Pinging at acceleration

Hey guys need a little guidance. I have a 2011 with the 4.0 and auto trany. I am getting some pinging between 3 & 4 gear when accelerating. It doesn't do it all the time. Notice it mainly in the after noon with or with out the A/C. I am running Chevron fuel just regular unleaded. Anyone else have or have had this issue and what did you do to correct it? Any help is mu h appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

Have you changed your spark plugs lately?

 

I did about 12000 miles ago.

 

Just out of curiosity?
Did you replace them with iridium tip plugs?

 

No I replaced them with the stock Denso plugs that Chris 4x4 recamended in his write up.

 

I have always run Chevron and it's been fine. Thicking of trying a different fuel companie or even trying 91 octane?.

 

That’s definitely an easy option and test.
It’s feasible that the fuel is the issue.
Worth a shot, if it fixes the issue. You don’t have any time or parts invested.



The 2012+ trucks did have an issue with pinging. The fix was an ECU reprogram.
2011 and older did not have this TSB. I honestly do not know why the 2012+ even had an issue.
I think they might have started the Air Injection Pump that year.
Never the less, your truck isn’t one that should be affected by that issue.

 

My truck pings under heavy acceleration (like if I floor it) basically every time, seems to do it regardless of fuel quality. Its always done it, with new plugs and old plugs. Dealer says the ECU reprogram has been done... I've just learned to live with it.

 

Thanks for the replys. Yeah that's what I was thinking that I would try different fuel companies and even try 92 octane if needed...
I had heard that the 2012 and up were having this issue but never really followed it to closely. I will keep trying different things and see what works. Thanks again guys !

 

This should provide some answers

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/t-sb-0044-14-feedback-engine-ecm-reprogram-pinging.337705/

 

2011 and under trucks still had pinging issues, but toyota didnt address it via ecu reprogramming due to it being out of a warranty window.

The pining you hear wont cause problems, the truck will pull timing in that area automatically.

2012+ trucks with the ecu reprogramming start low on timing and advance up till pining is "heard" by the knock sensors. 2011- trucks work the opposite, their timing starts out on that borderline of almost too much and retards down.

 

Thank you for that. It gives me a better understanding of what is going on. So there really isn't any adjustment or anything that can be done to correct this issue on the 2011?

 

Try out some premium fuel (91+ octane) and that will help narrow down what the issue might be at least. If the pinging goes away then you know you're dealing with a lean/pre-detonation issue, if not then it's likely something else.

 

Yeah for sure. I will give it a try.

 

Run premium and ill bet the pinging goes away. Its an ecu issue. My 2013 did the same thing when it was hot out

 

I did notice if I pop it out of over drive it helps and even make the pinging go away.