I have noticed lately that my Excursion is pinging under heavy loads and was wondering why that is? I am thinking the knock sensors are bad. I just got back from vacation and when I was using heavy throttle on hills in the 3500 RPM range I was getting a lot of pinging. The engine felt like it was falling on its face and that fits with the pinging. The plugs are fresh so it is not that. I am getting no CEL codes.

Perry

 

Well I did some searching on this forum for pinging issues and nothing real enlightening came up. What bothered me is that no one tried replacing the knock sensors first and see if that fixed the problem. My wife's Subaru was pinging and eventually threw a knock sensor code but it took a long time for it to throw a code. Replacing the knock sensor fixed the problem.

Yes I know putting 93 Octane in the tank will probably fix or greatly reduce the problem. This is a bandaid and an expensive one since the thing gets about 8 MPG towing. I am not buying the carboning up issue unless I am burning a ton of oil or the O2 sensor is bad. The MAF being dirty might be an issue but I would think that would throw a code if it was so far out the computer could not keep it in a closed loop mode. I don't have an EGR valve. Ethanol watering down the gas probably contributes to the problem.

Perry

 

I've had the same problem for years. Better but not gone with 93. No CEL but I do have a knock sensor code but it's about a 5 hour job and I've never gotten around to changing it.

 

Why not be bold and tackle this replacement yourself, report the results back to us? That'd be enlightening right?

 

Yes i have the same issue and have for many years..I do not tow. Mine pings going up some hills so i just step on the gas and make it downshift so it does'nt lug.. A few years ago there was a thread about the subject that no engine should ping but every vehicle i've ever has has done it.