Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

iHeartPodcasts and Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Updated about 20 hours ago
View trending cars on this show

With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive. Call us at 855-560-9900.

Are you the creator? Get your badge · Claim this podcast

Episodes (1289)

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 17. 2015 - Hour 2 - When Your Car Needs a Software Update

This week, Ron dives into the ever-growing role of technology in automotive repair. First, he welcomes Hugh Atkins of Drew Technologies for a discussion on computer flashing, module programming, and why software updates have become a routine part of modern vehicle service. Ron then takes a call on a 2010 GMC Savana 3500 and discusses the pros and cons of switching to synthetic transmission fluid in a higher-mileage vehicle. Later, Harlan Siegel of Launch Tech USA joins the program to talk scan tool technology, diagnostics, and how today's technicians depend on advanced equipment to solve increasingly complex vehicle problems. The phones stay busy with a caller seeking advice on a troublesome 2014 Ford Focus transmission, one of the most talked-about drivability issues of its era. Ron also answers an email regarding excessive oil consumption on a 2007 Toyota RAV4, explaining the causes, potential repairs, and what owners should know before making decisions. It's a look at how automotive repair continues to evolve as today's vehicles rely as much on software and electronics as they do on nuts and bolts. Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900 🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com πŸ“Έ Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian πŸŽ₯ Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube πŸ“» Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM EasternSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 20, 2026 36 min 47 annotations

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor, October 17, 2015 Hour 1 - Two Repairs That Made Me Shake My HeadRon starts the hour with not one, but two Repair of the Week stories that left even him shaking his head. Sometimes the hardest part of fixing cars isn't the diagnosisβ€”it's understanding how they got into that condition in the first place. Ron then takes a call on a 2004 Pontiac Vibe and answers a variety of maintenance and repair questions before welcoming special guest Jerry Ostalecki from GetGibbs.com to discuss lubricants, corrosion protection, and keeping equipment running longer. Later, a listener with a 2007 Toyota Matrix calls after removing and reinstalling a factory CD player only to find it no longer works, leading to a discussion about electronics, wiring, and the surprises that can occur when taking modern vehicles apart. Ron also answers an email regarding a software issue on a Ford F-150 and explains why today's vehicles often require as much computer knowledge as mechanical skill. All that and more this week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor.

Ron starts the hour with not one, but two Repair of the Week stories that left even him shaking his head. Sometimes the hardest part of fixing cars isn't the diagnosisβ€”it's understanding how they got into that condition in the first place. Ron then takes a call on a 2004 Pontiac Vibe and answers a variety of maintenance and repair questions before welcoming special guest Jerry Ostalecki from GetGibbs.com to discuss lubricants, corrosion protection, and keeping equipment running longer. Later, a listener with a 2007 Toyota Matrix calls after removing and reinstalling a factory CD player only to find it no longer works, leading to a discussion about electronics, wiring, and the surprises that can occur when taking modern vehicles apart. Ron also answers an email regarding a software issue on a Ford F-150 and explains why today's vehicles often require as much computer knowledge as mechanical skill. All that and more this week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor. Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900 🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com πŸ“Έ Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian πŸŽ₯ Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube πŸ“» Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM EasternSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 20, 2026 36 min 42 annotations

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 13, 2026 - Hour 1

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a repair story that refuses to go away comes full circle. Ron revisits the now-famous $16,000 Chevy Tahoe transmission repair, the real-world case that sparked conversations about whether it's better to repair the vehicle you own or start over with another unknown used car. But the story takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter with a listener reveals that sometimes the lessons behind the repair matter more than the repair itself. Along the way, Ron shares a behind-the-scenes look at spotting his own podcast billboard near MetLife Stadium, a morning cruise in his black '55 Chevy, and a reminder that maintaining a vehicle is often about more than saving moneyβ€”it's about understanding value. Also this hour: Should you keep a low-mileage 2021 Toyota Highlander if you've heard rumors of transmission problems? Why some Subaru headlight assemblies become cloudy and what owners can do about it. How heat affects modern vehicle batteries and why batteries often fail from summer temperatures rather than winter cold. The importance of understanding long-term ownership costs before making major repair decisions. Sometimes the biggest automotive lessons aren't found in the repair bayβ€”they're found in the conversations that happen because of it. Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900 Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 13, 2026 34 min 39 annotations

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives β€” originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehiclesβ€”often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think.

From the Car Doctor archives β€” originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehiclesβ€”often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with r cars is often more personal than we think. Car Advice Done Right Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900 Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 04, 2026 37 min 48 annotations

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 1 - Audi Codes, Airbags & Frozen Custard

From the Car Doctor archives β€” originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron shares the repair story of the week involving a 2003 Dodge Durango with a failed engine that spent five months sitting partially disassembled at another repair facility before finally arriving at R/A Automotive. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of proper diagnosis, communication, and choosing the right repair shop. Ron also helps a caller with an Audi A3 displaying a P0068 trouble code, answers a listener email regarding airbag concerns, and takes a call involving a 2012 Hyundai Elantra and an unusual insurance-related airbag issue. In one of the more unique interviews from the archives, Ron talks with David Gott, owner of David's Famous Gourmet Frozen Custard and a longtime fan of the show. The conversation offers a fun look at small business ownership, customer service, and the relationships built through a shared passion for serving people. A mix of automotive advice, real-world repair experiences, and memorable conversations from a different era of the show. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900 Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 04, 2026 36 min 29 annotations

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 3, 2015 - Hour 2 - Noises, Batteries & The Truth About When Cars Fail

Ron Ananian, host of The Car Doctor Radio Show, kicks off this hour with a look at why cars seem to break down at the worst possible times β€” and how driving habits, environment, and circumstance all play a role in vehicle failure. From there, Ron takes a call on a 2011 Subaru with a persistent noise issue, walking through the diagnostic thought process of tracking down sounds that don’t always show up when you want them to. Then it’s on to a classic β€” a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood with exhaust noise concerns β€” where age, wear, and old-school design all come into play. In the middle of the hour, Ron sits down with Michael Holzem, Manager of Field Sales, Power Solutions, for a conversation on modern battery technology β€” how today’s batteries differ from those of the past, and what drivers need to know as vehicles demand more electrical power than ever before. The hour wraps up with a listener question about scan tools β€” what they can do, what they can’t, and why having the right information matters more than just plugging something in. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900 Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29, 2026 36 min 58 annotations

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 23, 2026 - Hour 2 - Marriage Counseling & Auto Repair

This Memorial Day weekend on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron mixes humor, heart, and history in a powerful hour about the way cars become part of our everyday lives. It starts with a noisy Honda CR-V carrying landscaping rocks under a loose splash shield β€” and turns into a story about marriage, memories, and why vehicles become so personal to all of us. Ron talks about the strange relationship people have with their cars, the conversations that happen at the repair counter, and why sometimes mechanics become part technician, part therapist, and part referee. Plus: Advice for a listener shopping for a used Toyota RAV4 for his teenage daughter A heartfelt Memorial Day reflection on veterans, sacrifice, and the meaning behind the holiday And a special archive conversation with Ron’s Uncle Steve Ananian, a North American P-51 Mustang pilot from World War II, recounting surviving combat, being shot down over the English Channel, and the incredible story of bringing a damaged fighter plane home. It’s an unforgettable hour about cars, family, freedom, and the people who keep all of us moving forward. Car Advice Done Right. Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900 Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 23, 2026 36 min 11 annotations
Page 1 of 52 Next β†’