Recently I've been hearing pinging noises under normal acceleration. It occurs either on level or inclined surfaces. This is the first I've heard the pings and I'm attributing it to some possibly bad fuel I filled up with last week. I usually just put in regular unleaded but in an effort to clean out the bad stuff I've put about 3/4 new premium fuel but still seem to hear the pinging. What's my next step?

Anyone's help appreciated.

 

Pinging (knocking) has to do with pre-ignition and usually it is due to bad fuel, elevated temp and carbon deposition. Then there is lot of electronics to fix it. Try couple of tank full of premium {texaco, Exxon etc). Also with cold engine check the radiator coolant level (main and auxillary). It could have dropped low, if you used heater after a long time.

Hope it helps.

Salim

 

Thanks, Salimshah. I'll give the RX another tank or two of premium fuel and keep you all posted.

 

Satxrx, I'm a litttle bit skeptical that your pinging is due to pre-ignition/detonation. The engine ECU is SO quick to detect knock and retard engine timing that drivers normally never perceive it's action. So, either your gas was such crap that the ECU can't retard enough (!!!!!) or you've got something else entirely going on. I haven't heard knock since the days of carburetors.

If a tank of 93 octane doesn't clear matters up, I'd head for the shop.......

 

Yeah, I'm not completely sure what the deal is here. I'll have to run another tank of premium fuel through the tank and see if I can still hear it. But I must say I didn't hear it at all until my second to last fill up gas in a "so-so" part of town. Now I regret I didn't wait until I got home and filled up at my Texaco or Chevron. But if the pings don't go away after my next tank of gas - I'll pay a visit to Lexus and let my warranty take action.