Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

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
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 diagnosis—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
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Car Dr. Classic repeat from February of 2026. Ron and the crew
are off this weekend to celebrate Father's Day and get a little family
maintenance time. Enjoy!
Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900
🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A second hour Car Dr. Classic repeat from February of 2026. Ron and the crew
are off this weekend to celebrate Father's Day and get a little family
maintenance time. Enjoy!
Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900
🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, a listener preparing to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling historic Route 66 sparks a conversation about America's automotive past, the roads that built the country, and the memories that still live along the Mother Road.
Ron shares stories about the history of Route 66, the rise of the Interstate Highway System, classic television, small-town America, and why some of the best automotive adventures happen when you slow down and take the long way there. From Burma Shave signs to roadside garages and forgotten towns, it's a reminder that cars have always been about more than transportation.
Also this hour:
A Honda CR-V owner battles a steering issue tied to a known Honda recall.
An aging Saturn Ion develops an anti-theft system failure, leading to a discussion about repairing older vehicles in a world where parts and support are disappearing.
A GM assembly-line worker calls in with an unusual problem on his new Chevy Trax and shares what it's like building today's vehicles.
Ron explains why the modern automobile battery may be the most misunderstood component on today's cars and why battery failures often create problems that look like something much worse.
Whether you're planning a Route 66 adventure, maintaining a modern vehicle, or simply remembering the days when cars were simpler, this episode is a reminder that every road has a story.
Car Advice Done Right.
📞 Call the 24/7 Listener Hotline: (855) 560-9900
🌐 Visit: CarDoctorShow.com
📸 Follow Ron on Instagram: @ronananian
🎥 Watch repair tips and shop videos on YouTube
📻 Join the conversation LIVE Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.