Engine pings under acceleration
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: VA
Engine pings under acceleration
I don't know why this is happening. The Check Engine Light is not on. If I use hi octane fuel, the pinging stops. This vehicle should run okay on regular shouldn't it? This seems to be a recent problem, but I don't know why.
If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ron
If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ron
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,595
Likes: 1,400
From: Austin, TX
With engine cold pop open the radiator and see if the coolant is full. Also check reservoir. Run heat for couple of minutes when engine is hot and recheck reservoir.
Next item would be the air filter.
Beyond these, you will have to make a trip to the dealer/trusted-mechanic.
Salim
Next item would be the air filter.
Beyond these, you will have to make a trip to the dealer/trusted-mechanic.
Salim
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Vaughan, Canada
Pinging.
Next time you get tank filled with Premium and get home.
Turn engine off and diconnect the EFI fuse in the engine compartment, I believe its fuse #13 (this will reset the ECU).
Leave fuse out for about 5 minutes.
When you re-install the fuse and then start up the car, you should not get the pinging again.
Had the same problem with my '99 despite using premium fuel.
Once I reset ECU, pinging went away and I have been using mid-grade ever since...
BTW mid grade gives me MUCH better/ smoooother trani shifts..
Try it out and let us know results.
Fern
Turn engine off and diconnect the EFI fuse in the engine compartment, I believe its fuse #13 (this will reset the ECU).
Leave fuse out for about 5 minutes.
When you re-install the fuse and then start up the car, you should not get the pinging again.
Had the same problem with my '99 despite using premium fuel.
Once I reset ECU, pinging went away and I have been using mid-grade ever since...
BTW mid grade gives me MUCH better/ smoooother trani shifts..
Try it out and let us know results.
Fern
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
Sharing south of the border experience,
Often times, my track runs won't be very pretty and the injectors will make a lot more noise than usual. Even though I run 92 Octane, the gas here is still loaded with more sulfur content than that found in the U.S. and I have no idea what other chemical impurities, but it never runs as well as back in the U.S., even when I am sea level places like Acapulco or Veracruz.
I then use a good quality fuel injector cleaner like Techron and/or Restore and the times get back up to snuff plus the injectors are quieter.
One good side effect of having higher sulfur is that the engine will run a little cooler.
Often times, my track runs won't be very pretty and the injectors will make a lot more noise than usual. Even though I run 92 Octane, the gas here is still loaded with more sulfur content than that found in the U.S. and I have no idea what other chemical impurities, but it never runs as well as back in the U.S., even when I am sea level places like Acapulco or Veracruz.
I then use a good quality fuel injector cleaner like Techron and/or Restore and the times get back up to snuff plus the injectors are quieter.
One good side effect of having higher sulfur is that the engine will run a little cooler.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
Originally Posted by ravengotu
But only when i put mid grade or lower octane.....you said no engine light...mine comes on as well with the pinging 
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
What can happen using lower octane is that the burn is not crisp and there is some oxygen left over detected by the O2 sensors, causing the light. For as bad as the gas is down here, that happens when my injectors get clogged (just about every month I have to use Techron).
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Vaughan, Canada
pinging
Hey toyhauler,
you mention the pinging is just a recent problem.
Whats the mileage of the vehicle and the condition of the emission control devise, ie: egr, o2 sensors, etc.
Has timing belt been changed recently?
The pinging may be due to a faulty knock sensor or possibly an EGR valve that is malfunctioning. Also, the timing belt being off a tooth or two could also cause this.
Either way pinging is not normal and should be looked after.
you mention the pinging is just a recent problem.
Whats the mileage of the vehicle and the condition of the emission control devise, ie: egr, o2 sensors, etc.
Has timing belt been changed recently?
The pinging may be due to a faulty knock sensor or possibly an EGR valve that is malfunctioning. Also, the timing belt being off a tooth or two could also cause this.
Either way pinging is not normal and should be looked after.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 6
From: Colorado
Originally Posted by toyhauler
I don't know why this is happening. The Check Engine Light is not on. If I use hi octane fuel, the pinging stops. This vehicle should run okay on regular shouldn't it? This seems to be a recent problem, but I don't know why.
If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ron
If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ron
You can try adding a bottle of B-12 Chemtool to your gas tank, available at AutoZone. It worked for my GM car. Don't bother with Techron or STP stuff, they are just "feel good" products. Don't try oil additives, either. They don't get to the combustion chamber.
Next try would be GM's Tops engine cleaner (don't think Toyota makes anything like that.) Remove all spark plugs and pour the stuff in. Let it soak overnight. Put a towel on the engine and crank it to get as much gunk out as you can. Put the plugs back in and run the engine. Be warned that your tailpipe will smoke like a Marlboro Man for 10 minutes.
If it gets bad enough, you'll have to take it to the dealer. They'll have to take the engine apart to clean off the deposit.
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