, so let's let's let me just go. Do you

store it in the winter? Do you drive it year

round in Florida?

Oh? No, it goes all the time.

Okay, so yeah, well it's either rich or lean. I mean,

it's one of the other one of the simplest things you can do, right, and I'm gonna make some assumptions that you know you've played with idle speed idle mixture, right you can? And how does the idle mixture respond

if you if you were to get it on base idle warmed up? Is it? Is it? Mixture screws in

the front balls or both balls?

Yeah, they're the front balls. If I move them in,

it seems to smooth it out a little bit. Isn't

that cutting off the fuel or right?

That's that's leaning it out. But here's my question. Right,

if you were to, you know, make it run as good as you can play with the mixture screws, get your base idol, where do you have it idling eight hundred without putting it in her?

Right?

It's it's an automatic, yeah, turbo four hundreds okay? And

and air conditioning on it.

No, No, it's only got five hrh was going to the motor?

Got it all right? So you know an eight hundred

you should see it drop six point fifty six twenty five when it's in gear. Right, where do you where

do you say? All right? Does it does it stay

above six six hundred when you put it in gear if it's running? Okay?

No, it it drops down, but that's when it starts suburbo a little bit when it's in gear at an idle or a slow move and I'm not what rpm?

What rpm is that? John?

Is it going about six hundred?

All right?

So six hundred six to six twenty five? If you

tweak that rpm up twenty five rpm? So it idles

at six twenty five? Does it idle?

They're okay, Yeah, that's okay, all right.

So I want you to make it run as good as you can by either idle speed, screw or mixtures.

And then watch this warmed up. Take the air cleaner off,

take a rag and stuff it in the carb. Hold

it over the top of the car. Down the primaries. Right,

this is this is it? Is it a vacuum secondary mechanical,

secondary mechanicmper Okay, so just hold it over the primary.

Does the idle speed go up or does it? Does

it stall out? If the idle speed and do it

lightly right, choke off the air supply lightly. If the

idle speed starts to go up, that's showing us that the idle jets and the air bleeds are restricted, all right, and it's it's time to rebuild the car. As long

as the carb passes that test, I'm generally okay with it.

If it's been a while since the carb was pulled apart, I'd probably go through it just out of curiosity myself, just because today's fuel tends to eat away at the gaskets.

Right, how long is use I use marine fuel?

Okay? Let it, John, let it fuel unleaded? Why are

you using marine fuel because of the octane?

Well? I I like it because it doesn't gum off

the carburetor or right out the gas.

Tank because there's no ethanol in it, right, Okay, all right, For the record, I've been running Sonoco in the hot rod for fifteen years. Just now I'm starting to get

to the point where the car needs to be rebuilt.

And it's got similar symptoms to yours. And it's it's

it's basically the same carburetor. It's a Hlly double pumper,

et cetera. All right, I'm just trying to decide do

we have something here? Are we dealing with a dirty bleed? Right?

Yeah?

Are we dealing with gasket deterioration? Okay? And listen, carburetors

are like snowflakes. They change every winter. They come back,

and sometimes we have to play with mixture screws, and sometimes we have to, you know, play with idle speed are the mixture screws? Balance? Left to right? Is the

right side? Two turns, the left side.

Two turns and a half out?

Okay, And if you turn them in, if you turn both of them in at half a turn, it makes a difference and it runs better.

Yeah, yeah, all right, you leave.

Why don't you What made you run them at two and a half because that's where it ran best before.

Yeah, that just seemed to be the standard.

Well standard, what that's the way everybody did it, or that's the way this ran the best.

That's what I've been told.

No, listen, you know why they call it tuning because it's about adjustment. Yeah right, And there are there are

years the hot rod runs one way and there are years that runs another. There are days I'll tell you what,

April May and New Jersey. It's a little bit cooler air.

It changes the density, it affects the way it runs.

It's a carburetor, July. I have to I have to

readjust it all over again. And you know that's the

way carburetors were, you know, as you remember.

Yeah, I do have one thing though. I noticed the

fuel prefer pressure is only three pounds all the time.

And I'm thinking the cam, the lowbon the cam for the fuel pump of the bad because it's a it's a new fuel pump. But I can't get it about

three pounds.

Three pounds does sound live? It does sound low?

What made you change?

What makes you? Okay? And and you know fuel pressure?

Now fuel pressure and volume? Does it deliver enough volume?

What brand pump is it?

It's just a you know, half to market mechanical.

Okay, So before you change and think about the can because if the cam lobe was worn down, you know, cut open the oil filter at the next oil change.

Do you see any metal in it?

Well? I noticed when I put my finger inside the

rock or the valve covers, I do detect a little brown powder, like you know, not heavy, but just enough to smudge your finger.

Okay, Well, you know what, and I'm gonna I'm gonna say it like this. I think what you need to

do is maybe do it a an oil analysis. Do

we have metal particles in the engine? If you don't,

what are you seeing? And maybe it's send the oil

out for analysis to the lab and then cut the oil filter open. If all those come back good, then

I'm going to tell you to try a different brand of fuel pump, something named brand stool Warner still makes a great fuel pump. And then after that, chase the

car problems like we talked about. If you need more,

you know where to find me. Eight five five five

six nine nine zero zero. The car Doctor's coming back

right after this. I think I want to leave you

with the following thoughts and not directed at John and Florida with the Holly in the four fifty four, But I just want to talk about critical thinking. I know

if you're sitting there saying this is the way everybody does it, so I'm going to do it that way and it's not working. Think outside the box. One of

the greatest compliments my kids paid me. One of my

kids paid me was she said, my dad taught me to think outside the box. And he always told me

there isn't a car that can't be fixed, and he did a lot of them by thinking outside the box.

If you've got a mechanical problem, now in John's case, he can't get the car, I don't correctly, so you know is it carburetor? Is it? Is it? But everybody

did this and everybody does that. There's a slew of

things we never even talked about in the course of that conversation. What type of ignition does he have? Is

it a point style ignition or the points set correctly?

Is timing set correctly? Did the distributor loosen up and

move right? Is there too much slop in the timing

chain allowing and changing manifold vacuum affecting the way the carburetor works? I mean, there's a there's one hundred things

to consider, and is that the price of technology? Has

it taken away our critical thinking skills that we're just so used to? You know, it's to me, it's the

equivalent that call was the equivalent of the mechanic that says I can't fix the car. There's no fault codes.

Apply critical thinking, okay, apply it to the problem. Whether

it's how do I get the rusty bolt out? To

how do I diagnose the module not communicating? To how

do I get the Holly carburetor to idle better? What changed?

What's different? What do I need to do next? Critical thinking?

Think outside the box? Card doctor thoughts for the day.

I'm Ron, a nanny and the guard doctor. Good mechanics

aren't expensive, they're priceless seeing.

Hey, he's a car doctor.

Carr advice, don't ray

About this episode

Ron Ananian tackles three very different repair stories, then zooms out to the bigger “right to repair” fight. A caller worries a Hyundai engine recall was completed, yet the car now shows cylinder scoring and likely needs an engine—Ron urges pushing Hyundai corporate and pulling recall bulletins. Another caller’s 2021 Chevy Cruze won’t shift into drive after sitting for years; Ron stresses diagnosis first, then budgeting for brakes, tires, fluids, and possible transmission overhaul/lease options. Ron also discusses how software-gated diagnostics and tools affect independent shops and owners, citing a John Deere right-to-repair settlement as a precedent. Finally, a Florida hot-rod owner with a burbling idle gets carb tuning and fuel pressure checks, plus a reminder to use critical thinking beyond “what everyone does.”

air bleeds air conditioning (AC) air density changes with temperature and location auto start base idle Battery replacement requires registration boroscope brake roters are rusty brand pump burble

Original notes

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