Much to my dismay, I sold my 2003 Diesel Excursion to buy my wife a 2004 Freestar for a more "family" friendly ride. I purchased the 4.2L Limited over the 3.9L hoping the bigger motor would give the van a few more ponies.

Just returned from Ford for the 3rd time complaining about poor fuel economy and a constant ping from the engine. The Ford rep/tech states, for the 3rd time, say's there is nothing wrong and these engine. These engines ping normally!

I have worked on vehicles all my life and NEVER have I come accross an engine that "normally" pings....

How is this possible. With the constant variable timing from the computer the computer should eliminate this issue, to datethis has become performance problem.

I have used different fuels from 4 different manufactures and several different grades including additives and octane boosters. No change actually worse with the octane booster......

Anyone have this issue?


Don

 

Doesn't sound "normal" to me.
You could try this:
Get the sales manager & service manager & owner involved.
Agree to choose -at randon- 3 other 4.2 Windstars off the lot.
Test drive each. If they all ping, then you will accept it as "normal".
If they don't, then they either fix or replace your Windstar.

That should at least give you an idea of how serious their conviction is that it is "normal" for the 4.2 to ping.

You might, and probably will, hear occasional pinging under certain conditions.
Depending on throttle position, engine speed, etc. etc.
Winter gas seems worse.

What is your average MPG right now?

 

I totally agree with Brian. That's not normal. A vehicle was not meant to ping because that can screw up your motor. It doesn't even make sense...it almost sounds like they're trying to pass the buck on the issue or something.

Go with the above idea of testing the others out, that seems like an excellent way to prove them wrong. Also, I remember when Tom (Busa01) was abnormally pinging all the time...he eventually checked his plugs and they were all gooped up so he cleaned them and used fuel additive until it totally went away. He had an '03 SCab truck...probably not your problem, but you neve know.

 

Thanks guy's for the reply.

The concern I have is this problem has been an issue since day one. The dealer down plays it and so does the tech as a common problem. I have spent a couple $100 in the "super" grade of fuel and additives to correct or prove this issue is a problem.

Don

 

Tell 'em if they don't resolve this issue, you will contact the Ford factory yourself, and inform them of your problem, and your disappointment in the dealer's performance. They do NOT want you to call the factory, because that means a factory rep has to get involved , not a dealer rep. The dealer rep has no interest in you, only the dealer. You can also log a complaint with the Better Business Bureau about the dealer's lack of responsibility in dealing with your problem. Let them know you will not hesitate to do these things, be nice, but be firm, and nothing less than your complete satisfaction will be acccepted.

 

I also have a 2004 Freestar with the 4.2L V-6 with just over 5000 miles on it. Over the past month, it has started a light to moderate pinging under even the slightest acceleration. The van has been through a few tanks of 87 octane gas from different stations in this period. It seems to be worst in 1st and 2nd gears. Once the tranny hits 3rd gear, it goes away. I haven't tried any 89 octane gas in it yet, but will try this weekend. I'm sure if I take it to the dealer, I'll get the "it's normal" response. A vehicle that is practically brand new should not ping at all.

It's interesting that owner's of F-150s with the 4.2L V-6 don't seem to have any problems with pinging, while Freestar owner's do. It makes one wonder if the spark advance is slightly different between the two vehicles.

 

Actually, several people have complained of pinging in their trucks.Try a forum search, and see what you get.

 

Ummm... I am not sure what you mean by pinging, but...

My 2004 F150 Heritage with a 4.2 sounds like a diesel. Has since new.

A guy down the street has a 1999 4.2 that sounds the same way. He says it always has. He just crossed over 140,000 miles.

So chill out. And enjoy your nice new van !