Ron Ananian The Car Doctor Oct 11, 2025

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - October 11, 2025 - Hour 2 - Battery Drains, Gear-oil Myths & Two Diesels That Won’t Behave. - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline

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Term

multimeter

A multimeter is a tool that helps you measure electricity. It can tell you how much voltage or current is in a battery or electrical system.

Term

DC amps

DC amps measure how much electricity is flowing in a circuit that uses direct current. It's useful for checking how much power a battery is using.

Car

Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. The 1999 version is known for being reliable and easy to maintain.

Term

GL4

GL4 is a type of oil used in car transmissions. It helps protect the gears and is safe for the metals inside the transmission.

Car

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a small truck that is strong and useful for carrying things. The 1997 version is one of the older models that many people still like.

Term

ATF

ATF is a special fluid used in cars with automatic gear systems. It helps the car change gears smoothly and keeps the parts working well.

Term

GM Synchromesh

GM Synchromesh is a fluid used in some car gear systems to help them shift smoothly. It's made for certain General Motors cars.

Term

DOT4 brake fluid is a special liquid used in car brakes. It helps the brakes work better, especially when they get hot. It's better than some other types of brake fluid because it can handle higher temperatures without breaking down.

Part

Tremec five-speed

The Tremec five-speed is a type of manual transmission that allows you to change gears in a car. It's often used in sports cars because it's strong and helps the car perform well.

Part

filler plug

A filler plug is a part that you use to put fluids into your car, like oil or transmission fluid, when you need to refill them.

Part

drain plug

A drain plug is a small part that lets you take out fluids from your car, like oil or transmission fluid, when you need to change them.

Term

manual transmission

A manual transmission is a system in a car that lets you change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal, giving you more control over how the car drives.

Part

clutch

A clutch is a part in a car that helps the driver change gears, especially in cars with manual transmissions.

Part

pilot bushing

A pilot bushing is a small part that helps keep the car's transmission aligned with the engine, making it easier to change gears.

Company

Dorman

Dorman is a company that makes car parts. They are known for making replacement parts that help keep cars running well, like drain plugs that help manage fluids in the car.

Brand

Dodge

Dodge is a car brand from the United States that makes sporty and powerful cars.

Car

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a type of car that uses both gas and electricity to run, which helps it save fuel and reduce pollution.

Term

CVT transmission

A CVT transmission is a special kind of automatic transmission that can adjust its gears smoothly without the usual steps. This helps the car accelerate smoothly and can save fuel.

Term

backup camera

A backup camera is a small camera on the back of a car that shows what's behind you when you're trying to park or back up. It helps you see things you might not see in your mirrors.

Car

Ford F350

The Ford F-350 Super Duty is a strong truck designed for heavy work, like towing trailers. It has a powerful diesel engine called the Power Stroke V8, which helps it carry heavy loads easily.

Term

diesel motor

A diesel motor is a type of engine that runs on diesel fuel instead of gasoline. They are often used in trucks and buses because they last a long time and get better fuel economy.

Term

cranking RPM

Cranking RPM is how fast the engine turns when you try to start it. If it's too slow, the engine might not start properly.

Term

reserve capacity

Reserve capacity is how long a car battery can keep working if the engine isn't running. It's important for starting the car and using electrical parts when the engine is off.

Term

oil fed injector system

An oil fed injector system helps spray fuel into the engine by using oil pressure. This can make the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently.

Term

sludge

Sludge is a gooey mess that can build up in your engine oil as it gets old. If too much sludge forms, it can cause your engine to work poorly.

Company

Hot Shot Secret

Hot Shot Secret is a brand that makes special products for cars, especially diesel engines, to help keep them clean and running well.

Term

Stixion

Stixion is a term for the gunk and dirt that can form in your engine oil as it gets older. This buildup can cause problems for your engine if not cleaned out.

Term

cranking speed

Cranking speed is how fast the engine turns when you try to start it. It's important for getting the engine running, especially in diesel engines.

Part

glow plug

Glow plugs help diesel engines start more easily, especially in cold weather. They heat up the engine so it can run smoothly when you turn the key.

Car

Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado is a smaller pickup truck that can handle various tasks, like carrying cargo or towing. The 2017 version has a diesel engine option for better fuel economy.

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Now, start your engines.

The CarDoctor is in the garage and ready to take your call.

Hey, we've got another busy hour for you this week on the CarDoctor.

And let's go right to it.

Let's get the Joe in Iowa O2 Dodge, pick up a return call from last week.

855-560-9900 is the phone number.

Joe, how can I help you today?

Okay, yeah. Good afternoon, Ron.

Yes, sir.

So I talked to you about this battery drain on this 2002 Dodge.

And I'm a little confused on how to check it.

So I did, I charged the battery independently, the two batteries.

I got about 12, we'll say 12.26 volts in the battery.

I got the positive lead hooked up to the positive terminal.

And then I'm checking with my multimeter, digital multimeter from negative post to the negative ground cable.

And I'm getting a reading of 0.4.6 or 0.4.7 on the 200 millimetre scale.

So you're reading four amps?

Yeah, DC amps.

Okay, so you've got a draw and you've got the other battery disconnected.

Yep, the other battery is not even in the truck.

And I got baggies over the leads and stuff, they're not really touching anything.

So I didn't mean millimetres, I mean milliamps.

On the 200, yeah, so on the 10 amp scale, I don't have zero readings.

And then I flipped my lead on the multimeter to the 200 milliamp scale.

And I'm getting a 4.6, 4.7 reading between the negative post on the battery and the ground cable.

So it sounds like you're on a scale where you're telling me you're reading four milliamps?

Well, that's what I'm not sure about.

I'm on that scale.

Also, you know, I think on the 10 amp scale, I would assume I'm not sure on that meter,

but it's going to pick up a 1 amp draw or something or up to 10 amps.

Yeah, you know, and I've got to tell you, I've never seen, it's either amps or milliamps.

I've never seen it break it down a 200 milliamp scale.

You're telling me it's a 200 milliamp scale on the meter?

There's two choices. There's a 10 amp scale and there's the 200 milliamp scale on the meter.

Okay, yeah, that's odd.

But what you're describing to me is you're telling me on a 200 milliamp scale, I would say you're reading four milliamps.

Well, that's what I'm wondering too.

You know, 4.6 to the lower, you know, 4.

You got another vehicle. You got another vehicle in the house, Joe?

Well, I do. No, I mean, not right. Not right.

Right, right. But if you've got another vehicle in the house, why don't we learn how the meter works on that vehicle?

Well, I could disconnect, do the same thing, disconnect the negative ground,

and then check it between the post, battery post, and the negative ground.

But yeah, I know they talked about reading about some meters too.

You have to move the decimal point over.

And even if you move it over one to the right, that would be, we'll say, you know, 4.41 milliamps.

Right, and 41's acceptable too.

Yeah, but 4.6 milliamps, that would be way under 41.

Right.

So you said, I think you said up to 50 milliamps.

50 milliamps is the maximum.

And then, so what I was so confused about, you'd said in a, so this was like an initial reading,

and you'd talked about like a reading over time.

Yeah, over time. So I don't know what you, I don't, I'm not sure how you achieve that.

I mean,

You're going to leave it.

So if there was a computer on this vehicle, if there was a draw, so if this was a more computerized vehicle,

you might have to wait upwards of 45 minutes to an hour to watch the draw go down as computers clock out as they time out and turn off.

So if that's the case, do you have to have like alligator clamps on your test,

or have test leads with alligator clamps and just leave it clamped on?

Is that what you're saying?

Yeah, how are you doing this? Aren't you using, I think we've got a meter issue here, Joe.

Aren't you taking your leads and test leads and just clamping them one to the negative cable, one to the negative post and walking away?

No, no, it's an initial reading and the test leads are just probes.

So I'm just probing one, you know, with a sharp probe on the negative.

Then how do you, then if there was a computer draw here, and if you're reading it, you're reading the initial surge.

Okay, leave the meter hooked up and walk away. Come back after a half hour. Watch the meter. What does it do?

Okay, so I need to get some different leads and hook it up, leave it hooked up to the negative post and leave it hooked up to the cable.

Correct.

And check like initial reading and then check a reading after half an hour.

I don't really care what the initial reading is. I want to know what it is after a half hour of sitting.

See if it climbs or if it reduces.

Well, I'm expecting it to go down.

Can you put your meter in min-max mode?

I'm not so sure about that. I don't know what. This is just a really cheap meter.

I think so.

It's just like a $20 meter years ago.

Right. And here's an example where maybe the meter you're using isn't worth using.

It's just that simple. If you're doing any kind of electrical testing, and I can't fix that from here, Joe, you got to be able to, you know, you want to do min-max, be able to record minimum, maximum.

Because sometimes a meter will change. Never mind just doing a milliamp test. You're doing a voltage test.

You know, if you're not in min-max mode or record mode or the speed of the meter, if that meter is not fast enough, you're going to miss half the information.

Just because it turns on and it's a meter doesn't mean it's a good one.

Yeah, I know what you're saying. I know what you're saying.

I do have a better meter. I just didn't grab it. I'm not that familiar with that other meter.

But I did check it. I have another $20 craftsman meter is what it is about a meter ago.

So I checked it with this other meter and they're about the same, reading the same output of the battery and reading the same 4.6, 4.7 on the draw, the initial draw.

Right. Well, my question is depending upon what scale you're on. If you're not sure how to use the meter, we're taking a guess at this. You could be reading a 4 amp draw.

Well, I don't think so because if I put it on a 10 amp scale, I'm showing zeros.

Okay.

Leave it on the 10 amp scale and open the driver's door. Does the dome light come on?

Well, will it come on? I mean, will it? I mean, you're not hooked to negative posters and hooked up, so you're not going to get any...

Sure they are. Electrons are going to flow through the meter and you're going to record the current.

Well, I guess, yeah. I guess you're right there. Yeah.

So you're going to record the current. Does the meter have circuit protection if you go overload or will it blow the fuse in the meter? What's the fuse in the meter rated for?

Yeah, it might just be 2 amps. I'm not sure.

It better be more than that, brother.

Yeah, I'm not sure what...

Listen, if that's a 2 amp fuse, that meter is not suited for automotive use.

Yeah, I don't really know what to be honest with you.

Right.

I just know it says on the 10 amp scale you can only hold it on for like 30 seconds max and space it out.

Yeah.

If that's what it says, Joe, throw the meter in the garbage. It's trash.

Sure.

I'll be honest, brother. All right. You're trying to fix something. You might as well hit it with a hammer and a chisel.

I mean, you need a proper meter. I can't stress this enough that if you're using a meter for a non-automotive application in an automotive application that doesn't have the proper settings, range, fuse protection, and capabilities.

So there's no point in even talking about it. It's just go buy another meter or find one. Use your other meter. Take the meter out of the box that you don't want to take out and learn how to use it.

Yeah.

I'm not scolding you. I'm just saying you're beating your head against the wall and you're just going to get frustrated.

Yeah. Yeah. Well, I can do it. I mean, you could check this leaving the leads hooked up too and using an amp clamp, couldn't you?

And taking amp readings that way.

Why would you do that? That's the purpose of the meter.

Well, well, oh, you mean just as an amp clamp by itself? Well, how accurate is your amp clamp? Will your amp clamp get down to 50 milliamps or less?

I think with this other meter, it's a real good fluky meter, so I think it's going to be accurate.

Well, I would look at the range. I've got three clamp on amp clamps of my own, one of them is a fluke, and none of them are accurate enough to do milliamp draw.

The only way I know to do that is through a meter. That's the only way to do it in the shop.

Okay. Okay. Well, I guess I can do some more checking and stuff. I mean, it looked like I'm okay, but it does lose.

It lost about a volt, we'll say in a week's time just sitting here, two batteries hooked up.

Well, just imagine if you had a meter with a min-max record function, you could just hook it up, walk away, and the meter would show you exactly what it's drawing over a 36-hour period.

Yeah, yeah. Okay, but you said earlier, just get some alligator clamps, and even if I...

No, I would not use that meter, Joe. I can't say it enough.

Okay.

I wouldn't trust that meter. If the meter is telling you that you can't leave it connected for longer than, what, 30 seconds?

Well, that's only on a 10 amp. That's a 10 amp setting.

Well, but how do you know what your draw is before you hook it up?

Well, I put it on the 10 amp scale and checked it that way, and when it came up zero, I went to a smaller scale.

Okay. Joe, Joe, get a different meter, get something that reads amps and milliamps, forget the scale, and get something that auto-ranges.

All right, you'll be better off in the long run.

Okay. Okay.

All right.

Okay, well, I wanted to tell you something else, too.

Well, real quick, because I got to go.

I just wanted to tell... I talked to Tom, and so I liked what you have to say about your dad and your uncle, things like that.

It's interesting to hear those stories. I just wanted to bring it up, and my grandpa had a flight school way back in the 40s to train pilots prior to going into World War II.

He was a flyer from way back in the early part of the century, and his actually, his flying license, numerous of them were signed by Orville Wright way back then.

They had what they call a sporting license, and I just wanted to tell you a little history on my set of family.

Oh, wonderful. I appreciate it. I do, Joe.

Yeah.

And thank you for sharing that.

All right, I got to go. I'm up against the clock, kiddo.

So let's pull over, take a pause. I'm Ronan Aeney in the car doctor. We'll be back right after this.

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Join me, Josh Dean, investigative journalist.

And me, Roy Scoville, comedian, as we celebrate the amazing creativity of the world's dumbest criminals.

We'll look into some of the silliest ways folks have broken the laws.

Honestly, it feels more like a high level prank than a crime.

Who catfishes a city?

And meets a memorable anti-heroes.

There are thousands of angry horny monkeys.

Clap if you think she's a witch and it freaks you out.

He has X-ray vision. How could I not follow her?

Honestly, I got to follow her. He can see right through me.

Listen to Crimeless on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

We'll get a bunch of it.

It's a big deal. It's the whole East Coast.

It is. Yeah, it really is.

What's going on with your central today, my friend?

Yes, sir.

I called you a couple of weeks ago about putting a clutch in a 99 Nissan Sentra.

Got a follow-up question.

That's about the transmission fluid.

The service manual calls for ADW90 GL4.

I can find GL4, but there's a lot more GL5 around.

And I've read mixed things about GL4 versus GL5.

Predominant theory seems to be, if you use GL5, it's bad for the brass and the copper parts.

It could lead to hard shifting.

What's your view on that?

Is there really a significant difference between them?

I've never found it to be.

Honest answer.

And my understanding is completely opposite of that.

My understanding is that as they went GL, GL1, 2, 3, 4, 5, so on,

that 4 is retroactive to 3, 5 is retroactive to 5, and so on and so forth.

I'd like to see authoritative proof.

And the other thing you have to think about is,

anytime I'm left with one of these conditions in the shop, I always think of it like this,

how many guys in the country are pouring the wrong fluid in?

Right.

Well, the honest way I think about it in my head is,

how many idiots are out there pouring in the wrong fluid and the vehicle still doesn't stop?

Yeah, that's right.

Now, having said that, my 97 Ford Ranger, you know what fluid that calls for?

ATF.

Right.

And do you know what's in it?

Not sure.

GM Synchromesh.

Is that right?

Yeah.

And I only put that in 20 years ago.

I'm still waiting to see if it has any negative results.

Interesting.

So, you know, Henry Ford's turning over in his grave.

Yeah.

All right.

You know.

Usually this stuff is backwards compatible.

You know, like brake fluid, DOT4, supersede, it's always backwards compatible.

Yes, 100%.

100%.

Yeah, but I keep reading about, oh, it's bad for the copper.

Yeah.

Okay.

All right.

Well, you know, listen, there are people out there.

I'm going to take a shot at them too right now.

There are people out there that think 10,000 mile oil change intervals are okay.

Yeah, right.

Hey, I'm a 3,000 mile, I'm a 3,000 mile guy.

Yeah.

That's why my cars go a quarter million miles.

You know, the Tremac, the Tremac five speed that's in the hot rod, they want, they want

automatic trans fluid in that.

Yeah.

There's some of them that want that.

You know what's in it?

GM Synchromesh.

Is that right?

I'm breaking all the rules.

I, you know, I've yet to see it, right?

I've yet to see, so you're telling me that the Synchromesh, the sliders and the Synchromesh

portion of the transmission for that 99 is different than something newer that you think

they changed the material, they changed the, yeah, that they, you know what, they have

a hard time getting the same two spark plugs on the shelf next to each other, correct?

Yeah.

Much less, you know, synchromeshes and, you know, synchros and sliders and so on.

And I, you know what?

I think the, I think the internet's a wonderful place now, but I think it puts us into information

overload and I think it just, it's, yeah, no good.

Ron, can I ask you one more while I got you along?

Go ahead.

The drain plug and the filler plug on this thing, although I've got a set of drain plug

sockets, they're still a little buggered up and I'm having trouble getting them off.

Does somebody, Dorman doesn't make one, they do make some, but not for this vehicle.

Any source for drain plugs and filler plugs on a manual transmission?

No, but I would say anything that works, right?

Okay.

I've, I believe it or not, sometimes I find the goofiest things at a plumbing supply house.

Yeah, that's a thought.

This is 11 millimeter.

Well, one 11 millimeter, one 13 millimeter.

Yeah.

We don't care about the millimeter.

We just want the thread pitch, the right.

They say, you know, you know, have you tried purchasing new out of, out of Nissan?

Although I'm sure they're obsolete by now.

Yeah.

I, you know, I went to a Nissan website.

They don't have a damn thing for this car.

Nothing in the clutch series.

The only thing they've got is the pilot bushing.

They got absolutely no clutch parts.

I haven't tried the drain plugs, but I have a hard time believing they'd have anything.

Either it's on a stock or it's on back order and back order means you'll die before it

arrives.

You'll, you'll, you'll die like Moses on a statue.

Yeah.

I'll have three more cars before, before it.

Now, now you make an interesting point.

Dorman does make a very good set of drain plugs and assortments.

And, you know, you've got to find an auto parts house that's still got the Dorman trays out

front and sit down and go through their trays and see what's there.

But, you know, Dorman's not the worst idea to go look through with either online catalog,

DormanProducts.com or catch them up in a store at an auto parts house.

So always a pleasure, Al.

Stay dry.

Enjoy the weather.

And we'll talk to you next time.

I'm Ronan Ani and the car doctor.

We're coming back right after this.

That's GoDaddy.com slash New Year to own how you show up online.

Have you ever listened to those true crime shows and found yourself with more questions than answers?

And what is this?

How is that not a story we all know?

What's this?

Where is that?

Why is it wet?

Boy, do we have a show for you.

From smartless media, campsite media and big money players comes crime lists.

Join me, Josh Dean, investigative journalist.

And me, Roy Scoville, comedian, as we celebrate the amazing creativity of the world's dumbest criminals.

We'll look into some of the silliest ways folks have broken the laws.

Honestly, it feels more like a high level prank than a crime.

Who catfishes a city?

And meet some memorable anti-heroes.

There are thousands of angry horny monkeys.

Clap if you think she's a witch.

And it freaks you out.

He has X-ray vision.

How could I not follow her?

Honestly, I gotta follow him.

He can see right through me.

Listen to Crime List on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

And thanks to Dodge down there in Luz, Maryland.

Which I understand is going to be underwater too.

I was watching the news.

They're like, I think they're lower than sea level.

Rot-Row.

And it's going to be wet.

Man the pumps.

So Dodge, stay dry.

But we'll talk about that a little bit if we have time.

But just be aware, First Brands Group is in bankruptcy.

And that's going to infect the entire automotive aftermarket.

John, Connecticut, 22 Prius.

What is going on here?

How are you, John?

Thank you for taking my call.

There's nothing wrong with it.

I just wanted to get the...

It's 64,000 and I was told it's 60,000.

You should really change the CVT transmission oil.

Yes, correct.

And it's a little bit over.

And I called the guy and he wants to keep it overnight.

And I was like, I don't have anybody to drive me or leave it.

You know what I mean?

And it's like, is it really necessary?

Maybe you want to check it to make sure everything's okay the next day.

I mean, it's two hours of time in the shop by the time you road test it,

let it cool down, change it, drain it, fill it back up.

So, you know, it's a, hey, I drop it off and go to breakfast

and come back in two hours kind of a thing.

But you know, keeping it overnight, I don't know.

It doesn't make any sense to me.

It doesn't to me either, you know.

It's maybe it's time to find another mechanic or take it to the dealer.

Well, they said he would...

My mechanic doesn't do it and he said he's good.

So, I was like, this is it.

He just does transmission.

So, I don't know.

Well, wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

The guy you're taking it to doesn't do it or the guy you're taking it to does?

I went to the mechanic and they recommended this guy.

And that's all he does is transmission.

Okay.

So, I don't know.

So, I just figured if there was some reason, I didn't take their woman.

Do yourself a favor.

It sounds like you're in the clutches of something strange.

Take it to the dealer.

Have a nice seat in the waiting room.

Sit there.

Have a cup of coffee.

They'll tell you exactly how much it's going to be beforehand.

It'll get done right.

And I really doubt the dealer's going to tell you they have to hang on to it overnight.

Something doesn't add up in that story.

By the way, I'm sorry.

That's all right.

I was going to say when mom said if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it's a duck.

Yeah.

Well, I tell you, I guess this is the first hybrid I ever had and I called you before.

Maybe it was about a year ago, a month or something like that.

Maybe it was six, seven months or something.

And I got 50 miles per gallon.

I just, I got 80.

Wow.

And I got 75.

I have to go up a hill so I could probably get about 100 if I was like California and

Arizona, you know?

Right.

It's flat.

Right.

I love the car.

It's great because it's got all these sensors in the backup camera.

I never had all this stuff before, you know?

Yeah.

It makes me feel confident.

Well, and you know what?

That's the beauty part of running a vehicle like that, right?

That it gives you confidence because, listen, I go back to the time when it was a very mechanical

connection to the car and we enjoyed sitting behind the wheel and we would talk to it.

Now it's just, you know, I hope this computer keeps running because I got to get to where

I'm going.

There's no emotion in a car.

There's no compassion anymore.

But I get it.

100%.

Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it, John.

But I would, I, you know, listen, a hybrid, a hybrid's, well, a modern vehicle is a complicated

animal.

A hybrid's a little bit different.

And if you're already starting to get some pushback on how to service it, I, you know,

something's wrong with this picture.

So I think it's time to, I think it's time to find the dealer or find somebody that can

repair it on a reliable, regular basis because I want you to find one guy, all right?

I want, I want one person to repair that.

Nothing wrong with it.

All right, sir.

Thank you very much.

I appreciate it.

Have a good weekend.

You too.

You be well.

Let's go over and talk to, let's go to Thomas in Maryland.

Thomas, are you in a dry part of Maryland or about to be drenched part of Maryland?

Well, we could get some wind and rain.

I'm on the East or shore.

Oh boy.

I'm in Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

So yeah, we are.

Are you by my favorite bridge?

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge?

Yeah.

I love that.

I dedicated 1952.

I love that bridge all the time.

I'm not on it.

So it's a, so I don't like that bridge, brother, just you're never going to get me over that.

How can I help you today, Thomas?

Okay.

I got two vehicles.

The first one is a 1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty Power Stroke V8, a 7.3 liter.

Okay.

It's got a little in excess of 300,000 miles, but it's a diesel motor.

Just broken in.

That's right.

But we're having trouble starting it.

Usually if we put the battery charger on it overnight, sometimes it'll start the next

morning.

Sometimes it won't.

And that's with a good battery too.

But I was wondering, could it be a compression problem on one cylinder or something?

Well, let's back up a sec.

So is it that the cranking RPM is faster, that it gets it to start easier, or it's just that

the battery has to be strong enough reliably to maintain cranking speed before it fires?

I wish I knew the answer to that.

I would suspect that it won't start at a lower RPM.

So yes, probably it needs that extra boost.

Well, so my first question then would be, are you sure the battery setup in there is

correct?

In other words, in other words, a starter is going to draw what it needs, and it has

to have the reserve capacity to do so.

If you're telling me you have to have the battery on charge, my first thought is I've

got a problem with the battery or the starting system, because if it was low compression,

it wouldn't need as much electrical energy out of the battery to maintain cranking RPM.

Right?

Okay.

Right.

But it runs good when it's after it starts.

They all do.

So you know, is it time for do we have, now that's an oil fed injector system, meaning

that they use cranking oil pressure to build fuel pressure on those engines, do we have

an oil issue?

All right.

Do we have a, do we have sludge in the oil?

One of the products we use in the shop from the folks at Hot Shot Secret, Stixion Eliminator,

and you can take a look at some of their other diesel products, helps clean out, helps clean

out sludge, helps clean out Stixion.

And I only learned what Stixion was within the last two years.

It's kind of an interesting story, but the whole concept of Stixion is the sludge in

the varnish and the debris in the grit that builds up in oil over time.

And the engineers, the scientists at Hot Shot Secret actually developed this product to

work on that Ford engine that you're driving.

Ford actually approved Stixion Eliminator in those engines and the power strokes, believe

it or not.

It's that big a deal.

So, treating the oil actually helps the fuel system as crazy as it sounds.

What was that product called?

Go out to the Hot Shot Secret website, HotShotsSecret.com, and take a look at Stixion Eliminator.

They also make, you know what, if you're driving a diesel, HotShotsSecret.com is kind of like

the candy store, all right?

It's got everything you need for fuel system maintenance, cleaning injectors, cleaning

oil, diesel longevity, you know, just good solid maintenance, because just doing oil

changes and changing filters isn't enough on a diesel, especially as they age.

Right, and this gets short miles, which, you know, can have an effect.

I'll tell you what, sit tight, Thomas.

Let me pull over, take a pause.

When we come back, we'll answer part two of your question.

I'm Ron Anani and the car doctor.

We'll return right after this.

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Have you ever listened to those true crime shows and found yourself with more questions

than answers?

And what is this?

How is that not a story we all know?

What's this?

Where is that?

Why is it wet?

Boy, do we have a show for you.

From smartless media, campsite media and big money players comes crime lists.

Join me, Josh Dean, investigative journalist.

And me, Roy Scoville, comedian.

As we celebrate the amazing creativity of the world's dumbest criminals.

We'll look into some of the silliest ways folks have broken the laws.

Honestly, it feels more like a high level prank than a crime.

Who catfishes a city?

And meets some memorable anti-heroes.

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Listen to Crimeless on the iHeart Radio App, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

And we are back.

Real quick, Dodge writes in from Maryland.

He says, Ron, I'm 15 feet above sea level.

When I drive back to DC, my favorite part is at Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Not me, brother.

So God bless.

Somebody's got to drive and enjoy that bridge.

Thomas, you're still there, sir.

Still here, and I was listening to that.

You can get down here on the shore.

If you go, take route 40, go east until you get to, like, I don't know, Elkton.

And then pick up 213 and it'll bring you right on down.

You go around the...

Yeah, yeah, just that bridge.

It's just...

See, the problem is I think about that bridge, and I keep thinking about when you're halfway

across you're seven miles out in the bay or 10 miles out in the bay, that's a long way

to swim when the car goes over the rail.

So, but what the heck, the fall will probably kill me anyway.

So, anyway, back to your diesel, and I wanted to comment about that.

A diesel as it ages, right, we're always worried about cranking speed, glow plug efficiency,

and fuel system and intake cleanliness, okay, at 300,000 miles on a short trip diesel.

You were a candidate for Stixion Eliminator 100,000 miles ago, if not sooner.

I mean, I would be using it from day one if I owned a diesel, okay, because of what it does.

Diesel Extreme, their Diesel Extreme product is a fuel system cleaner and maintainer for diesel.

That's specifically what it does.

So, you want to consider that.

Last, if you take it to a mechanic and you're still having issues after applying some treatments,

then, you know, they're going to look at glow plug, do all the glow plugs work,

and how are the injectors, what's the spray pattern?

You know, this is one of those vehicles that you want to start, but you don't want to spend

a ton of dough on it, and the problem is it's a diesel, so spending money is very easy,

especially as it ages, right?

Absolutely.

Yeah, so second question.

Okay, on a 2017 Duramax diesel Colorado pickup, I bought it with 91,000 miles, okay?

I've got about 113 on it now.

Anyhow, after overnight setting, first thing in the morning, I try to let it warm up some,

but first gear seems to slip, and then all of a sudden it'll grab.

Yeah, my mechanic tells me, I'm probably looking at another, a new transmission or

rebuilt one, you can't hardly get a new one.

Eight speed, eight speed, 10 speed, Thomas?

Gosh.

Which trans is it?

Yeah, I don't honestly know that, but it seems to be only in that first gear that it slips,

like maybe it has an internal leak because it's not leaking external.

Right, if you let it warm up, does the problem not happen?

It helps.

Usually after it shifts, you know, you come to a light and you go off and once in a while,

we'll do it the second time, and the rest of the day, it's fine.

Ever changed the trans fluid?

It's been changed, service, we did 100,000 mile service on it.

Do you recall what the fluid looked like color-wise?

Well, I had it done, so no, I don't, but I trust the mechanic because he used to be a

General Motors mechanic, and then he opened up his own shop.

Right, yeah, go ahead.

Pretty good guy, and he says he was a kid, so I mean, I know him.

And I asked him that, I said, do I need to go to one of these shops that does a fluid exchange?

He said, I don't think it's going to help.

He said there's probably something called in a valve, you know, in that first gear,

in that first clutch pack, and because he doesn't seem to do it in the other gears.

I don't know, so am I looking at a new transmission?

Probably, to be honest, all right, but before I go that route, you know, and I like the way he

thinks, the fact that it only does it in first gear, this is likely a first gear issue.

Although I would think if it's extreme enough in time, you're going to turn on a check engine

light and set a fault. First gear ratio, incorrect performance, something like that.

When you're out on the Hot Shot Secret website, I'm going to come back to them again, right?

When you're out on HotshotSecret.com, take a look at their shift restore additive.

All right, it works wonders inside transmissions. And I'm of the mind that, you know, maybe this

is an additive fix. It might help. It surely can't hurt. And if, you know, shift restore doesn't do

it, then you've got, then in my mind, you've got a clear cut problem inside the trans, whether it's,

and here's the dance, right? Do you take the trans apart and just repair what's

bad at 113,000 miles, eight years old? Or do you put a trans in it? You put a trans in it, right?

Because the labor to take it apart is kind of silly. So, you know, it's going to be excessive.

But that's how I would approach it. Somebody could diagnose it. Somebody could prove,

yeah, it's slipping. And here's the percentage. And, you know, you can surely go that route.

But, you know, before I did that, I'd want to know if the fluid was clean, when you changed it

to 100, is it still clean? Or did it turn black? If it turned black, something's coming apart.

And if it didn't turn black, and it's still pretty pink and rosy, I would try some shift

restore from Hot Shot Secret. And, you know, hopefully that helps for you, that it's not

too far gone, that it's able to pull it back and keep it going. All right, kiddo.

I appreciate that. If you ever get down this way, give me a call.

I will. Next summer on the way to the Outer Banks, we're going to have a party going over the bridge.

So, I promise, Thomas. So, and for Dodge as well. Anyway, let's pull over. Take the

pause. I'm running in the car doctor. I'll be back right after this.

I'm Stephen Curry, and this is Gentleman's Cut. I think what makes Gentleman's Cut different is

me being a part of, you know, developing the profile of this beautiful finished product.

With every sip, you get a little something different.

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enjoy responsibly. Have you ever listened to those true crime shows and found yourself with

more questions than answers? And what is this? How is that not a story we all know? What's this?

Where is that? Why is it wet? Boy, do we have a show for you. From smartless media, campsite media,

and big money players comes crime-less. Join me, Josh Dean, investigative journalist.

And me, Roy Scoville, comedian, as we celebrate the amazing creativity of the world's dumbest

criminals. We'll look into some of the silliest ways folks have broken the laws. Honestly,

it feels more like a high-level prank than a crime. Who catfishes a city? And meet some memorable

anti-heroes. There are thousands of angry horny monkeys. Clap if you think she's a witch. And

it freaks you out. He has X-ray vision. How could I not follow her? Honestly, I gotta follow him.

He can see right through me. Listen to Crime List on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

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a space for reflection, growth, and collective healing. What do you tell men that are hurting right

now? Everything's gonna be okay on the other side, you know, just push through it. And, you know,

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that we can do as people is just breathe. Next to the wound is their gifts. You can't even find

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Listen to Atlanta Ears on the I Heart Radio Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

Did you test the circuit from powertrain control module connector out to the injector and back?

So, you know, just because you change a part doesn't mean it's right. And it doesn't mean

that that's the test. Testing parts is not diagnosing. Changing parts is just changing parts.

It means you may be fixing it. You may be putting a problem back in. You may have the same problem.

So, just know what you're doing when you do it. Very, very important. And you'll find that.

I can't stress enough. And you're seeing it, right? You're seeing the effects of poor quality parts

on the industry. I can't stress it enough. It seems like the Amazon parts, the Chinese parts,

what I call bad Chinese parts, is really affecting the economy and really affecting

the auto repair industry. First Brands Group made an awful lot of parts for this industry.

And their bankruptcy is going to have some deep, deep effects. And we'll see just how

deep they go in the coming months in the year. So, just my observation. And for Dodge, I know

Dodge wants me to make a comment about the economy. I am going to make a comment about the economy.

I see it slowing down from a repair process. People are not fixing their cars as fast as they

should or were over the last 30 days. And we'll see what the next 30 days becomes. But it's

interesting to see what's going on. Things are slowing down. I'm Ron Anani in the car doctor.

Till the next time, good mechanics aren't expensive. They're priceless. See ya.

I'm Stephen Curry and this is Gentleman's Cut. I think what makes Gentleman's Cut different is

me being a part of developing the profile of this beautiful finished product with every sip you

get a little something different. Visit Gentleman'sCutBurban.com or your nearest Total Wines or

Bevmo. This message is intended for audiences 21 and older. Gentleman's Cut Burban, Boone County,

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About this episode

Ron Ananian tackles a variety of automotive issues in this episode, including troubleshooting battery drains, dispelling gear-oil myths, and discussing two troublesome diesel vehicles. Listeners hear a detailed call about diagnosing a battery drain in a 2002 Dodge, with insights on using multimeters effectively. Ron also addresses concerns about transmission fluid types for a 1999 Nissan Sentra and offers advice on maintaining older diesel engines. The episode is packed with practical tips and real-world experiences, making it a valuable resource for DIY mechanics.

ATF backup camera clutch cranking RPM cranking speed CVT transmission DC amps diesel motor Dodge Dorman

Chevrolet Colorado Ford F-350 Ford Ranger Nissan Sentra Toyota Prius

Original notes

Ron walks a caller through the right way to measure parasitic draw (use a real meter with min/max and leave it connected), then tackles GL-4 vs GL-5 confusion on a ’99 Sentra—plus where to find stubborn drain plugs when OEMs say “obsolete.” We hit hybrid maintenance realities with a ’22 Prius CVT service, a cold-start 7.3 Power Stroke that likely needs cleaning for stiction and better cranking strategy, and a 2017 Colorado Duramax with a first-gear slip that may respond to additive—before facing the cost of a rebuild. Ron also flags industry ripples from parts-maker bankruptcies and why cheap, mystery-brand components are costing drivers more in the long run.

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