What’s causing the pinging

I had/have the pinging issue with my 2014. I had the TSB reflash done and it helped, but it's still there. Usually in the low RPM while I'm trying to go up a hill or something in 4th or 5th gear. I haven't heard it at higher RPM's or when just accelerating in the low RPM's. It sounds like you may have it worse than I typically hear people talk about it.

Are you able to help Toyota replicate it, in place of them trying on their own? First thought was to seek OVTune or HPTuners. Which might help. But it may also be something physical like the others have suggested since the Tacoma ECU tune is with all the 2015's and I haven't heard much issue from others.

I know the TSB didn't apply to your 2015, so hopefully the recommendations on the seafoam or the plugs work. I haven't heard of anyone really getting rid of the pinging also. My 2014 still has it some even when using 92 octane, although less.

 

Have the same issue with my 2013 TRD 4x4. Was way worse when i first got the car in summer and previous owner only filled with 87. Pining hasn't been as bad recently with the cold weather and now i only use 91. Same issue with OP that the noise is non existent when truck is not under load ie. when the car is revved in park or neutral i dont hear any pinging.

 

Mine does it too. New plugs, tsb ecu update...still does it. I even had ecu remapped on here..still does it.
I now run 93 and for the most part it’s gone but I still hear it.
Ridiculous.
My wife’s 3.5 highlander runs like a bat out of hail..with zero pinging on 87.

 

this is what cured the pinging issue for me.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=taco+sause+only

 

Knock sensors dial back timing to prevent knock. They aren't magic wands.

If there is pre-detonation from carbon the sensors can't do anything to stop it.

 

I don’t think it’s carbon. I’ve done new plugs, techron, Italian tune-up...same result. Change taco to turd.
Wish I would have bought 4 banger.

 

@Benchunter9 sorry if I missed this, but which seafoam did you use? I do a combo every year or two in my gas tank, with an oil change, and the spray into my throttle body. No issues here and I'm at 84k.

 

My 15 4.0L doesn’t knock or ping on 87 top tier fuel. I also run Amsoil PI every 5K. 91K currently.