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Pinging at high RPM?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by coonbutt, Dec 5, 2007.

  1. coonbutt

    coonbutt New Member

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    I have an 07 with about 15k miles. Lately, while accelerating up highway on ramps (or similar), I have been noticing some pinging or knocking from the engine at high rpms. This has happened through a couple of tanks of 87 octane gas, from the same station. The gas station is very popular and gets its underground storage tanks refilled very often, so it certainly isn't skunky gas. I plan to use another gas station when this tank is full at check for changes.

    Does anyone else have this problem? I can't stand the thought of pinging on a motor with just 15k miles on it. :mad:
     
    #1 coonbutt, Dec 5, 2007
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    If it really is pinging and not some other noise, then it needs service. High octane gas will only mask the underlying problem.
     
    #2 richard schumacher, Dec 6, 2007
  3. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    My wife was actually read the manual the other day:rolleyes:, and she said it said 87 octane was OK to use, but they recommended 91.

    It may just be an octane issue, especially with the winter gas that's out now.
     
    #3 bat4255, Dec 6, 2007
  4. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    engine knock sensor

    One possibility is the engine knock sensor may have failed. This would prevent the engine controller from adjusting for the gasoline octane. I'm not sure how to test it.

    GOOD LUCK!
    Bob Wilson
     
    #4 bwilson4web, Dec 7, 2007
  5. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    Huh? I thought they specifically DISrecommended higher octane.
    .
    _H*
     
    #5 hobbit, Dec 7, 2007
  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    That was my impression too.

    Tom
     
    #6 qbee42, Dec 7, 2007
  7. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    This is what my wife told me she read. I will verify
     
    #7 bat4255, Dec 7, 2007
  8. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    It does? On what page? The 2004 manual recommends 87 octane unless you're at high altitude, which does not include any part of Cheesehead Country :_>
     
    #8 richard schumacher, Dec 7, 2007
  9. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    I'm at work right now, but when I get home I will look myself. I can scan the relevant page and post it if that is what it really says. Give me about 10 hrs.
     
    #9 bat4255, Dec 7, 2007
  10. N3FOL

    N3FOL Member

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    Fuel -

    My owner's manual for my '08 only states 87 (regular) octane. Nothing was mentioned about 91 Octane/premium gas.

    :rolleyes:
     
    #10 N3FOL, Dec 7, 2007
  11. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    Hmm, women
     
    #11 bat4255, Dec 7, 2007
  12. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    She was wrong (hmm), probably got confused with (Research Octane Number 91) :rolleyes:

    Sorry

    Page 472 (Excerpt)

    Premium unleaded with an Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher is required for optimum engine performance.

    If your engine knocks:

    Consult your Toyota dealer

    You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating or driving uphill.
    This is normal and there is no need for concern.
     
    #12 bat4255, Dec 7, 2007
  13. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Pretty much anywhere we drive on vacation involves a mountain pass or three, and I really notice the reduced power at altitude. A turbo or supercharger to compensate (ok, maybe even over-compensate a little) for the thinner air would sure be nice.
     
    #13 hyo silver, Dec 7, 2007
  14. coonbutt

    coonbutt New Member

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    Thanks for the replies. Maybe it is the winter gas? I will need to fill it up again in a couple of days. Right now there is BP gas in it (which is the cheapest station in town, and I have a 5% gas card), but I'll try some Shell this time and post the results...
     
    #14 coonbutt, Dec 8, 2007
  15. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    are you using high octane?
     
    #15 galaxee, Dec 8, 2007
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