Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - December 20, 2025 - Hour 2 - The Night Before Christmas (855)560-9900
About this episode
Ron Ananian shares holiday cheer while tackling automotive questions in this festive episode. Listeners call in with various car issues, including catalytic converter problems on a 2023 Ford F-150 and a 2003 Lexus LS430 needing repairs. Ron provides expert advice on diagnosing issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding warranty coverage and potential repairs. He also shares a humorous holiday poem about Santa's sleigh needing maintenance, blending automotive expertise with seasonal spirit. The episode wraps up with reminders about the podcast and upcoming best-of shows.
It’s the last live show of the year on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor—and Ron explains what’s coming next: a Best-Of show next weekend, then back live New Year’s weekend. Ron also reminds listeners the broadcast becomes a podcast (search Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor on iHeart, Apple, Amazon, Google, and more).
Plus, a caller with a 2023 Ford F-150 faces a persistent check engine light tied to a catalytic converter concern—Ron walks through why this should fall under federal emissions warranty coverage, why the dealer’s diagnostic fee may not ultimately come out of the caller’s pocket, and what to do to get the repair properly documented.
Then the show rolls on with used-car shopping advice, EVAP and purge-valve talk, and a holiday closer you’ve got to hear.
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2023 Ford F-150
"[342.2s] What's going on? 2023 Ford F-150 a two-wheel drive truck in Massachusetts."
The Ford F‑150 is a big truck that people use for work or hauling. The 2023 version has newer parts and better technology than older trucks.
The Ford F-150 is a full‑size pickup truck produced by the American automaker Ford. The 2023 model year includes updated styling, new technology features, and improved fuel efficiency compared to earlier years.
Cadillac Converter
"Well, there's there are issues, known issues with that particular vehicle with Cadillac Converters"
A catalytic converter is a part of the car’s exhaust system that cleans up pollution. Some Cadillac cars have had problems with this part, so it might need to be replaced.
The Cadillac converter refers to the catalytic converter installed in Cadillac vehicles, which reduces harmful exhaust gases. Issues with these converters can lead to emissions problems and costly replacements.
emissions recall
"Actually I think it went to the dealers but I do know the emission recall was a mission recall 24 dash"
If a car is found to emit too much pollution, the company may ask owners to bring it in for free repairs. This is called an emissions recall.
An emissions recall is a manufacturer’s action to fix or replace parts that cause a vehicle to exceed legal pollution limits. Recalls are issued when defects are found after the car has been sold.
catalytic converter
"that if it is indeed the cat elect converter they will they will change it but they never told me ... the cat is 880 they're saying the cat is 8 years 80,000 miles"
Think of it as a filter in your car’s exhaust that turns bad gases into cleaner ones before they leave the vehicle.
A catalytic converter is an exhaust system component that reduces harmful emissions by converting toxic gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less dangerous substances through chemical reactions.
emission components
"I would say 90% of the vehicles out there are an 880 on certain emission components and I guess this particular one falls under it with catalytic converters"
These are the parts that help your car breathe cleaner air by cutting down on bad gases it produces.
Emission components are parts of a vehicle’s exhaust system designed to reduce pollutants, including catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and EGR valves.
check engine light
"engine light still on you have the check engine light there was a time when it would go off about 20 miles and then kick back on right yeah get there sooner rather than later"
It’s a warning light that pops up when the car’s computer detects something that might need fixing, like a loose gas cap or an engine issue.
The check engine light is a dashboard indicator that alerts the driver to potential problems with the vehicle’s engine or emission control systems.
scan tool
"plug a scan tool in pull out the code do a little diagnosis verify the condition"
It’s a handheld gadget that plugs into your car to show what’s wrong or how the engine is running.
A scan tool is a diagnostic device that connects to a vehicle’s onboard computer to read error codes and monitor system performance.
exhaust system
"sensor catalytic converters a huge part of the exhaust system just to keep it real"
It’s the pipe that carries hot gases from the engine out of the back of the car, keeping the vehicle quiet and clean.
The exhaust system channels combustion gases away from the engine, reducing noise and emissions while maintaining engine efficiency.
Ford recall 2408
"[771.9s] before you yeah yeah sure the 24 E has an 80 zero eight I can present that to them right [787.9s] recall 24-ish Edward this I'm sorry 24 Edward zero eight is how I remembered it was a letter that went out to the four dealers"
Ford had a big problem with some cars that could be dangerous, so they asked everyone to bring their car in. The company would check the cars and fix any parts that might cause trouble, like bad airbags.
Ford’s 2408 recall was a nationwide safety program that addressed issues with certain Ford vehicles, such as faulty airbags or other components that could pose a risk to drivers and passengers. The recall involved inspecting, repairing, or replacing parts to ensure the vehicles met safety standards.
OBD 2
"[1139.3s] okay so so he's so he's he's looking at obd 2 he didn't go in by year make model correct"
OBD‑2 is a built‑in computer in most cars that lets you check for problems. By plugging in a small reader, you can see error codes that tell you what might be wrong with the engine or other systems.
OBD‑2 (On‑Board Diagnostics, second generation) is a standardized system that allows mechanics and owners to read error codes from a vehicle’s computer. It provides information on engine performance, emissions, and fault conditions.
filler cap
"[1156.0s] yes sir okay just just playing held right and uh i said there and pulled off the uh all filler cap"
The filler cap is the little cover you see on top of a car’s oil or coolant tank. You open it to add more fluid or check how much is left.
A filler cap is a removable cover on the top of a reservoir (such as oil, coolant, or fuel) that allows easy access for adding fluid and checking levels. It is often labeled with the type of fluid it holds.
PCV
"it sounds like you know what you're doing to the point that cars have to have some way for a PCV right you got to vent the crankcase it's got a breathe but it's it's got to be a meter or"
PCV is a small valve that lets the gases from inside the engine’s crankcase flow back into the air intake. It helps keep the engine clean and running smoothly.
PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation, a system that recirculates gases from the engine’s crankcase back into the intake to reduce emissions and maintain proper pressure.
brake booster line
"right well it'd be the it'd be the same thing you take the brake booster line off depending upon the vehicle and you know it would it would it would do different things you're putting air into the engine somehow"
The brake booster line is a pipe that carries vacuum from the engine to the brake system. It makes it easier to press the brake pedal by giving extra force.
The brake booster line connects the vacuum source (often the PCV system) to the brake booster, which amplifies pedal force for easier braking.
turbo motor
"is this a turbo motor yeah yeah so yeah what you could do is go find the purge valve"
A turbo motor is a car engine that has a turbocharger. The turbo takes exhaust gases to spin a fan, which pushes more air into the engine for extra power.
A turbo motor is an engine equipped with a turbocharger, which uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that compresses intake air, increasing power.
purge valve
"[1297.2s] purge valve will be you'll find a vacuum line leading down to the intake purge valve if i'm not mistaken sits up top it's it's a round black purge with two wires going to it disconnect if you"
The purge valve is a tiny switch that lets the car’s engine suck up fuel vapors from the gas tank and burn them in the engine. It helps keep the car’s emissions clean.
A purge valve is a small solenoid that controls the flow of vacuum from the engine’s intake manifold to the fuel tank. It allows the evaporative emissions system to purge trapped fuel vapors into the combustion chamber during idle or low‑load conditions.
vacuum line
"[1303.3s] mistaken sits up top it's it's a round black purge with two wires going to it disconnect if you want to see if it's a bad purge disconnect it electrically disconnect the line"
A vacuum line is a hose that pulls in air from the engine to help parts like the purge valve work. It’s important for keeping the car running smoothly.
A vacuum line is a flexible hose that carries low‑pressure air from the engine’s intake manifold to various components, such as the purge valve or brake booster. It is essential for many engine control functions.
intake manifold
"[1317.5s] that feeds the intake manifold all right um no i'm sorry go the other way the line that goes out"
The intake manifold is like a big pipe that sends air into the engine’s cylinders. It also carries hoses for things like the purge valve.
The intake manifold is a metal or plastic component that distributes the air (or air‑fuel mixture) from the throttle body to each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. It also houses vacuum lines for various systems.
electrically driven vacuum pump
"…if we put a handheld vacuum pump well it's making an electrically driven vacuum pump…"
An electrically driven vacuum pump is a small machine that uses electricity to create suction, pulling out the fumes from the gas tank. It’s used by mechanics when they need to clean or test the emissions system.
An electrically driven vacuum pump is a motorized device that generates suction to remove fuel vapors from the tank, often used during service or diagnostic procedures.
handheld vacuum pump
"…if we put a handheld vacuum pump well it's making an electrically driven vacuum pump…"
A handheld vacuum pump is a small tool you can hold that sucks out the air from the gas tank. Mechanics use it to clean or test the car’s emissions system.
A handheld vacuum pump is a portable device used to create negative pressure (vacuum) in the evaporative emissions system, helping to evacuate fuel vapors from the tank during maintenance or diagnostics.
Buick Regal
"daughter it's good to get the youngsters off on a good start in a buick on coral be a good car for just ask the repair shop or the dealership"
The Buick Regal is a roomy car that’s good for families. It’s easy to drive and has plenty of space inside.
The Buick Regal is a midsize sedan produced by General Motors, known for its comfortable ride and family-friendly features.
oil consumption issues
"just ask the repair shop or the dealership about any oil consumption issues if they know that's the one thing that comes to mind I'm running any in the car doctor we're back right after this"
Sometimes cars use more oil than they should, which can mean the engine needs more oil or has a leak. Checking this helps keep your car running smoothly.
Oil consumption issues refer to a vehicle using more engine oil than normal, which can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not addressed.
radiator
"the seller told me it needs a new radiator okay and it has a leak oil leak"
A radiator is like a car’s cooling system; it keeps the engine from getting too hot.
The radiator is a heat exchanger that cools the engine coolant, preventing overheating.
timing belt
"has it ever had a timing belt timing belt water pump idler tensioner all the stuff in the front"
The timing belt is a rubber strap that keeps the engine’s moving parts in sync. If it snaps, the engine can get wrecked.
A timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft(s) so valves open and close at the correct times. If it breaks, the engine can suffer severe damage.
2004 Ford Ranger
"you know as the owner of a 2004 suburban a 97 Ford ranger i don't know what else have i got"
A 2004 Ford Ranger is a small pickup truck that many people use for everyday driving and light hauling. It’s reliable but can need regular maintenance.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck produced by Ford Motor Company. The 2004 model was part of the first generation (1997‑2011) and is known for its durability in light-duty work.
Lexus
"driver and he's asking just for five thousand he told me he took it to the Lexus dealership"
Lexus makes fancy cars that are usually very dependable and comfortable to drive.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, known for its smooth ride and high reliability.
transmission
"if this car pukes a transmission i'll put a trans in it"
It’s the part that changes gears so the car can go slow and fast. It takes power from the engine and sends it to the wheels.
The transmission transfers engine power to the wheels and controls gear ratios for acceleration and speed.
Dodge Ram 1500
"[2485.7s] dodge ram it's a 4.7 V8 actually miles has sxt i've only seen one other one around right [2494.0s] it's similar to a 1500 but uh it has a code come up on it"
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a big pickup truck that many people use for work or recreation. It can carry heavy loads and has a strong engine.
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a full‑size pickup truck produced by FCA (now Stellantis). It’s known for its durability and towing capability.
gas cap
"right but if the kid at the gas station left the gas cap loose it's never going to build pressure right"
The gas cap is a small cover you put on the top of your car’s fuel tank. It keeps dirt out and helps the engine run smoothly by keeping the right amount of pressure inside.
A gas cap is a seal that covers the fuel tank opening to prevent contaminants from entering and to maintain proper pressure for the vehicle’s fuel system.
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