2015 V6 Spark Knock/Pinging

Is there any chance the pcv vale could be causing our problems ?

 

When my PCV gets a plugged I just install warm apple cider and fiber plus bars until it flows again. Coffee just kicked in.

JK. Can you explain what you mean by that? Anything is worth looking into for a cure.

I have been waiting on Installing my SS extended brake lines, CB radio and rear diff breather extension until I see how the dealer treats this. Have the parts but can't bring myself to put them on at this time.

I remeber back in 1993 my dad had bought a Wrangler with the 4.0L I6 and it had a LOUD bearing knock within the first couple thousand miles. He went through the same "them is noisy motors, I tell you" from the dealer. He eventually got them to replace the engine but it was a big hassle. I was twelve and even I knew what that noise was.........

I'm sure there are some quirky people that complain of noises to dealers all the time that don't mean a thing, but they should step up and tackle the real issues that come at them. Time will tell if they do. My follow up with the dealer is 9/8/16.

 

I guess I'm just grasping at straws at this point. Mainly aggravated.

 

We had the TSB done on our 14 and while it helped it didn't eliminate it. Playing the Devils advocate here...if your truck already has the updated software (which I don't know that it does) what are you wanting them to do? Everything is controlled trough the computer, and if there hasn't been any updates already approved by Toyota and the EPA beyond the 12-14 version, there's nothing they can do.

 

I guess I expect to not pay so much for a spark knocking engine. I expect better for my money. Piss poor R&D/before sales testing. To write a program that can not self correct in 2015 is stupid. 4 weeks into my micro controller class (2011) and I could do basic programming if/then/else logic. These are Professional Software Engineers. I expect them to fix it? It doesn't feel like a selfish request. I'm not looking for perfection but damn it should run on 87 in 100 degree weather without missing a beat. My F-150 tows 7000 lb camper in 105+ degree heat without knocking (yeah I know, more of me talking bout that Ford)

I can't even imagine towing with this condition. It would be comical (unless your making payments on it).

My wife had a grand Marquis that had developed a spark knock by 180k miles. It's different when you just bought a vehicle last year and still owe on it.

I realize the goobers at the dealer can't do anything. That won't keep me from trying. People like me/us are the reason the 2012-2014 TSB exist.

People like us not accepting substandard

The Devils Advocate can be a healthy reality check, Thank You.

I just recorded a sound clip on my iPad of this POS on the way to my optometrist appointment. I will try to upload later tonight.

Thanks for everyone's feedback and suggestions

 

You should have them check you computer for what versions your truck has. If its the one listed in the TSB there's not much I would imagine they'll do. But if its a older version you might have a leg to stand on. Getting them to check and the time it will take for you to go and get them to will be a hassle.

 

The spark knock at low rpm and high low has happened to me before too. Try the following.
1. Higher Octane gas, preferably 91 or higher. Mine absolutely does not occur in any situation on 91 or higher. This will verify for sure that knocking is what it is.
2. Try fuel injection cleaner. I've used Gumout Regane with PEA. PEA is supposed to clean carbon deposits. This seems to help for me using about twice a year.
3. Switch fuel brands/stations. My truck will knock on some fuel and not on others of the same octane.

I believe the problem is progressive over time. Most trucks 12-14 and even your 15 normally don't knock at low rpm's when new but develop this problem over time at lets say 25,000 miles. I think that the stock programming can adjust perfectly fine on a clean engine with quality fuel. As fuel sits unused it slowly looses octane, and ethanol fuel even quicker. That's why I think buying fuel from a low volume station could help cause it. Also, non-Top Tier fuels have less cleaning agents. Over time this can lead to more carbon buildup and aid in knocking. This is why I think fuel injection cleaner helps.

This is why I buy from a high volume station and add cleaner every so often. I was using 91-93 fuel but recently switched to 87 and haven't had low rpm knock doing so. I have a 13 and have not had the TSB done, so I'm experimenting to see if it will come back. If it does consistently will will have the TSB done.

Ben

 

Toyota has known about this problem for a long time that's why they produced the TSB for the earlier years. Why wouldn't they fix the problem before they came out with the 2nd generation trucks? As Matt said, they are professionals. You mean to tell me that they couldn't find a fix for this ? Guess they figure they would wait until enough people complain again before producing a TSB . I think they are counting on people saying, " What do you want them to do ". They know there's a problem, FIX IT ! Don't just keep selling the trucks knowing that people aren't going to be happy with your product. I think there's a word for this.... GREED !

 

I will be interested to hear that sound clip after you upload it.

 

2011 I hear ya. Rode with their mastertech and he said it is normal. Really pinging normal. My old F150 ecoboost work truck don't ping! I put new spark plugs in and this didn't help. All they did was document ping in file history and said there is no TSB for it.

 

Did you put in upgraded plugs (iridium)?

 

No I put in the similar ones as specified by one of the techs.


Did all the following as techs were saying ping was due to all the following:

• Put in High Octane (bad fuel)
  
• Went when ambient temp was in the 60's (high ambient temp)
  
• changed spark plugs (said it might be plugs)
• switched to Toyota 5w-10 (said it could be oil)

Also was told it was piston noise resonating through aluminum engine block. I told techs that is a different clacking toyota tick sound not (that I do have) and not engine pinging.

 

Well if all else is failing, try switching the plugs for a colder set. As mentioned before, supercharged engines are notorious for getting spark knock when the stock copper plugs are used. Colder, iridium plugs eliminate it. Might work for you as well, worth a shot anyway.

 

I really wish the dealer would throw some Iridiums on to test. I am somewhat getting used to pushing through the ping range but at the cost of MPG. If I can hear the ping inside I wonder if folks can hear the ping outside...kind of embarrassing.

 

It's audible from the outside but I doubt anyone is hearing it from in their car when you're driving down the road. I picked up my Denso Iridium plugs off of Amazon, they were like $6 each. Toyota installed them for me. I can't remember the part number specifically but they'll be different for your truck anyway since you're 2nd gen. I'm sure if you go to Denso's website and plug in your truck's info it'll tell you which ones to go with, if you're interested in troubleshooting it that way.

 

I think that it's business principles at play.

The cost of bad word of mouth for crap (not that bad of a hit to their monster sales numbers over the 2nd gen years) vs cost of writing software etc. and paying dealer/techs to fix. Ignore it for the most part = less of a loss while taking minimal overall bad reputation. The Tacomas Pro's do outweigh the Con's I suppose. Hell of an off road machine.

 

Meant to put that the temp was 72 degrees and that's on 89 octane level/flat road no extra weight.

Hardly extreme conditions

 

I like your logic Ben and the development over time seems plausible. I don' know how long this has been happening as I just started driving it again at 27k miles. Around here Seafoam is a reputable fuel system cleaner/deposit reducer and one Toyota dealer recommended I try it. I put 32oz (two cans) in and filled'er up with 93octane. 1oz per gal it says, and what's our tank 21 gallons or so? I drove it the entire day the next day on a trip to the mountains and it knocked away. Next tank 93 octane, still knockin. New Toyota spark plugs (Denso) still knockin.

What do you think of the plugs that came out? 31k miles on them. There is some reddish tint on a couple that I didn't see before. I just
left the optometrist.

 

Looking at these pics would you go colder based on your own experience?