Spark Knock (Detonation)

Everyone
I just discovered a new issue with my 09 Prius. I notice while accelerating or going up hill, my engine makes a spark knock notice. It makes that rattle noise when you put load on the engine. Is this pretty common on high mileage Priuses? I got currently 173,199 miles on this thing. Runs like a clock. I've yet changed the spark plugs but will be doing that later this summer. I'm going to go through a check list to fix this problem. Any idea if these engines have a knock sensor or an EGR Value? I have no CEL. I'm thinking of getting some seafoam. Perhaps my timing could be off.

 

Speaking of not changing my spark plugs.

I have full service records from Toyota owners website, doesn't look like these spark plugs were ever changed since the car was made. I'm not even sure if the Transaxel fluid was ever changed either since the records all show the following I listed. I'm the 2nd owner. Looks like I'm well over due for both spark plug and Tranny fluid change. I imagine how dark the tranny fluid is. I heard about that these trannys are sealed lifetime fluid but sounds like baloney to me.

VEHICLE INSPECTION INCLUDING
CHECK ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS,
ENGINE COOLANT STRENGTH &
CONDITION,ENGINE AIR FILTER
ELEMENT, DRIVE BELTS, INSPECT
ALL FLUIDS CONDITION & LEVEL
~|~REQUIRED MAINTENANCE
~|~PERFORMED WILSON TOYOTA
MULTI-POINT INSPECTION

50000 MILE MAINTENANCE
INCLUDING TOP OFF FLUIDS & AIR
TIRES TO SPECIFICATIONS

and so on etc.

 

I'm going to start off doing a compression test when I do change the spark plugs, that way I'll now if the engine is worn out or not. Then progress doing a fuel system cleaning.

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After I changed the spark plugs and dropped some Techron in the tank, with 87 octane fuel, the pinging has went away. It was just carbon build up due to racked up miles on this thing in a short amount of time. Spark plugs were brunt up like mad. Lol

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