Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - December 6, 2025 - Hour 2 - (855)560-9900 - Lifetime Transmission Fluids
About this episode
Ron Ananian dives deep into the complexities of transmission fluid maintenance, addressing common misconceptions about 'lifetime' fluids and the importance of regular changes. He engages with callers, providing personalized advice on transmission service, the implications of fluid changes, and the potential pitfalls of neglecting maintenance. The episode features practical insights on diagnosing issues in various vehicles, including a discussion about the challenges of modern automotive technology. Ron's extensive experience shines through as he balances technical knowledge with relatable anecdotes.
Lifetime Transmission Fluids, Cold Nissans & Beeping Volkswagens
This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens with a nod to The Sopranos and that famous Holsten’s ice cream shop before diving into the realities behind “lifetime” fluids and modern transmission service. A caller with a 2017 Ford Fusion asks about trans fluid intervals, and Ron lays out why waiting until 150,000 miles is a bad bet—and how to approach drain-and-fills vs. fluid exchanges without shocking an aging gearbox.
From there it’s a full diagnostic tour: a 2015 Nissan Rogue with no heat (airflow but no temperature), where Ron walks through heater-core flow checks, blend doors, and a cheap thermal gun/borescope game plan; a 2018 VW Tiguan plagued by an endless “keyless entry faulty” chime and a dealer pushing an $800 module, prompting a blunt discussion of broken door-jamb wiring and the “German car experience”; and a 2022 Kia Sportage owner trying to sort out backup lamp failures, recall history, and a key Kia bulletin that should keep the repair under warranty. Ron closes with a heartfelt thank-you to the listeners, a reflection on staying “relevant” after 30+ years on the air, and a quick reminder that the Car Doctor store at CardoctorShow.com is open for last-minute gifts.
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6.2 liter GM engine
"talking about the 6.2 liter GM engine failure and some of the other things that are going on and what it takes to replace those engines."
The 6.2 liter GM engine is a type of engine made by General Motors. It's known for being powerful, but there have been some problems with it failing in certain cars.
The 6.2 liter GM engine refers to a specific engine displacement used in various General Motors vehicles, known for its power and performance. However, it has been associated with some reliability issues, leading to failures in certain applications.
Ford Fusion
"I'm sorry, a 17 Ford Fusion. Some questions about trans fluid."
The Ford Fusion is a type of car made by Ford. It's a sedan, which means it has a traditional four-door design and is good for families or commuting.
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan that was produced by Ford from 2005 to 2020. It is known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available hybrid variant.
Transfluid
"Unfortunately, a lot of the cars today, the Transfluid, they call it to be changed in 150,000, which most people know is a pretty long length of time."
Transfluid is the fluid that helps your car's automatic transmission work properly. It keeps everything lubricated and running smoothly.
Transfluid refers to the transmission fluid used in automatic transmissions. It is essential for lubricating the moving parts within the transmission and ensuring smooth operation.
transmission service
"My biggest question is this, is the Trans service, would it be a drain and fill or would that be a flush? Good question. So at the risk of repeating myself, let's start at the beginning."
Transmission service is the work done to keep a car's transmission in good shape. This can mean changing the fluid or checking for problems to make sure it works well.
Transmission service refers to the maintenance procedures performed on a vehicle's transmission system, which can include fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections. It's essential for ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of the transmission.
transmission pan
"...Some of the Jeep TransPans, the filters, the fluids,..."
The transmission pan is a part of the car that holds the fluid needed for the transmission to work. It's like a bowl that keeps everything in place and helps the car change gears smoothly.
The transmission pan is a metal or plastic container that holds the transmission fluid in an automatic transmission. It also serves as a mounting point for the transmission filter and is sealed to prevent leaks.
transmission fluid
"...the filters, the fluids,..."
Transmission fluid is a special liquid that helps the car's transmission work smoothly. It keeps everything lubricated and helps the car change gears without problems.
Transmission fluid is a specialized lubricant used in automatic transmissions to reduce friction, cool the transmission, and help with gear shifting. It is crucial for the proper functioning of the transmission system.
fluid service
"I think the 150,000 mile fluid service, I'm gonna get a lot of hate mail..."
Fluid service means replacing old fluids in your car with new ones. This helps keep your car running smoothly and can prevent problems later on.
Fluid service refers to the process of changing the fluids in a vehicle's systems, such as the transmission, engine, and brakes. Regular fluid changes help maintain the performance and longevity of these systems.
Lincoln MK
"...on certain model Lincoln MKs and MXs and that translates into the Fusion..."
The Lincoln MK refers to a line of luxury cars made by Lincoln, which is part of Ford. They are designed to be comfortable and stylish.
The Lincoln MK is a series of luxury vehicles produced by Lincoln, a division of Ford. These models are known for their upscale features and performance.
100,000 miles
"When do those failures occur? 100,000 miles. So, where's the 150,000 mile mark phenomena come from?"
100,000 miles is a common distance that many cars reach where they might start having problems, especially if they haven't been taken care of well.
The 100,000 miles mark is often referenced as a point where many vehicles may start to experience significant wear and potential failures, particularly in components like the transmission, if not properly maintained.
Ford Taurus
"but what really is interesting is my 2005 Taurus call for the Trans fluid would be drain and fille..."
The Ford Taurus is a family car that has been around for a long time, known for being roomy and comfortable. Many people talk about it because it’s a good option for those who need a reliable vehicle for everyday use.
The Ford Taurus is a mid-size sedan that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It has been a staple in Ford's lineup, often discussed for its reliability and practicality, particularly in family-oriented markets.
Nissan Altima
"...but what really is interesting is my 2005 Taurus call for the Trans fluid... My Nissan Ultima called for it, I think it's 50 or 60..."
The Nissan Altima is a popular car that is known for being comfortable and good on gas. It uses a special type of transmission called a CVT, which needs regular maintenance to keep it running well.
The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency. It often features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can require specific maintenance practices.
CVT
"...but they always said with that CVT, you had, there's no way around it..."
A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is a type of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without any noticeable shifts. This helps the car accelerate smoothly and can save fuel.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
fluid exchange
"I tell you, let's do a fluid exchange. All right, not a flush, a fluid exchange."
A fluid exchange is when you take out the old fluid from a car part and put in new fluid. This helps the car run better and last longer.
A fluid exchange involves replacing the old fluid in a vehicle's system with new fluid, which helps maintain the performance and longevity of the system. This process is often used for transmissions, cooling systems, and other fluid-based systems in a car.
Mala Fluid
"we use mala fluid equipment at the shop. We actually use their Fluid Pro ATX 280."
Mala Fluid is a company that makes machines to help change fluids in cars, like transmission fluid. These machines make it easier for mechanics to do their job.
Mala Fluid is a company that specializes in manufacturing equipment for automotive fluid services, including transmission fluid exchange machines. Their products are designed to help mechanics efficiently change fluids in vehicles.
General Motors
"So when you start to look at what they're doing, General Motors, for example, their 10-speed transmission..."
General Motors is a large company that makes cars and trucks. They own several popular brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors is a major American automotive corporation known for manufacturing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
10-speed transmission
"General Motors, for example, their 10-speed transmission..."
A 10-speed transmission is a type of automatic gearbox that can change gears ten times. This helps the car run more efficiently and smoothly.
A 10-speed transmission is an automatic transmission that has ten gears, allowing for more precise control of engine power and efficiency across a wider range of speeds.
torque converter
"they put the torque converter, which is the fluid coupling between the engine and the transmission..."
A torque converter is a part that helps the engine send power to the wheels in an automatic car. It makes sure the car can move smoothly without stalling.
A torque converter is a component in automatic transmissions that transfers engine power to the transmission, allowing the car to move without stalling and enabling smooth gear changes.
changing the fluid
"...He may be concerned changing the fluid is going to cause the trans's demise."
Changing the fluid means replacing the old oil in the car's transmission with new oil. This helps the transmission work better and last longer, especially in older cars.
Changing the fluid in a vehicle's transmission is a maintenance task that involves replacing old transmission fluid with new fluid. This is important for the longevity and proper functioning of the transmission, especially in older vehicles.
Nissan Rogue
"15 Nissan Rogue and some heat issues. Brad, we got to fix this."
The Nissan Rogue is a type of SUV that is popular for its roomy interior and good fuel efficiency. The 2015 model is known for being reliable and having many features that make driving easier.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV known for its practicality and spacious interior. The 2015 model features a comfortable ride and a variety of tech options, making it a popular choice among families.
heater hoses
"First question I've got is, what are the two heater hoses going in and out of the heater core? Are they as one side hot, uncomfortable to the touch, and the other side cooler?"
Heater hoses are the tubes that move hot liquid from the engine to the part that heats the inside of the car. One hose gets hot while the other stays cooler as the liquid circulates.
Heater hoses are rubber tubes that carry coolant to and from the heater core in a vehicle's heating system. One hose typically carries hot coolant from the engine to the heater core, while the other returns cooler coolant back to the engine.
thermal gun
"...go pick up a thermal gun, and it's just got a display temperature..."
A thermal gun is a tool that measures how hot something is without touching it. It helps you see if parts of your car, like the engine, are getting too hot.
A thermal gun, or infrared thermometer, is a tool that measures the temperature of an object without direct contact. It's commonly used in automotive diagnostics to check engine temperatures and other heat-related issues.
upper radiator hose
"...if the upper radiator hose when it's hot is uncomfortable to the touch."
The upper radiator hose is a rubber tube that carries coolant from the engine to the radiator. It helps keep the engine cool by moving hot liquid away from it.
The upper radiator hose is a crucial component in a vehicle's cooling system. It connects the engine's thermostat housing to the radiator, allowing coolant to flow and regulate engine temperature.
OBD2 scan tool
"...for the sake of this conversation, I'm going to plug in, I need an OBD2 scan tool."
An OBD2 scan tool is a device that connects to your car to check for problems. It reads error codes that help you understand what's wrong with the engine or other parts of the car.
An OBD2 scan tool is a diagnostic device used to read and interpret the data from a vehicle's onboard diagnostics system. It helps identify issues by providing trouble codes and real-time data about various vehicle systems.
coolant
"it's full of coolant, there's no air."
Coolant is a special liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot. It moves through the engine and radiator to keep everything at the right temperature.
Coolant is a liquid used in the cooling system of a vehicle to regulate engine temperature. It absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator, preventing overheating.
heater core
"And then shoot the heater core. Is, does the heater hose match the upper hose?"
The heater core is like a mini radiator that helps warm up the inside of your car. It uses hot liquid from the engine to heat the air that comes into the cabin.
The heater core is a small radiator-like component in a vehicle's heating system that uses hot coolant from the engine to provide heat to the cabin. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the car during colder weather.
Volkswagen T1 SE
"I have a 2018 Volkswagen T1 SE, getting an error message."
The Volkswagen T1 SE is a special version of the classic Volkswagen car, known for its unique style and features. It's part of the Volkswagen family and has a lot of history behind it.
The Volkswagen T1 SE is a variant of the Volkswagen Type 1, known for its iconic design and historical significance as one of the first mass-produced cars. The 'SE' designation typically indicates a special edition with additional features or trim enhancements.
Kia Sportage
"...what's going on? 2022 Kia Sportage. Oh, and, and there it is."
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that is comfortable for families and has a lot of tech features. The 2022 version has different styles and safety options to choose from.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV known for its spacious interior and modern technology features. The 2022 model offers various trims and advanced safety options, making it a popular choice in its segment.
certified pre-owned
"So I purchased it, uh, certified pre-owned and prior to actually, uh, buying the vehicle, um, I wanted to make sure all the safety recalls were cleared up."
Certified pre-owned means the used car has been checked and approved by the manufacturer or dealer. It usually has a warranty, so you know it's in good shape.
A certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a used car that has been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or a dealer. It typically comes with an extended warranty and other benefits, providing buyers with more confidence in their purchase.
CPO car
"It's a CPO car certified pre-owned. Right. You said that."
A CPO car is a used car that has been checked and approved by the dealer. It usually comes with a warranty, so you know it's in good shape.
A CPO car, or Certified Pre-Owned car, is a used vehicle that has been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or a dealer. These cars typically come with a limited warranty and other benefits, providing buyers with added peace of mind.
Lancia Augusta
"...e're Angel, Diego and Jason and we're the host of Augusta Bapa podcast where we talk all things in the worl..."
The Lancia Augusta is an old Italian car from the 1930s that was known for being stylish and well-made. People find it interesting because it shows how cars were designed a long time ago.
The Lancia Augusta is a classic Italian car produced in the 1930s, notable for its innovative design and engineering. It represents a significant period in automotive history, showcasing Lancia's commitment to luxury and performance, making it a topic of interest among vintage car enthusiasts.
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