Help with Spark Knock Noise 2010 V6

2010 Tacoma 4x4 4.0

What are your thoughts on this issue? The truck goes to the dealership this Friday, however, I’m curious to know if anyone has experienced the same issue and if so, what was the cause and fix. I’d like to have a bit of knowledge behind me before Friday; the dealerships have a tendency to pass off problems as, “Working as designed.”

At low speeds (under 35 mph) and low rpm’s (under 1,500)with trans in OD the engine has one hell of a spark knock noise when driving around the neighborhood or through traffic. The spark knock is also noticeable at highway speeds when passing under hard acceleration. It’s only in the 40 –65 mph cursing range that I don’t hear the spark knock. I changed the plugs at 30,000 miles with genuine Toyota plugs; however, the damn spark knock was still present. At 34,000 miles I again changed the plugs to NGK, no luck, the spark knock is still present. Each time the plugs were gapped at 41mm to 42mm.

I used the higher-octane fuel 89 and 93 grades, no help.

Its not the ticking noise omitted from the driver's side top of the engine, this is a loud spark knock noise, like bingo balls in the engine. This problem started at approx. the 28,000 mile mark.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

^^^x2 i have a feeling its the ticking noise youre talking about...its normal

 

I see you're in Florida. Mine knocks like a mother when it's hot out, and not at all when it's cooler.

 

i have the similar problem on my 07 v6 double cab. but i can only here it from inside the cab but the outside while the hood is open.

I don’t know what it might be. sounds like something is rattling inside the engine at idle only.

please help

 

What gap did you actually use? This ^^^ isn't possible.

 

If I know I'll be running the engine hard, I'd use premium fuel and from time to time I do and the truck does run better IMO.

 

My truck pinged pretty bad until I swapped the plugs @ 30k with Iridiums that I had initially bought for our FJ (FJ comes with iridiums).

It was night and day difference. I would have never thought that plugs would have helped this much.

Those things are expensive though

I'm sure you gapped them at .041 and not 41mm.....right? haha

 

Working at a Toyota dealership, there is a new calibration update for the ecu that corrects the spark knock concern.

 

Is the dealer doing this for free?

 

Depending upon the mileage and year of truck yes. I'm sure if you talk to the right person I.e service manager and explain the situation he will be more than happy to cover it. If it is not free it wouldn't be more than 0.5hr to flash which would run you 25-50 bucks. Atleast that our labor rate here in sc

 

I love it when someone gives an accurate answer! Thank you!

Would this calibration be pulling timing? IE letting the knock sensor actually do it's job? (curiosity mostly, about what the actual root cause is)

Could you be so kind as to post what years/motors this is available for?

Is there a TSB to reference for those who may want to make a trip to their dealer?

 

Mine has a noticeable knock/tick occasionally as well. It sounds like an exhaust leak but I haven't been able to pinpoint anything with a stethoscope. I figured it was the tick everyone has talked about and figured it was normal. Although my last one didn't do it for the 2 years I had it and this one didn't until a few months ago. I believe I am due for plugs though. It's been about 40k since they were done last.

 

T-SB-0044-14 spark knock noise years 2012-14 1GR-FE engine equipped vehicles warranty is in effect for 96 months 80k miles.

 

Sorry I see yours is a 2010 model year