2012 v6 at DCSB engine knocking @ 1500 rpm

I think the most likely cause if using regular 87 octane fuel would be the knock sensor retarding the timing which would result in less power.

Someone posted specs or a link to specs of the tacoma running both regular and premium fuel. Max horse power was 3hp difference, premium fuel having the higher horse power. But I don't feel this is the whole story. The torque was about 40 foot pounds higher with premium. Not only that, there was a big difference in RPM when max torque was achieved. As I remember with regular fuel max torque was about 5200 rpm, premium on the other hand max torque was at 3900 rpm and about 40 foot pounds more. So what I'm suggesting by all this is that you can feel a difference in power when using premium fuel.

My first taco is a 2013, for the first 3 thousand miles I used regular 87 octane fuel then reading some threads regarding trailer towing, a few people posted they consistency had a fuel mileage increase using premium. So I tried premium 91 octane and noticed an increase of power, not talking WOT, just driving as usual. I've kept using premium ever since my first tank. I think my fuel mileage has increased but I didn't keep records to do a comparison. I read the specs about the difference in max torque months after using premium so I don't consider the gain I observed in power wishful thinking.

One thing to consider, if burning premium allows the computer to advance the timing as others have speculated and the specs would suggest, that would increase fuel mileage and increase power, which would account for the gain in max torque as well as the slight gain in HP.

 

I had to order a starter for my 2011 Tacoma Sport with only 14k on it. The dealer said it will be hear in 3 weeks from Japan......

 

That sucks, no starter makes it hard to drive. Sounds like a warranty issue.

 

Still waiting...... The dealer is waiting for another part, so instead of being ready today, it's looking like mid next week. There goes my camping trip. At least the service lady was nice enough to ask if I could take the loaner camping. I told her there is no way I can 4 wheel drive a prius on an intermediate or better trail to the campground.

 

So Im new to the forum and not to beat a dying horse, but Ive also been complaining of this issue to my dealer for the past 8 months with no resolve. I'm having the same knocking issue, no not the Toyota valve tick, but a struggling, new, V6 low knock, under 45mph and around 1200-1500 primarily while going up even the most minor of hills and sometimes even flat ground. I was told several weeks ago that "Toyota was to put out a bulletin about the issue" and haven't heard anything since then. I have 26k miles and so want to get this taken care of prior to warranty expiration? Any absolute methods of getting this on file so when they finally do something about it I'm not holding the bag? And by the way I've tried 91 octane and it doesn't make much of a difference. Also, does it seem that these trucks have zero grunt? My 91 V6 pathfinder went 256k and had twice the power.

 

Can anyone post a sound clip of this knocking?

 

Update: I had another discussion with the Toyota people (my second one)and demanded while I'm waiting for them to figure out the pinging that they give me an extended warranty, which they did at no cost. It's a 7 year 100k warranty. The rep gave me their standard answer now which is that the knocking is normal for the Tacoma and they are looking into it with no promise that that they'll take care of it. I'm very disappointed I'd Toyota.

 

I have a 2012 Tacoma. Manual says use 87 oct. However I get the pinging on 87. 91 oct no pinging. I also use full synthetic oil. If you upgrade in gas octane the pinging should go away. You will also get a little better performance and MPG. Hardly noticeable tho.

 

I've had this same issue in NC since last summer, dealer also suggested higher octane and better fuel suppliers (did not fix it though). I've found that the required conditions for this issue to occur most frequently:
-air conditioning on
-speed between 20mph to 50mph
-travelling at low RPM on a slight grade near the next gear shift
-87 in the tank
**However this is not exclusive, issue HAS occurred w/o some of these conditions!
I've had the fuel service performed, changed the spark plugs, and dealer has checked codes at every engine change. Currently over 35,000 miles and owned truck, from brand new, for 20 months, mainly just running highway miles.
Using 93 octane minimizes the frequency of this occurrence, but has never eliminated it. During the winter of 2012-2013 I rarely noticed it, but maybe that's because not using A/C, so less strain on the engine... but it's back this summer! My dealer also pointed out the line "slight knocking" that's noted in the manual.
Hoping that user atsmisfit2000 can convince corporate Toyota to make a recall. So PLEASE keep all of us posted!
Does anyone have a contact phone or email for Toyota Product Support?

 

Sorry it took so long to get back, but I don't have any further information yet. I have opened a case with corporate and have asked for a replacement vehicle(continue my current loan) and a 125k mile warranty(the warranty at Toyota's expense). I have played phone tag with the case manager for about a week. They are a pain in the arse to get a hold of, but so am I, to be fair to them. I called my dealer service rep and she is out to lunch, and is supposed to get back to me by end of day. Some things I want specifics on are: What is being replaced and why is it being replaced? Do they know what is wrong and are they sure the fix is actually a fix? This begins the 4th week of my truck being in the shop. The lady that tried to connect me to her, said that in the notes it says, "still awaiting parts." That was the same status early last week. Arrgggh. As I get new information, I'll post.

 

Small update: talked to service rep this afternoon. She said they are still waiting on parts, so I asked what was being done. She said basically you are getting a brand new top end, down to every single little part. I asked why and she said they were instructed to by the engineers. I also asked when can I expect my truck back. She said she hopes by Friday. Ill receive a call Wednesday or Thursday with an update. Ill keep you all posted.

 

Are you in the East Bay? Do you think the service dept. would have been better at a different dealership?

 

Thanks for the reply atcmisfit2000. Interesting that they are installing new parts of the same thing... My issue didn't start until ~10k miles and 6 months, so you may not have the issue again for a while, and it will be hard for them (dealer, Toyota product support, etc etc) to diagnose a root cause. Please keep us posted!

 

is this the noise you guys are hearing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3KXX6xWul7c

 

Surfrat, that is the exact sound, except mine is a lot louder and I have a loss of power with it. Beavis, you are going to get fat eating all that popcorn, because guess what? No call on Wednesday or Thursday as they said they would. I just got a call 5 minutes ago which is now friday and wait for it.........Still awaiting parts. Sometime toward the end of next week now(for the third time) it is supposed to be done. 35 days at the dealer and counting. Just helps the case for my lawyer. And someone asked where I was. I am in the east bay in Vacaville. Until next time.

 

I get this same noise even running 91 octane. How'd you create the sound on video? Were you in park?

 

i was driving windows up with a/c on up hill. then a hard accel at 14 seconds.

 

I cleaned my MAF and ran a tank of 93 octane.. Noise is completely gone

 

That is exactly what my truck sounds like, thanks for the video.

As for the MAF cleaning, how did you know to clean that? When the tank of 93 runs out, go back to 87 and see if the sound is still completely gone. Thanks!

 

I have the same issue with my 2012 TRD-Off Rd. I've been in contact with Toyota regarding this issue as the Dealership has been unable to resolve since I purchased the truck. The noise was not prevalent at first but now you can hear it all day long. The engine knocks every time I accelerate regardless of speed (sounds like a diesel) and the hp/performance has reduced.

My question to anyone having this issue is where was your truck built/assembled?

My truck was built in Baja/Tijuana and I am curious to see if there is any association between the knocking noise and the assembly plant.