Repair Topics / Engine Pings-1 / Engine Pings-2

• Why does my engine make excessive noise?
• How to check an ignition system
• How does an EGR valve work?
• Why does my car have lean mixture codes?
• Why does my engine hesitate?
• Car is making a clicking noise
• Howling noise from car
• Why is my car making a popping noise?
• Why is my car making a rattling noise?
• How to test a fuel injector

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Question: 1999 Honda Accord mileage: 150,000.  The problem is when the car is warm and I hit the pedal repeatedly or between shifting (stick shift), I hear valve pinging.  In addition, if I drive the car for a long time on the highway and get off the valve pinging gets worst.  I did the following to fix the problem but no success.  I changed the plugs, air filter, fuel filter and wires.  Your help is appreciated.

Answer:   Your problems may be caused by incorrect valve timing or ignition timing.  Also check for proper EGR valve operation.

Question: 2002 Chevrolet 1500 4x4 Truck mileage: 32,000.  Hello.  My truck hesitates slightly and has engine clatter or pinging at about 1500 rpm, or about 45-60 mph.  My dealership has not been very forthcoming with help.  The first two times that I took it in, they would not even acknowledge the problem.  Now they tell me some cars have that noise.  It wasn't noisy when I initially test-drove it.  I did some research, and found out about a computer re-flash and had the dealership do this update.   But, it didn't help.  That was about 2,000 miles back.  I've tried different grades of gasoline but the problem remains.  I found out that there is another part number that might address this problem too.  What do you suggest?  Thanks.

Answer:   It sounds like your knock sensor might be operating out of range. Try replacing it to recheck problem.

Question: 1999 Ford Aerostar mileage: 115,000.  My problem is pinging going down the road steady speed (55), or heavy acceleration, still pings.  Have changed, map, O�, computer, intake manifold (upper+lower), PCV valve, air-charge temperature sensor, spark plugs and ignition control box.  Have had it in three shops including Ford dealer for a week; they want to check the other shops work on the intake job, but I am sure it is OK, and it has 20 inches of vacuum at idle; somebody said maybe wiring harness?  IAC valve seems OK, have blocked off fuel canister purge line in another test, no luck, I am stumped.  Help!  Thanks Rick.  PS: it has no EGR valve.

Answer:   This is difficult because the computer can't detect a problem, your car thinks everything is ok. In reality what is happening is the electrical component inside the MAF sensor becomes contaminated by the impurities in the air (heavies) These containments imbed themselves to electrical component that senses the air flow causing the sensor to be slightly off, but not enough to trigger the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp). Replace the MAF sensor with a new sensor and you're problem will go away, plus your car get better mileage and performance. (Mass Air Flow MAF sensor or Air Intake Sensor AIS, depending on manufacture. It does the same thing with different names).

Question: 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 mileage: 50,000.  I have engine "ping or spark knock.”  I have tried new Splitfire sparkplugs, 89, 93 octane gas and have adjusted the timing, none of which have worked.  I still have knock around 3000 RPM under load what do I do?

Answer:   We recommend installing the same brand and heat range spark plugs the manufacturer installed in your truck.  Check the EGR valve operation.  If it is not opening, pinging can occur.

Question: 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer mileage: 84,000.  There is a very loud metallic noise sounding like something hitting another part coming from around the fan water pump area.  You have to keep your foot on the floor to keep it running.  It is a very loud noise

Answer:   You may have a water pump or a belt tensioner that is malfunctioning.

Question: 2001 Ford Windstar mileage: 104,760.  It pings going down the road say 50 m.p.h. not much load or heavy load doesn’t mater no codes, tried different EEC, no help, new 02 sensor, no help, no EGR.  Looked for vacuum leak couldn’t find one, even changed all intake gaskets, no help, took it to the local ford dealer, no help, checked timing, as best I could, ok, (distributorless ignition), checked fuel filter, (good) tried different ECM (ignition box) no help, I am tired of just trying parts, HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Answer:   This is difficult because the computer can't detect a problem, your car thinks everything is ok. In reality what is happening is the electrical component inside the MAF sensor becomes contaminated by the impurities in the air (heavies) These containments imbed themselves to electrical component that senses the air flow causing the sensor to be slightly off, but not enough to trigger the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp). Replace the MAF sensor with a new sensor and you're problem will go away, plus your car get better mileage and performance. (Mass Air Flow MAF sensor or Air Intake Sensor AIS, depending on manufacture. It does the same thing with different names).

Question: 2004 Ford Ranger mileage: 57,000. I am noticing a pinging sound from the engine, which has gotten worse in last few days. It is a similar type sound experienced when using lower grade gas in a vehicle. When I accelerate, it gets much worse. Is this a serious problem and can you tell me what could be possibly causing this noise?

Answer:   Some Ford engines are not equipped with knock sensors. Yours may be one of them. Located in the wiring loom, close to the ECM, is a "octain adjustment bar" that when removed retards the timing 4 degrees. This should correct your pinging problem.

Question: 2002 Toyota Camry mileage: 79,400. Recently I had replaced all the accessory belts, along with the timing belt. (I had to get it fixed twice because the first time the independent auto shop did not put it right - I had subtle loss of power and minor vibrations while idling and then I got the timing belt done from Toyota dealer.) (The accessories belts are still from the independent auto shop) I hear like a shrill radio static or crackling of electricity (is this called pinging? I also sometimes get a very low noise like striking glass bottles.) These noises come only when I press the gas pedal between the speeds 30 and 55. (It does not come above 55) and only after driving for 20 mins. Also, when I turn off the engine I get a short squeaking noise (again after 15-20 mins of driving.) The dealer says it seems to come from the alternator bearings. My question is: What may be the cause and cure for this problem? Can I put grease or something in the alternator bearings? Also is my oil pump working properly? (Reason for this question being - 4 weeks back my oil -lite had come on and I immediately showed it to mechanic who found a wire had come out of the oil sensor and had fixed the wire back to sensor.) Will my car run if the oil pump was not working?

Answer:   This is difficult because the computer can't detect a problem, your car thinks everything is ok. In reality what is happening is the electrical component inside the MAF sensor becomes contaminated by the impurities in the air (heavies) These containments imbed themselves to electrical component that senses the air flow causing the sensor to be slightly off, but not enough to trigger the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp). Replace the MAF sensor with a new sensor and you're problem will go away, plus your car get better mileage and performance. (Mass Air Flow MAF sensor or Air Intake Sensor AIS, depending on manufacture. It does the same thing with different names).

Question: 2004 Ford Explorer, miles: 56,300. It has a bad ping and the check engine light comes on a lot. I had it checked on a computer and it said the oxygen sensor was bad. I replaced the oxygen sensor but it is still doing it. It also is starting to feel like it isn't getting the right fuel or the throttle position sensor is messed up because it revs to high when you put it in park and also lacks power sometimes. I am having my suspicions on this and just would like a second opinion. Thanks!

Answer:   The oxygen sensor can be fooled be a Mass Air Flow Sensor that is malfunctioning. Replace Mass Air Flow sensor with new to recheck system.

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Repair Topics / Engine Pings-1 / Engine Pings-2