In this episode Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor interviews Satwinder Mangat, President of AllData, to discuss the evolving landscape of automotive technology and repair.

Key Topics Covered:

• Automotive Industry Trends & SEEMA Insights

  • Satwinder shares takeaways from the 2022 SEMA Show, highlighting a post-pandemic resurgence in innovation, attendance, and new car designs.
  • The industry is booming with technological advancements, making cars not just transportation tools but multifunctional, connected spaces.

• The Growing Complexity of Vehicle Repairs

  • Modern vehicles, equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and other tech, require precise calibration for safety.
  • What used to be a simple bumper replacement now involves recalibrating sensors and cameras to ensure proper functionality.

• AllData’s Role in Repair Information

  • All Data publishes OEM repair and diagnostic content, ensuring mechanics and car owners have accurate, up-to-date information.
  • Their ADAS Quick Reference Tool, which won P10 Innovation and SEEMA New Product Awards, helps technicians quickly access specifications for safe repairs.

• ADAS & Safety Concerns

  • Misaligned sensors or cameras (even a minor miscalibration) can lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
  • Real-world example: A caller experienced erratic car behavior after a windshield replacement—solved by recalibrating the ADAS system.

Takeaway Message:

The automotive industry is changing rapidly, with ADAS, EVs, and new tech redefining repairs. Access to the right information is crucial for safe, proper maintenance. All Data plays a key role in bridging the gap between OEM specifications and technicians, ensuring vehicles are fixed correctly and safely.

Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com

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• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900
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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor introduces Chuck Kincaid from Redline Detection, a frequent guest on the show, to discuss diagnostic techniques, particularly the use of smoke machines.

Key topics covered:

1. Importance of Diagnostics – The show highlights how vehicles today require advanced diagnostics, from simple issues like leaky tires to complex problems in electric vehicles.
2. Using Smoke Machines for Leak Detection – Chuck explains how different types of smoke machines help diagnose various vehicle issues, including lean fuel conditions, evaporative emissions system leaks, and intake gasket failures.
3. Pressure Variations in Smoke Machines – Not all smoke machines function the same. Higher pressure smoke machines (up to 10-15 psi) are necessary for certain tests, such as detecting intake and exhaust leaks, while lower pressure machines work for EVAP systems.
4. Turbocharged Vehicles and Smoke Testing – The conversation covers how turbocharged engines require higher-pressure smoke testing due to their boosted intake systems, which a standard EVAP smoke machine cannot properly diagnose.
5. Applications Beyond Engines – Smoke technology is also used to detect water leaks in vehicle cabins, HVAC issues, and even cooling system leaks if the coolant is drained beforehand.
6. Exploring New Applications – The show briefly touches on whether smoke or pressure testing could be applied to air conditioning systems, though there isn’t a definitive answer yet.

Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com

• Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian
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• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time

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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor's Fourth of July radio show from 2015 focused on car maintenance, particularly battery health during the summer heat. Host Ron Ananian emphasized that heat is a major factor in battery failures, noting an increase in cases at his shop. He also pointed out that battery manufacturers have changed their warranties, eliminating prorated coverage. Regular maintenance, such as checking battery terminals, oil levels, tire pressure, and fluid levels, can prevent breakdowns.

Ron shared a personal story about seeing a stranded vehicle and linked it to poor maintenance habits. He criticized last-minute car service requests, urging listeners to be proactive. He also mentioned a Consumer Reports article on increasing oil consumption issues in vehicles and discussed a known problem with oil consumption in Honda models from 2008-2012. Honda has extended warranties to address the issue, but repairs depend on the quality of technicians.

The episode encouraged vehicle owners to stay informed, prioritize maintenance, and avoid being stranded due to preventable issues. The show also welcomed calls from listeners to discuss car-related concerns.

Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com

• Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time

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The Car Doctor's Fourth of July Special

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, discusses the common mistakes people make when dealing with car maintenance, especially during busy times like the Fourth of July weekend. Host Ron Ananian speaks with Steve, an automotive instructor from Cincinnati, about how simple oversights—like failing to check oil, battery health, or coolant condition—can lead to bigger car problems.

Steve shares real-life examples, including how acidic coolant can damage a vehicle’s systems and how improper maintenance choices, like using the wrong coolant type, can lead to expensive repairs. He also highlights an ongoing issue with oil consumption in certain vehicle models, which could result in costly catalytic converter failures.

Towards the end, Steve mentions his upcoming book, OBD-II Diagnostics Made Simple, aimed at helping DIYers and beginners diagnose car issues properly without unnecessary part replacements. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on how modern cars are becoming more complex, making professional diagnostics increasingly necessary. The episode closes with a patriotic salute to the U.S. in honor of Independence Day.

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com
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Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor begins the show in a no-nonsense mood, fueled by a dose of chicken soup from Research Kathy. He quickly shifts to the topic of car batteries before taking calls.

Key Takeaways from the Show:

1. Car Battery Maintenance & Misconceptions

   • Many drivers don't realize that a car battery can die simply from lack of use.
   • Driving only a few miles a day or letting a car sit for extended periods can cause battery depletion.
   • Batteries need at least 35-40 minutes of driving at highway speeds with some electrical load to recharge properly.

2. Solutions for Low-Use Vehicles

   • For those who don’t drive frequently, solar-powered battery chargers (plugged into the OBD-II port) can maintain charge without needing to drive.
   • The host’s shop uses automatic battery chargers to keep low-mileage customers' batteries healthy.

3. General Battery Advice

   • If a battery is over four years old, replace it before it fails.
   • Modern cars have many electronic systems that drain power even when parked.
   • Visit AutoBatteries.com for information on choosing the right battery.

4. Call-In Segment: Finding Spark Plug Wires for a 1961 Rambler

   • A caller struggles to find plug wires long enough for his flathead six-cylinder engine.
   • Ron suggests checking Standard Motor Products for the correct part number.
   • Alternatively, he recommends buying a universal set for a Chevy small-block V8 and cutting them to the correct length.

Conclusion:

The show blends technical advice with humor, emphasizing battery maintenance for modern vehicles and addressing a classic car enthusiast's problem. Ron's expertise and straightforward approach make complex car issues easy to understand.

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com
• Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time

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This episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio features host Ron taking live calls from listeners experiencing car troubles.

1. Bill from Florida (Toyota Highlander)

   • Bill describes a "popping, crackling" noise from under his vehicle when he touches the accelerator.
   • Ron asks diagnostic questions, including whether the noise occurs in different gears or at a standstill.
   • The issue is likely drivetrain-related, possibly a clicking drive axle or driveshaft issue.
   • Ron advises getting it checked ASAP to prevent worsening damage.

2. Austin from Hawaii (1992 Mazda Miata MX-5)

   • After driving for two hours, the car loses power as if "choking itself," but revs fine in neutral.
   • The temperature and oil pressure gauges fluctuate with the RPMs.
   • Possible causes: fuel pressure issues, exhaust restriction, or an electrical failure.
   • Ron recommends checking fuel pressure first and monitoring the manifold vacuum to rule out an exhaust problem.
   • He stresses proper diagnostics over assumptions, suggesting Austin get an older scan tool for more accurate testing.

3. John from Boston (03 Lincoln Town Car)

   • His serpentine belt snapped while driving, making the steering tight.
   • After replacing the belt, the steering feels loose and "lazy."
   • Ron begins diagnosing but the summary cuts off before a resolution.

Throughout the episode, Ron emphasizes methodical diagnostics, avoiding assumptions, and prioritizing simple tests before complex repairs. He closes the show this week talking about a recent article he read about electrical testing, circuits and ground connections in the latest edition of ALLDATA News.

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com
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Ron Ananian, "The Car Doctor," kicks off the show with a nod to Ethel Merman, emphasizing that the show must go on despite having a cold. He shares a few interesting cases from the shop, including:

1. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis – A routine oil change revealed a recently replaced front end with poorly positioned grease fittings, making maintenance difficult. The customer had emergency repairs done elsewhere, but Ron highlights the importance of attention to detail in auto repairs.

2. 2018 Toyota Highlander – A customer damaged two wheels exiting a car wash, revealing that the chrome wheels were actually steel with glued-on plastic hubcaps. Toyota's replacement wheels cost $800 each, showcasing some of the absurdities in car design and pricing.

3. 2019 Jeep Compass (EVAP Leak Issue) – A P0456 code (small EVAP leak) led Ron to consult a Chrysler tech via the Opus IVS scan tool. The issue stemmed from both a faulty leak detection pump (ESUM) and a purge valve leak, a common Chrysler problem that persists across many model years.

4. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – A rusted control arm bolt caused delays, leading to a hectic Friday where Ron and his team completed seven oil changes, two brake jobs, and a water pump replacement.

Later, Ron takes a caller from Maine with a 2012 Toyota Sienna experiencing a theft alarm issue. He suggests checking the hood latch sensor, a known problem in these models.

He also answers an email about "Hot Shot Secret Stiction Eliminator," an additive he successfully used to quiet lifter noise in a high-mileage Ford Ranger.

The episode highlights the quirks of car maintenance, the importance of proper repairs, and the sometimes frustrating realities of automotive design and manufacturing.

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com
• Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, takes calls from listeners with car issues.

1. Caller: Bill from Maine (2019 Chevy Equinox)

   • Issue: Smelling combustion-like odors inside the car, particularly at stoplights. A state inspection noted oil wetness at the engine’s underside, but no visible leak was found. The dealer could not diagnose the issue.
   • Ron’s Advice: The smell could come from an oil or exhaust leak, possibly from the turbocharger. Bill should not rely on state inspections as a diagnostic tool. Instead, a mechanic should check for leaks thoroughly, use an engine oil dye to identify potential oil leaks, and inspect the exhaust system for small leaks.

2. Caller: George from Tennessee (2008 Chevy Colorado)

   • Issue: The truck intermittently fails to crank, but all dash lights stay on. After multiple attempts, it eventually starts. The issue has persisted for years.
   • Ron’s Advice: The problem could be due to bad engine ground connections (G100–G106), a failing starter, or a corroded body control module (BCM) connection. George should have a mechanic inspect these grounds, check for error codes, and ensure all wiring is in good condition.

Throughout the show, Ron emphasizes proper diagnostics over assumptions, highlighting the importance of thorough inspections beyond state safety tests.

• Find out more about us at www.cardoctorshow.com
• Follow Us On Instagram - @ronananian
• Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos
• Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900
• Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.