Why does my G35 ping even though I'm using premium fuel? It's obviously most noticeable under hard acceleration. It's been regularly serviced and has 57K.

Carl in Tucson

 

There are so many different causes for this.

Could be:
Spark plugs
Air fuel ratio being lean
Bad knock sensor
Bad gas
Elevation

...and a number of other things

 

+1 on the causes

 

+1 on the list of causes.

 

Thanks for the replies.
"+1 on the list of causes? Not quite sure what you guys mean.
Where would be a good place to start without taking it in?

Carl

 

The first thing I would do is cheack your air filter, if dirty replace, clean your MAF and run a can of BG44 through your tank

 

What's BG44 is that like Sea Foam? Yes, go through the above list and start with the easiest, as suggested. I never run high test fuel, live at sea level but I have my G dealer serviced with all fluids changed according to the service manual. It runs excellently although I don't drive all that much these days and during the good weather ride my moto.Good luck.
I have no problem having my G dealer serviced over the last five years. I can even buy parts on line from the States and Penzoil Platinum from Canadian Tire, take it in with no blow back. I have 145,000 kms on my '03, trouble free driving.

 

BG 44 is a fuel additive that cleans your fuel system out. I run it every 20k miles through my tank.

It is NOT like seafoam.

 

Thanks. I have recently replaced the air filter, I'll try the BG44, and try a different brand of fuel.

Carl

 

It is similiar to seafoam when used in tank. Actual chem properties are different. But Seafoam has many other purposes such as upper intake cleaning. Some would argue saying BG 44k is not for normal consumer use or say its a lot stronger but i've done both. I got my hands on 44k enough to use it once a week.

I've used plenty of 44k in the past and seafoam as well. Seafoam is cake to buy, BG stuff is pricey and hard to get unless your at a dealership. I pick up the 3 pack with induction cleaning and etc.


But i want to ask the OP. In your own words please describe your definition of "ping"

First thing to do is to actually check to see if you have any codes showing. Then follow list posted and do all the simple maintence and checking for broken stuff you can.

 

Pinging or "pre-detonation" is usually caused by carbon build up within the combustion chamber. As some have suggested, try SeaFoam or BG44 first. If that doesn't help, you need to have the timing checked. Advanced timing can cause it also.

 

No codes showing, the "ping" is knocking under hard acceleration. The car runs great it just "pings" when I get on it.

CM

 

Sounds like timing to me. Or **** poor gas.

 

Yeah, I was going to say gas as well.

 

With 57K miles, it shouldn't really be detonating with premium fuel. Tuscon is around 2500 ft in altitude, so you could possible even run 89 octane in there with no detonation.

Where are you getting your gas? Mobil, or Joe Blows discount gas? I'd try a new station along with running some fuel injector cleaner through it.

Beyond that, i'd do some minor maintaince things, like cleaning the MAF, checking for vacuum leaks, inspecting the spark plugs, etc.

Is your car stock, or does it have modifications?

Are you positive the pinging is detonation, and not a cat heat sheid rattling?