Symptom Troubleshooting [Non-Hybrid Engine): Knocking/Pinging

KNOCKING/PINGING REFERENCE CHART

10	KNOCKING/PINGING
DESCRIPTION	Sound produced when air/fuel mixture is ignited by something other than spark plug. NOTE: Carbon build up in the combustion chamber and on the back of valves can be a contributing factor for engine spark knock concerns. Remove carbon deposits prior to any component replacements.

DTC DETECTION CONDITION POSSIBLE COUSES CHART

STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	PRELIMINARY CHECKS Carry out the following preliminary checks: Vacuum lines. Fuel (concerns such as fuel quality and correct grade). Engine overheating. Intake air system. Are all checks OK?	Yes	GO to the next step.
1		No	REPAIR as required. VERIFY symptom no longer exists.
2	CHECK IF ENGINE IS OVERHEATING NOTE: With the engine running and temperature stabilized, the ECT/CHT PID should be less than 112°C (234°F). Does the engine appear to be overheating?	Yes	Engine is overheating. See SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM .
2		No	GO to the next step.
3	CARRY OUT PCM QUICK TEST See PCM QUICK TEST . Are any DTCs displayed during Continuous Memory Self-Tests, Key ON, Engine OFF (KOEO), Engine OFF (KOEO) or Key On, Engine Running (KOER)?	Yes	CHECK for cause. See DTC INDEX - PCM .
3		No	GO to the next step.
4	CHECK BASE ENGINE Check for base engine concerns (such as improper compression, worn camshaft/valve train, gasket leaks). Is a fault indicated?	Yes	REPAIR as required.
4		No	GO to the next step.
5	CHECK FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM Carry out fuel pressure inspection. TEST 8: FUEL LINE/FUEL PRESSURE HOLD INSPECTION 01-01A-554. Fuel line pressure: 240-380 kPa (35-55 psi) Is fuel pressure correct?	Yes	GO to the next step.
5		No	If pressure is greater than 380 kPa (55 psi): INSTALL a new fuel pump. See FUEL PUMP MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION . If pressure is less than 240 kPa (35 psi): CHECK fuel supply line for restriction.
6	CHECK FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM Check fuel pump fuel flow. See TEST 4: FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM . Did fuel system flow the required amount of fuel?	Yes	CHECK injector for leakage. See TEST 9: FUEL INJECTOR INSPECTION . See FUEL RAIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 2.5L or FUEL RAIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 3.0L 01-14A-29. If the injector is OK, GO to the next step.
6		No	CHECK fuel supply line for restriction.
7	CHECK SECONDARY IGNITION SYSTEM Is a strong blue spark visible at each disconnected high-tension lead while cranking engine?	Yes	CHECK spark plugs. If OK, for 2.5L engine, GO to the next step; or for 3.0L engine, GO to step 9. If not OK, CLEAN or INSTALL new spark plugs. See SPARK PLUGS REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 2.5L or SPARK PLUGS REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 3.0L .
7		No	CHECK following: High-tension leads. CKP sensor. See CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR MALFUNCTION . CMP sensor. See CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR MALFUNCTION .
8	CHECK PCV SYSTEM Remove PCV valve and shake it. Does PCV valve rattle?	Yes	REINSTALL the PCV valve. GO to the next step.
8		No	INSTALL a new PCV valve.
9	CHECK PCV SYSTEM Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature. Disconnect crankcase ventilation hose. Place a stiff piece of paper over the hose. Wait 1 minute. Does vacuum hold paper in place?	Yes	GO to the next step.
9		No	DISCONNECT evaporative hose. Place a stiff piece of paper over the hose. Wait 1 minute. Does vacuum hold paper in place? If yes, see EVAPORATIVE EMISSION (EVAP) MONITOR AND SYSTEM MALFUNCTION . If no, CHECK for vacuum leaks, obstructions in the PCV system, oil cap, PCV valve, rocker cover bolt torque/gasket leak. REPAIR as required.
10	ADDITIONAL CHECKS Additional checks: Ignition base timing (if not previously checked). Intake air system. Engine oil quality. Are all checks OK?	Yes	VERIFY test results. If OK, See DIAGNOSTIC INDEX to REPAIR any additional symptoms.
10		No	REPAIR as required. VERIFY symptom no longer exists.