Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 3, 2026 - Hour 2 - Calls, Calls and More Calls
About this episode
Ron Ananian tackles a variety of listener car issues in this lively episode, offering practical advice and insights. From diagnosing a no-start problem in a 2013 Lexus to addressing squeaky brakes in a 2019 Honda Accord, Ron dives deep into the mechanics behind each issue. He also discusses a 2023 Kia with multiple dashboard light problems and a 2012 Chevy Silverado suffering from intermittent battery failures. With a mix of humor and expertise, Ron emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnostics and encourages listeners to seek reliable mechanics.
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Lexus
"I have the 13 Lexis. It doesn't start."
Lexus is a brand of luxury cars made by Toyota. The 2013 models are known for being comfortable and reliable.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota. The 2013 Lexus models include various sedans and SUVs known for their reliability and comfort.
push button start
"It's a push button. So when you push the button, foot on the brake, push the button, do the dash lights come on?"
With a push button start, you just press a button to start the car instead of turning a key. It's a feature in many newer cars that makes starting the engine easier.
A push button start system allows the driver to start the engine by pressing a button instead of using a traditional key. This technology is often found in modern vehicles, enhancing convenience and security.
dash lights
"The red, yellow, orange dash lights?"
Dash lights are the lights on your car's dashboard that tell you if something is wrong or needs attention, like if you need more fuel or if there's a problem with the engine.
Dash lights are indicators on the vehicle's dashboard that provide information about the car's status, such as warning lights for low fuel, engine issues, or other important alerts. They help the driver monitor the vehicle's condition while driving.
immobilizer
"So if there's really nothing there and just take note, what we're looking for is, does it have an immobilizer fault? An immobilizer is part of the anti-theft system because if it's not considering the key as correct..."
An immobilizer is a feature in cars that stops the engine from starting if the right key isn't used. It's a way to help prevent theft.
An immobilizer is a security device that prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is used. It is part of the vehicle's anti-theft system, ensuring that only authorized users can operate the vehicle.
check engine light
"...it didn't have a check engine light on, so I'm not checking codes. So it's just important, all right, because if there truly are no fault codes in it..."
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. It means there might be a problem with the engine or emissions system that needs to be checked.
The check engine light is a warning indicator on the dashboard that alerts the driver to potential issues with the vehicle's engine or emissions system. If this light is illuminated, it often means that the vehicle's onboard diagnostics system has detected a fault that needs to be addressed.
fault codes
"...if there truly are no fault codes in it, then we're into something very mechanical..."
Fault codes are numbers that your car's computer generates when it finds a problem. Mechanics use these codes to figure out what's wrong with the car.
Fault codes are diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) generated by a vehicle's onboard computer when it detects a malfunction in the engine or other systems. These codes can be read with a diagnostic scanner to help identify the specific issue.
brake pads
"Ron, my 2019 Honda Accord has new rotors and brake pads. Always a bad sign for a letter to start out this way."
Brake pads are parts of the car that help it stop when you press the brake pedal. They can wear out over time and may need to be replaced if they make noise or don't work well.
Brake pads are components of a disc brake system that press against the brake rotor to create friction, slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Worn brake pads can lead to reduced braking performance and noise.
rotors
"Ron, my 2019 Honda Accord has new rotors and brake pads. Always a bad sign for a letter to start out this way."
Rotors are round metal discs that help the car stop when you press the brakes. If they get damaged or worn out, they can make it harder to stop safely.
Brake rotors are the metal discs that the brake pads clamp down on to create friction and stop the vehicle. They can become warped or worn over time, affecting braking performance.
Honda Accord
"Ron, my 2019 Honda Accord has new rotors and brake pads. Always a bad sign for a letter to start out this way."
The Honda Accord is a popular car that is known for being dependable and comfortable to drive. The 2019 version has a lot of room inside and comes with modern technology features.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The 2019 model features a spacious interior and advanced technology options, making it a popular choice among families and commuters.
brake shim
"This is a brake shim. One of the little shims that the pad sits on in the caliper bracket is sitting a little too far inward and it's rubbing against the rotor."
A brake shim is a small part that helps keep the brakes quiet and working smoothly. It sits between the brake pad and another part to reduce noise when you brake.
A brake shim is a thin piece of material that helps reduce noise and vibration between the brake pad and the caliper bracket. It ensures a better fit and can help prevent brake squeal.
brake rotor
"Could it be that we didn't clean the rotor properly during assembly?"
The brake rotor is a round metal disc that helps stop your car when you press the brake pedal. It's important to keep it clean so that your brakes work well.
A brake rotor is a crucial component of a disc brake system, providing a surface for the brake pads to clamp down on, creating friction to slow down or stop the vehicle. Proper maintenance and cleaning of the rotor are essential for optimal braking performance.
aftermarket
"And actually a lot of the rotors today you'll find in the aftermarket, this is an aftermarket brake repair, they're putting a gray coating on there that actually helps the pad to seat."
Aftermarket means parts or accessories for cars that are made by companies other than the original car manufacturer. They can be used to replace or upgrade the car's parts.
The aftermarket refers to the secondary market of parts and accessories for vehicles, which are not made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts can often be less expensive and may offer different performance characteristics compared to OEM parts.
Kia Sportage
"...my Sportage, the dash lights dim while I'm driving, almost, almost out. I mean, I can still see them, but they're very, they're very dim."
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and having good features.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV known for its practicality and features. It often includes various technology and safety options, making it a popular choice among families and individuals alike.
tire pressure light
"The third one is my tire pressure light, which comes on, you know, flashes at first and then it stays constant and I've had all four tire sensors changed."
The tire pressure light is a warning light on your car's dashboard that tells you if your tires need more air or if there's a problem with the tire sensors. It starts blinking when there's an issue and stays on if the problem continues.
The tire pressure light is a warning indicator on the dashboard that alerts the driver when one or more tires are under-inflated or have a malfunctioning sensor. It typically flashes initially to indicate a problem and then stays illuminated when the issue persists.
TPMS
"...did the dealer actually do the TPMS work?"
TPMS is a system that checks if your car's tires have enough air. If any tire is low on air, it warns you so you can fill it up and stay safe while driving.
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is a safety feature in vehicles that monitors the air pressure in the tires and alerts the driver when the pressure is too low. This helps prevent tire blowouts and improves fuel efficiency.
Ford Escape
"...I haven't gone back to the regular mechanic since my Ford Escape, which I heard you a few weeks ago say that it's a porosity of the engine block that was causing..."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that many people use for daily driving. It's known for being practical and having enough space for passengers and cargo.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has been popular for its versatility and practicality. It offers a range of engines and features suitable for everyday driving and light off-road use.
head gasket
"...that it's a porosity of the engine block that was causing...the head gasket issues."
The head gasket is a part of the engine that keeps oil and coolant separate. If it fails, it can cause big problems like overheating.
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the engine block and cylinder head, preventing coolant and oil from mixing. A failure can lead to serious engine damage and overheating.
tire pressure tool
"If you don't have a tire pressure tool that works on this car, then you're kidding yourself. Does that make sense?"
A tire pressure tool is a device that checks how much air is in your car's tires. It's important to have the right amount of air for safe driving.
A tire pressure tool, often referred to as a tire pressure gauge, is a device used to measure the air pressure inside a tire. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for vehicle safety and performance.
dead battery
"Does the car have a dead battery issue? Have you ever gone out to the car and it doesn't start because the battery's dead?"
A dead battery means the battery in your car doesn't have enough power to start it. This can happen if the battery is old or if something was left on that drained it.
A dead battery refers to a car battery that no longer has enough charge to start the vehicle. This can happen due to various reasons, including leaving lights on or an old battery that needs replacement.
oil change
"She took it to the dealer for the first two oil changes, which is like 7,000 miles between them, whatever."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in a car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage.
An oil change is the process of replacing the old oil in an engine with new oil to ensure proper lubrication and performance. Regular oil changes help prevent engine wear and maintain efficiency.
oil filter
"So there was a bad oil filter leaking. So I should just be coming out tomorrow to clean the driveway up for her."
An oil filter is a part of the car that cleans the oil before it goes back into the engine. If it leaks, it can cause oil to spill out, which is not good for the car.
An oil filter is a component that removes contaminants from engine oil, ensuring that the oil remains clean and effective in lubricating the engine. A leaking oil filter can lead to oil loss and engine damage.
drain plug
"but she went to the dealer twice with no problems. So she has a receipt where they replaced a gasket on the, what do you call it on a drain plug?"
A drain plug is a part that you can remove to let fluids, like oil, drain out of a car. It's usually found at the bottom of the oil pan.
A drain plug is a component used to seal the opening of a fluid reservoir, such as an oil pan or transmission case, allowing for the fluid to be drained when needed. It is typically located at the lowest point of the reservoir.
oil pan
"...can you change my oil and tell me, are the threads on the oil pan okay?"
The oil pan is where the engine oil is stored. It's important because it helps keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly.
The oil pan is a crucial component of an engine that holds the engine oil. It serves as a reservoir for the oil, allowing it to be pumped through the engine for lubrication and cooling.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
"21 cars, an O5 PT cruiser. And it would actually, it would actually need a drain."
The PT Cruiser is a small car made by Chrysler that looks a bit like older cars but has modern features. It was made from 2000 to 2010 and is known for being useful and having a fun design.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that was produced from 2000 to 2010, known for its retro styling and versatility. The 2005 model is part of its first generation and was popular for its unique design and practicality.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...ep it going. Let's go over to Ron in Illinois 12 Silverado. Ron, welcome to the car doctor."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people use for carrying heavy loads or towing trailers. It's popular because it's strong and can be used for many different purposes, like work or family trips.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its robust performance, versatility, and strong towing capabilities. It has been a popular choice among consumers for both work and personal use, often praised for its reliability and range of configurations to suit different needs.
Chevy pickup
"Well, I have a 2012 Chevy pickup. Last winter, as soon as it started getting cold, the battery would intermittently die."
A Chevy pickup is a type of truck made by Chevrolet, a popular car brand. The 2012 model could be part of their Silverado or Colorado line.
The speaker mentions a 2012 Chevy pickup, which refers to a Chevrolet pickup truck model from that year. Chevrolet is known for its range of pickup trucks, including the Silverado and Colorado.
volt meter
"...if you went out there when it didn't start and put a volt meter on that battery..."
A volt meter is a device that tells you how much electricity is in something, like a car battery. It helps you see if the battery is working properly.
A volt meter is a tool used to measure the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It's commonly used to check the voltage of a car battery.
trailer hitch harness
"As a matter of fact, follow that trailer hitch harness up over the crossrail where the spare tire sits. And there's, I believe there's a module up there for the 12s that has to do with the trailer hitch..."
A trailer hitch harness is a set of wires that connects your car to a trailer. It helps the lights on the trailer work properly when you're towing it.
A trailer hitch harness is a wiring system that connects the vehicle's electrical system to a trailer's lights and brakes. It allows for proper signaling and operation of trailer lights when towing.
wiring harness
"...the only other thing I can do is break down the wiring harness, go to the ignition switch, look at the feed coming into the ignition switch..."
A wiring harness is a bundle of wires that connects different electrical parts in a car. It helps everything work together by providing power and signals to various components.
A wiring harness is a collection of wires, connectors, and terminals that transmit electrical power and signals throughout a vehicle. It organizes and protects the wiring, ensuring proper functionality of electrical components.
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