Episode Details

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor

Welcome to Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor — the trusted voice in automotive repair, where real-world experience, sharp diagnostics, and straight talk come together to help you keep your ride running right.

🚙 2015 Jeep Wrangler — When “New” Parts Fail

• A regular customer brings in a well-maintained Jeep for a simple oil change — no complaints.

• Turns out, the check engine light is on. Codes: P0258 (vacuum pump issue) and P0440 (EVAP system fault).

• Vacuum pump tests fine. Ron proactively changes the booster check valve (which also contains a sensor).

• The ESIM (EVAP vent valve) was bad — replaced and verified fixed.

• Installs a new Chrysler purge valve — it fails.

• Tries a second new one — also fails.

• Old part works fine. Even an aftermarket copy failed.

• Conclusion: There’s a bad production run of purge valves, even from OEM sources.

• Lesson: “New doesn’t mean good.” Always diagnose, don’t just swap parts.

🧰 Classic '57 Chevy — Mysterious Trans Fluid Leak

• Ed owns a beautiful 1957 Chevy with only 57,000 miles.

• Reports a quart of automatic transmission fluid leaks out during storage — but not while driving.

• Ron suspects converter drain-back, a common issue on long-stored classics.

• Solutions:

  • A check valve on the trans cooler line

  • Possibly a longer dipstick tube

  • Or just lower fluid level