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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 24, 2026 - Hour 2

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 24, 2026 - Hour 2

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor Jan 24, 2026 35 min
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About this episode

Ron Ananian tackles various automotive issues in this episode, including a detailed discussion on a listener's 2015 Ford Fusion with persistent hesitation problems. The conversation dives into diagnostic strategies, including the importance of checking fuel pressure and potential sediment issues in the gas tank. Additionally, Ron shares insights on the challenges of diagnosing evap leaks, particularly in older vehicles, and emphasizes the significance of thorough inspections. With a mix of humor and practical advice, listeners gain valuable knowledge on troubleshooting common car problems.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Porsche Cayman

"I read about this guy who bought a 2020 Porsche Cayman that was well-loved. I mean, there are plenty of Caymans in great condition on eBay, but this one needed some work."

The Porsche Cayman is a sports car that is designed to be fun to drive. The 2020 version has a stylish look and is known for being very well-balanced, which helps it handle well on the road.

Car

Ford Fusion

"Let's go down to Kenneth in Virginia with a 15 Ford Fusion and, well, a weird problem. Let's talk about this."

The Ford Fusion is a car that is good for families and commuting. It's known for being comfortable and having good gas mileage.

Term

check engine light

"...the check engine light kept going off and on, but it was a reading that the high fuel sensor needed to be replaced."

The check engine light is a warning light in your car that tells you something might be wrong with the engine. It could be a small issue or something more serious, so it's important to check it out.

Term

low fuel sensor

"...we got to replace the low fuel sensor. And then they replaced that in the engine..."

The low fuel sensor tells you when your gas tank is getting empty. If it doesn't work right, you might not know when to fill up, which can cause problems.

Term

fuel pump

"...we got to replace the fuel pump. And it was just a whole bunch of things that were happening."

The fuel pump is what sends gas from the tank to the engine. If it stops working, your car might not run well or could even stall.

Term

fault code

"But also understand if you have a fault code for the high fuel pressure sensor, I don't know of any code in any car."

A fault code is a message that the car's computer sends out when something is wrong. Mechanics use these codes to figure out what needs to be fixed.

Term

scan tool

"...we hook up a scan tool? We'll take this car for a ride, pay for a diagnostic hour and come back and tell you..."

A scan tool is a device that connects to a car's computer to check for problems. It helps mechanics understand what's wrong with the car by showing error messages and data.

Term

fuel pressure

"...the purpose of the high fuel pressure, low fuel pressure sensors. That's the purpose of all that. We can see fuel pressure readings vis-a-vis a scan tool."

Fuel pressure is how much force the fuel has in the fuel system. If it's too low or too high, the engine might not run well or could have problems.

Part

GDI pump

"Do we have a do we have a problem with the GDI pump, which is not completely uncommon?"

A GDI pump helps inject fuel directly into the engine for better efficiency and power. It's an important part of modern engines that use direct injection technology.

Part

fuel sock

"although you would think if it's sediment and it somehow worked its way past the sock that's supposed to be there. And by sock, you understand what I'm saying?"

A fuel sock is a filter in the gas tank that keeps dirt and debris out of the fuel system. It helps ensure that the fuel going to the engine is clean.

Car

Toyota Matrix

"...let's go over and talk to Joe in South Jersey, 06 Toyota Matrix."

The Toyota Matrix is a small car that has a hatchback design, which means it has a rear door that swings upward. It's known for being useful and efficient, great for everyday driving.

Term

fuel trim

"Number one, I want to look at fuel trim. I want to see where fuel trim is when it's cold."

Fuel trim is how the car's computer adjusts the fuel mixture to make sure the engine runs well. It changes based on things like how hot or cold the engine is.

Term

power steering

"For example, nobody ever thinks about car has power steering, right? OK."

Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel of a car. It helps you steer without having to use a lot of strength, especially when parking or going slow.

Car

Toyota Camry

"...nd one was a what was the sister car to that, the Camry or the Corolla? One of them, I forget which."
Car

Toyota Corolla

"...the Camry or the Corolla? One of them, I forget which. But yeah, Corolla, right."

The Toyota Corolla is a small car that is very popular around the world. It's known for being reliable and good on gas.

Part

intake manifold gaskets

"But probably the most common cause of what you're describing at that mid-temperature range between 130 and 170 degrees of engine operation is going to be leaky intake manifold gaskets. Have you put intake manifold gaskets on this yet?"

Intake manifold gaskets are important parts that help seal the area where air and fuel enter the engine. If they leak, it can cause problems with how the engine runs.

Part

O-rings

"...I would almost guarantee you those round O-rings are now crushed square."

O-rings are rubber rings that help keep liquids or gases from leaking out of machines. They fit into grooves and create a seal when two parts are joined together.

Term

vacuum leak

"We're looking for a vacuum leak that all of a sudden occurred. If the engine started to, if the engine, if an injector started to somehow spray more fuel, what do you think the consequence would be?"

A vacuum leak is when air gets into the engine where it shouldn't, which can cause the engine to run poorly. It's like having a hole in a straw when you're trying to drink.

Part

intake gaskets

"...take a look at intake gaskets, if they haven't been done as maintenance, maybe now is the time."

Intake gaskets are parts that help seal the area where air and fuel enter the engine. If they wear out, it can cause problems with how the engine runs.

Part

performance brakes

"...with all these parts he found on eBay. Performance brakes, suspension, body panels, the works, guaranteed to fit."

Performance brakes are special brakes that help a car stop faster and handle better, especially when driving fast or on a track. They are made to handle more heat and pressure than regular brakes.

Part

suspension

"...with all these parts he found on eBay. Performance brakes, suspension, body panels, the works, guaranteed to fit."

The suspension is the part of the car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and turns. It connects the car to the wheels and keeps everything stable while driving.

Part

body panels

"...with all these parts he found on eBay. Performance brakes, suspension, body panels, the works, guaranteed to fit."

Body panels are the outer parts of a car, like the doors and hood. If they get damaged, they can be replaced to make the car look new again.

Car

Nissan Frontier

"in your 13 frontier today, sir? What's goin' on?"

The Nissan Frontier is a small truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work or outdoor activities. It's known for being tough and reliable.

Term

P0456

"a few years ago, it threw a check engine let code, a P0456, which is a small eVap leak. Right."

P0456 is a code that your car's computer uses to tell you there's a small leak in the system that keeps fuel vapors from escaping. It's important to fix to keep your car running well and reduce pollution.

Brand

Nissan

"First of all, Nissan strategy. Nissan loves their customers so much that they've created a software strategy"

Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, like cars and trucks. They are known for their reliable cars and advanced technology.

Term

evaporative emissions fault

"...if the vehicle has a pending evaporative emissions fault, it will tell you to check the gas cap because they don't want you to think the car is broken."

An evaporative emissions fault means there's an issue with the system that keeps gas fumes from leaking into the air. It's important for keeping the environment clean and can affect how your car runs.

Term

gas tank

"It's got a gas tank, right? So that vehicle's sitting out in the hot sun, they've got to have a way to vent pressure in the tank and control fumes."

A gas tank is where the fuel is stored in a car. It's important because the engine needs fuel to run.

Part

purge valve

"So, there's a purge valve attached at the engine end"

A purge valve helps manage the fumes from the gas tank. It makes sure that any gas vapors are sent to the engine instead of being released into the air.

Part

evaporative emissions system

"of the evaporative emissions system and there is a vent valve at the back of the vehicle"

This system helps keep harmful gas fumes from leaking out of the car. It collects the gas vapors and sends them back to the engine to be used instead of letting them escape into the air.

Part

charcoal canister

"the vent line goes to the charcoal canister. Do you have goldfish as a kid?"

This part holds onto gas fumes so they don't escape into the air. When the engine is ready, it sends those fumes back to be burned off, helping to keep the environment cleaner.

Car

Ford Ranger

"and see what's going on here. Oh, five ranger, what's going on? Well, I've been chasing a small..."

The Ford Ranger is a smaller truck that people use for carrying things and driving on rough roads. It's known for being tough and good on gas, making it a favorite for those who need a reliable vehicle for work or adventures.

Car

Jeep Wrangler

"...on the 2026 Jeep Wrangler for Doorsport S with a gas-powered engine for $369 a month..."

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler is a tough SUV designed for off-road driving. It can handle rough terrain and is popular among people who like outdoor adventures.

8 cars featured

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