Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - December 13, 2025 - Hour 1
About this episode
Ron Ananian dives into the importance of building relationships in auto repair, sharing anecdotes from his shop and discussing the challenges faced by both customers and mechanics. He highlights a case involving a customer who returned to the dealership for unresolved issues, emphasizing the need for trust and communication. The episode also covers the complexities of older vehicles, like a 1995 Volkswagen Eurovan, and the practicality of repairs versus costs. Listeners gain insights into the automotive repair industry and the significance of honest service.
In this segment of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron explains how auto repair has evolved beyond simply fixing cars into a business built on trust, guidance, and long-term relationships. Using a real customer story, he shows how fear of cost or scheduling can lead drivers away from trusted shops, often resulting in repeat visits, unresolved problems, and lingering doubt about whether the repair was done right the first time. That doubt, Ron notes, damages not just one shop’s reputation but the perception of the entire industry.
He ties this experience to a broader trend of dealership service departments losing ground to independent shops as consumers look for more than a low price—they want transparency, familiarity, and the “Cheers factor,” where their name and their car are known. Ron emphasizes that a good repair shop doesn’t just repair vehicles; it helps owners make practical decisions, including when a repair no longer makes sense. Ultimately, the real value in auto repair comes from honesty, experience, and putting the customer’s long-term needs ahead of a quick sale.
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Volkswagen Eurovan
"...the owner of this vehicle. It's a 95 Volkswagen Eurovan. All right. And no Volkswagen jokes."
The Volkswagen Eurovan is a type of van made by Volkswagen. It's known for being roomy and is often used by families or people who like to go camping.
The Volkswagen Eurovan is a van that was produced by Volkswagen from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. It is known for its spacious interior and versatility, making it popular for families and camping enthusiasts.
engine adjustments
"They had to play with engine adjustments, set timing incorrectly in order to get the vehicle to run..."
These are changes made to the engine to help it work better.
Engine adjustments refer to the modifications made to the engine's settings, such as timing, fuel mixture, and idle speed, to ensure it runs properly.
rust
"But I understand there, there are holes in the body of this car big enough to drive your fist through from rust."
Rust is when metal gets damaged and turns into a flaky, orange substance, making the car weak.
Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen, leading to deterioration of the vehicle's body and structural components.
parts
"You can't get parts for it because I look, there's not a lot of parts left."
Parts are the pieces that make up a car, and sometimes it's hard to find them for older cars.
Parts refer to the individual components that make up a vehicle, which can be difficult to find for older or discontinued models.
OBD I
"...because it is an OBD one vehicle and the connector cable doesn't exist. And I if I have it, I couldn't tell you where it is..."
OBD I is a system that helps mechanics check how well a car is running and if it meets emissions standards. It's an older technology used in cars made before 1996.
OBD I (On-Board Diagnostics I) is an early version of vehicle diagnostic systems that allows mechanics to access information about the vehicle's performance and emissions. It was used in vehicles primarily before 1996, when OBD II became the standard.
diagnostic tree
"...if you're able to solve the problem and back down the diagnostic tree and figure out whatever somebody did wrong..."
A diagnostic tree is like a guide that helps mechanics figure out what's wrong with a car. It asks a series of questions to help them find the problem step by step.
A diagnostic tree is a flowchart used by technicians to systematically troubleshoot and identify issues in a vehicle. It guides the technician through a series of questions and tests to narrow down the potential causes of a problem.
GMC pickup
"My husband has a 2003 GMC pickup. And we were going down a bumpy road that was in the process of being paved."
A GMC pickup is a type of truck made by the GMC brand. The 2003 model is known for being tough and useful for carrying heavy loads or towing.
The 2003 GMC pickup refers to a model from GMC's line of full-size trucks, known for their durability and utility. These trucks are often used for both work and personal purposes, featuring a range of engine options and configurations.
check engine light
"Does the check engine light come on? It should come on moment"
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard that tells you something might be wrong with the engine. If it lights up, it's a good idea to get it checked out.
The check engine light is an indicator on the vehicle's dashboard that signals a problem with the engine or emissions system. It can indicate a wide range of issues, from minor to severe, and should be diagnosed with a scan tool.
fuel
"So, it's either missing fuel or it's missing ignition. It's just, it's just that simple."
Fuel is what your car needs to run, like gasoline or diesel. If there's not enough fuel, the car won't start or work right.
Fuel is the substance used to power an internal combustion engine, typically gasoline or diesel. A lack of fuel can prevent the engine from starting or running properly.
ignition
"So, it's either missing fuel or it's missing ignition. It's just, it's just that simple."
Ignition is what starts your car's engine. If there's a problem with the ignition system, your car might not start or run well.
Ignition refers to the process of starting the engine by igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Problems with the ignition system can prevent the engine from starting or running smoothly.
grounds
"There are grounds at the back of the engine. Grounds 102, grounds"
Grounds are connections in your car's electrical system that help it work properly. If these connections are bad, parts of your car might not work right.
In automotive terms, 'grounds' refer to the electrical connections that complete a circuit. Proper grounding is essential for the electrical systems in a vehicle to function correctly.
mass airflow sensor
"...one of the first things I do on that generation truck is at the mass airflow sensor. Is this the V8? By the way, I should ask that question..."
The mass airflow sensor helps the engine know how much air is coming in so it can mix the right amount of fuel with it. If it doesn't work right, the engine might not run well.
The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine, which is crucial for determining the correct fuel-to-air ratio for optimal combustion. A malfunctioning sensor can lead to poor engine performance and increased emissions.
V6
"...Is this the V8 or the V6? I believe it's the V6. Okay..."
A V6 is a type of engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's popular because it can provide good power while still being efficient on gas.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, which allows for a more compact design compared to inline engines. It typically offers a balance between power and fuel efficiency.
V8
"...Is this the V8 or the V6? I believe it's the V6. Okay..."
A V8 is another type of engine that has eight cylinders in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and is often used in trucks and sports cars.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, known for delivering high power and performance. It's commonly found in larger vehicles and performance cars.
Dodge Ram
"uh the 2023 dodge diesel, ram and uh stock. And I am I"
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that people often use for work or towing things. The diesel version is popular because it can pull heavy loads and usually gets better gas mileage.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck known for its powerful performance and rugged design. It has been a significant player in the truck market, especially with its diesel variants, which offer enhanced towing capabilities and fuel efficiency.
tuner
"...let's get a tuner and let's get you going and everything will be just fine for the truck. So I'm like, so is it so Martin is this a to put this into the king's English?"
A tuner is a tool that helps improve how a vehicle runs by changing its engine settings. This can make the truck faster or more efficient.
A tuner is a device or software that modifies the engine management system of a vehicle to enhance performance, fuel efficiency, or other parameters. Tuners can adjust settings like air-fuel ratios, ignition timing, and boost levels in turbocharged engines.
emissions package
"...modifying it and working within the confines of the emissions package that's on there..."
An emissions package is a group of parts in a car that helps reduce pollution from the engine. It's important for making sure cars are safe for the environment.
An emissions package refers to the set of components and systems in a vehicle designed to control and reduce harmful emissions produced by the engine. These packages are crucial for meeting environmental regulations.
miles per gallon
"...i'm actually trying to get more economy out of the out of the vehicle okay you get the tuner down and you put it into economy i can get it down to like 22 miles a gallon..."
Miles per gallon tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better the car is at saving fuel, which can help you spend less on gas.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles, indicating how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values indicate better fuel economy, which is often a key consideration for drivers looking to save on fuel costs.
diesel
"...in new jersey we see the typical diesel diesel owners go to 150 thousand miles and then they get rid of the vehicle..."
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in certain cars and trucks. Diesel engines are often more efficient than regular gasoline engines, which means they can go further on less fuel.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel derived from crude oil that is used in diesel engines. These engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque, making them popular in heavy-duty vehicles and trucks.
emissions control system
"...for a diesel truck with high mileage it's got an illegal emissions control system on..."
An emissions control system helps keep the air cleaner by reducing the pollution that comes from cars. It includes parts that make sure the car doesn't release too many harmful gases into the environment.
An emissions control system is a set of components in a vehicle designed to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants emitted into the atmosphere. These systems are crucial for meeting environmental regulations and can include catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation systems, and diesel particulate filters.
LS 5.3
"...but the ls 5.3 so not the original engine so maybe that's something to do with it..."
The LS 5.3 is a powerful engine made by Chevrolet that many people use in trucks. It's known for being strong and dependable, which is why it's often swapped into other cars.
The LS 5.3 is a V8 engine produced by General Motors, commonly found in Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. It is known for its reliability and performance, making it a popular choice for engine swaps in various vehicles.
exhaust manifold studs
"...they have a habit of breaking exhaust manifold studs even though it's new right how new is new you purchased it like that..."
Exhaust manifold studs are like screws that hold the part of the engine that lets out exhaust gases. If they break, it can cause problems with the engine's performance.
Exhaust manifold studs are bolts that secure the exhaust manifold to the engine block. They are critical for maintaining a proper seal and preventing exhaust leaks.
purge line
"what do they do with the canister lines the purge line out of the tank because 85 they still had purge right they still would have had a venting system..."
The purge line helps clean up fuel vapors from the gas tank and sends them to the engine to be burned, which helps reduce pollution.
The purge line is part of the vehicle's evaporative emissions control system. It allows fuel vapors from the fuel tank to be routed to the engine for combustion, reducing harmful emissions.
five gas analyzer
"...does he still have a five gas analyzer you know remember the old emissions probe up the tailpipe stuff..."
A five gas analyzer is a device that checks the gases coming out of a car's exhaust. It helps mechanics see how clean or dirty the emissions are, which is important for keeping the air clean.
A five gas analyzer is a diagnostic tool used to measure the concentration of various gases in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. It helps in assessing the engine's emissions and overall performance, particularly in relation to environmental regulations.
hydrocarbons
"...if he sets it to hydrocarbons with the vehicle off if he probes around..."
Hydrocarbons are chemicals that come from fuel and can be found in car exhaust. If there are too many hydrocarbons, it means the car isn't burning fuel completely, which can be bad for the environment.
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon, commonly found in fuels and emissions from vehicles. High levels of hydrocarbons in exhaust can indicate incomplete combustion, which can lead to increased pollution and engine inefficiency.
Lexus ES 350
"...simple isn't simple anymore of two things two cars 2011 lexus es 350 we're still working on"
The Lexus ES 350 is a comfortable luxury car that is easy to drive. It's known for being reliable and has a nice interior with good technology features.
The Lexus ES 350 is a luxury sedan known for its comfort, smooth ride, and reliability. It features a V6 engine and a reputation for high-quality interiors and advanced technology.
Chevrolet Trax
"...the other one was the 2017 chevy tracks right you think she knew her car simple..."
The Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV designed for city driving. It's known for being easy to park and having a good amount of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact SUV that offers a practical and versatile design, making it suitable for urban driving and small families. It features a range of tech and safety options, appealing to those looking for a compact vehicle with modern amenities.
wiper blades
"...we had to go through four manufacturers of wiper blades before we found one that actually fit because of this crazy..."
Wiper blades are the rubber parts that clean your car's windshield. They help you see clearly when it's raining or snowing by wiping away water and dirt.
Wiper blades are essential components of a vehicle's windshield wiper system, designed to clear rain, snow, and debris from the windshield to ensure visibility while driving. Choosing the right size and type is crucial for optimal performance.
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