Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 3, 2015 - Hour 2 - Noises, Batteries & The Truth About When Cars Fail

This Nissan Exterra is being diagnosed for an emissions-related check engine light caused by a failing catalytic converter. The key detail is that there are two catalytic converters, and the diagnosis targets the one monitored by the exhaust sensors (including the one in the exhaust manifold area).

A “catalyst efficiency” (cat efficiency) code means the car’s computer thinks the catalytic converter isn’t cleaning exhaust gases as well as it should. It’s typically triggered by sensor readings before and after the catalytic converter that don’t show the expected change.

A catalytic converter is an emissions-control device in the exhaust that uses chemical reactions to reduce harmful pollutants. When it fails, the engine computer can set diagnostic trouble codes and turn on the check engine light.

A pending fault code is a diagnostic code the car stores when it detects a problem during a drive cycle, but it hasn’t met the criteria to “confirm” the fault yet. This often happens when the issue is intermittent or the conditions for a full confirmation aren’t met.

The evaporative emission system captures fuel vapors from the tank and routes them for combustion instead of venting them to the atmosphere. When it detects a leak (like a small leak), it can set codes and affect readiness/monitor testing.

Rust around the top of the fuel tank near the sending unit can cause fuel-level and evaporative system issues, because the tank area is exposed and structurally vulnerable. In this case, the shop links the tank’s rust condition to the evaporative emissions leak code behavior.

P0442 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code indicating a small EVAP system leak. In this segment, the host explains how the vehicle initially had a small leak code, then later the car’s catalytic-converter-related fault appeared after the EVAP monitor finally ran.

The check engine light is the driver-facing warning that the engine control unit has stored a fault code. In this segment, it’s used as the trigger for scanning codes like P0442 and later for the reappearance of emissions-related faults.

The fuel cap is part of the EVAP system and must seal properly to prevent fuel vapors from escaping. The host notes that the fuel cap wasn’t seated correctly at the time of the earlier scan, then he reseated it.

“Smoke a system” is a diagnostic method where technician introduces smoke into a vehicle’s EVAP plumbing to find where it leaks. The host is weighing whether to do this expensive diagnostic step versus letting the car run long enough for the EVAP monitor to confirm the issue.

The EVAP monitor is the vehicle’s onboard test that checks the evaporative emissions (fuel-vapor) system for leaks. Here, the host emphasizes that the EVAP monitor only runs when specific conditions are met, which is why the code didn’t repeat until later.

Powerframe Batteries is the company the hosts say they’ll speak with about battery technology. The discussion is framed around how battery tech has improved and how to choose a battery for winter conditions.

“Battery technology” refers to the design and chemistry of batteries and how those changes affect real-world performance. In this episode, it’s tied to how batteries have improved over time and how that impacts starting and reliability in cold weather.

The host introduces a case involving a Subaru, specifically a 2011 Subaru Forester. This matters because noise complaints and cold-weather battery behavior often show up together in real-world drivability troubleshooting.

Oil pressure is the force of pressurized engine oil circulating through the engine to lubricate moving parts. If the engine “isn’t getting any oil pressure,” components like tensioners may not get the lubrication they need, which can lead to startup rattle and accelerated wear risk.

A tensioner is a component that keeps tension on a chain or belt so it doesn’t slack. In this context, the “left hand tensioner” is being discussed as a likely cause of lubrication-related noise and a potential timing-related issue.

The Chrysler Saratoga is a nameplate from Chrysler’s past, typically associated with older full-size cars. It may come up in a podcast because classic and vintage models often have unique parts, age-related wear, and maintenance challenges compared with newer vehicles. The transcript’s dealership and location references suggest it was part of a broader discussion about specific cars and their histories or service needs.

An automotive “bulletin” here refers to a manufacturer technical service bulletin (TSB), which documents known issues and recommended inspection/repair steps. The speaker is contrasting two different TSBs that both claim the condition is “non detrimental,” while still offering repairs for customers who want to address noise.

The timing chain tensioner is a hydraulic (oil-pressure-dependent) device that maintains proper tension on the engine’s timing chain. If it fails or doesn’t build pressure quickly, the chain can rattle on startup and can contribute to timing noise or wear.

The speaker argues that car companies shouldn’t treat the end of the warranty as the end of responsibility. They frame it as a “buying experience” problem: problems can still arise after coverage ends, and owners still need support.

“Exhaust noises” refers to abnormal sounds coming from the exhaust system, such as rattles, hissing, popping, or loud droning. Different noise types can point to issues like exhaust leaks, failing mufflers, or problems with exhaust components.

When a repair requires the engine to come out, it usually means the job can’t be done safely or effectively with the engine in place. It’s a major labor step that increases cost and time, so shops may be reluctant unless the diagnosis is clear.

The exhaust manifold is the part bolted to the engine that collects exhaust gases from multiple cylinders and routes them into the exhaust system. If bolts seize there, it can turn a normal repair into a much bigger job because the manifold may need to be removed or the fasteners freed.

“Drilled out” refers to removing stuck fasteners by drilling through them when they can’t be unthreaded. In engine work, this often means extra labor and careful machining/cleanup to avoid damaging surrounding metal.

Repetitive cycling is repeatedly charging and discharging a battery over and over. The speaker ties it to faster corrosion of the battery’s internal grid because each cycle involves chemical activity and heat.

“Powerframe grid technology” refers to a battery internal grid design meant to resist corrosion and mechanical damage. In this discussion, it’s presented as using a reinforced grid/frame and a specific manufacturing approach to improve durability in real-world cycling and vibration.

Cold cranking amps (CCA) is a battery rating for how much current it can deliver to crank an engine in cold temperatures. The speaker contrasts older buying habits (choosing by CCA) with newer concerns about battery life under repetitive cycling.

Start-stop technology automatically shuts the engine off when the car is stopped (like at a traffic light) and restarts it when you press the accelerator. The speaker uses it to argue that modern vehicles reduce starting load compared with older cars, changing how the battery is stressed.

Vibration is a mechanical stress that can damage a battery’s internal grid over time. The speaker explains that vibration can fracture fatigued areas of the grid (especially when corrosion has weakened it), potentially leading to short circuits and reduced capacity.

Capacity is how much electrical energy a battery can store and deliver before it’s depleted. The speaker says corrosion and vibration can reduce capacity, which shortens usable battery life.

A short circuit in a battery is an unintended electrical path that bypasses the normal internal resistance. Here, the speaker links short circuits to grid damage from corrosion and vibration, and also to grid warping that can bring conductive parts into contact.

Metal fatigue is progressive weakening and cracking of metal due to repeated stress cycles. The speaker describes the battery grid manufacturing approach as improving resistance not only to corrosion but also to metal fatigue, which helps prevent fractures that can cause shorts.

“Power frame manufacturing” refers to how the battery’s internal grid is produced. In this episode, it’s contrasted with traditional grid casting, with the claim that the newer process reduces environmental impact during production.

“Greenhouse gases” are emissions that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. The episode uses this term to quantify the claimed environmental benefit of the power frame manufacturing process.

“Casting” is the traditional manufacturing approach where molten lead is poured into molds to form battery grids. The episode claims this requires melting lead, which releases more environmental gases than the alternative process.

The episode describes a manufacturing method where lead is rolled into a strip and then stamped into grid shapes. It also claims the punched-out material is recycled, which reduces emissions associated with melting lead and reduces waste.

This segment focuses on how listeners can identify whether a battery uses the Powerframe grid technology. It includes guidance on looking for the Powerframe logo and where to buy it.

Advanced Autoparts is named as a retailer that sells batteries containing the Powerframe technology. The episode frames it as a place where consumers can look for the Powerframe logo on the battery label.

Carquest is mentioned as another retailer carrying batteries with Powerframe technology. The host says it’s available in their silver, gold, and Platinum battery lines.

The Aston Martin Valhalla is a high-performance supercar from Aston Martin, built to deliver track-focused driving with advanced engineering. It’s a notable topic because it’s a modern, specialized car where ownership can involve expensive maintenance and careful attention to service needs. The transcript’s “Valhalla, New York” mention suggests the car was part of a question-and-answer segment or listener discussion.

The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for being practical and widely used for work and everyday driving. It often comes up in car-doctor discussions because owners may rack up high mileage and use the truck for towing or hauling, which can bring up maintenance and wear items. The podcast context suggests it was mentioned alongside other model years, likely in relation to reliability or common service needs.

The Dodge Charger is a full-size performance-oriented sedan that’s known for strong power and a long model history. It’s frequently discussed in automotive podcasts because different model years can have different engine and drivetrain setups, which affects maintenance and repair patterns. In the transcript, it appears alongside multiple other vehicles and years, suggesting the conversation may be about durability, issues, or what owners should expect.

A scan tool is an electronic device that plugs into a car’s diagnostic port to read fault codes and other live sensor data. It’s how a technician figures out what a car’s computer thinks is wrong, even when the check-engine light isn’t obvious.

The “CRP two twenty nine” is a specific LAUNCHTECHUSA scan tool model described as an Android-based touchscreen unit. The host claims it can pull codes, show a data stream, and perform functions like oil light resets and steering angle resets.

LAUNCHTECHUSA is the brand/vendor being recommended for scan tools in this segment. The host is pointing listeners to a specific product line from that company rather than discussing scan tools in general.

A data stream is the continuous stream of live measurements a scan tool pulls from the car’s modules—things like sensor readings and calculated values. Watching the data stream helps diagnose intermittent issues and verify whether a repair actually fixed the underlying problem.

Oil light resets are procedures that clear the vehicle’s “oil change required” reminder in the instrument cluster after an oil service. Many cars track service intervals electronically, so the light may stay on until the reset is performed with a scan tool.

Steering angle resets recalibrate the car’s steering position sensor so driver-assistance systems (like stability control and lane/driver aids) can interpret steering inputs correctly. This is commonly needed after work that affects alignment or steering components, such as replacing parts or performing certain alignment procedures.

Idling is how a car runs while it’s stopped with the engine still on, typically at a low, controlled RPM. If a classic car is “having trouble idling,” it often indicates a fueling/air issue (like a rich mixture) or an ignition/vacuum problem.

Engine flooding means too much fuel is getting into the combustion process, so the mixture becomes overly rich and the engine can’t run smoothly. The host also mentions smelling fuel, which supports a rich/flooding condition rather than a purely mechanical noise.

A fuel pump is the component that pressurizes and moves gasoline from the tank to the engine’s fuel system. If it’s failing or incorrectly matched, it can cause symptoms like flooding, hard starts, or poor running because the engine isn’t getting the right fuel pressure/flow.

A fuel regulator controls fuel pressure in the fuel rail/system so the engine receives a consistent pressure regardless of driving conditions. If fuel pressure is too high, it can contribute to flooding (too much fuel entering the engine), which is why the host is questioning whether a regulator is the real culprit.

“Dirt in the system” means contamination in the fuel lines, filters, or metering components that can interfere with proper sealing and flow. Contaminants can cause valves/needles to stick or not seat correctly, leading to incorrect fuel delivery and flooding.

Fuel pressure is how strongly the fuel system pushes gasoline through the lines and into the injectors/carburetion. If fuel pressure is abnormally high, it can force fuel past intended sealing points or overwhelm metering, contributing to flooding.

The “needle” refers to a metering/sealing tip used in some fuel delivery designs to regulate flow. If the needle doesn’t seal properly—due to contamination, wear, or excessive pressure—it can allow fuel to leak into the wrong place and cause flooding.