v-10 Spark knocking
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v-10 Spark knocking
I own a 2001 F250 SD XLT Super Cab Long Bed. The first 18000 miles were fantastic other than 10mph. My previous truck was a 97 F150 XL with the small V-8. Great truck but the short bed was not enough. I ordered the V10 XLT for the power and trailer towing abilities. I tow a 6'X12" van trailer which weighs in at about 3000#. This is the same trailer which was towed by the F150 with NO complaints of ther thatn 12mph but what could I expect!
The V10 started spark knocking at times while towing the trailer on 2% grades. I took it to the dealer and they said to change grades of gas and live with it. I now have 31000 miles and it will knock on a level road with out the trailer. No error codes in computer and Ford regional engineer says that this is normal. I am pursuing South Carolina lemon laws in two weeks in an attempt to force Ford to repair Truck or buy it back. I know several companies make a programmer to correct the problem. Any other suggestions?
The V10 started spark knocking at times while towing the trailer on 2% grades. I took it to the dealer and they said to change grades of gas and live with it. I now have 31000 miles and it will knock on a level road with out the trailer. No error codes in computer and Ford regional engineer says that this is normal. I am pursuing South Carolina lemon laws in two weeks in an attempt to force Ford to repair Truck or buy it back. I know several companies make a programmer to correct the problem. Any other suggestions?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
Since no one else has said anything, I'll chime in with what I've already learned on this site...
The V10 should detect pinging and retard timing, because it has a knock sensor. If it's out, and not entirely out, I would imagine that you could NOT get a check-engine light, and still not be sensing the right thing.
On the other hand, the computer may be hung up, which seems to be the case in other people's problems. Reset the computer, disconnect the battery overnight and take it on the highway, speed up and slow down to a stop a few times, and then drive it like normal.
See if it stops. Based on the number of strange things happening to other people, it seems like the computer goes to one extreme in timing/fuel and stays there. A reset has helped a few.
Please report back! If this helps, I'm seriously thinking about putting a Microsoft trademark on the bumper!
art k.
The V10 should detect pinging and retard timing, because it has a knock sensor. If it's out, and not entirely out, I would imagine that you could NOT get a check-engine light, and still not be sensing the right thing.
On the other hand, the computer may be hung up, which seems to be the case in other people's problems. Reset the computer, disconnect the battery overnight and take it on the highway, speed up and slow down to a stop a few times, and then drive it like normal.
See if it stops. Based on the number of strange things happening to other people, it seems like the computer goes to one extreme in timing/fuel and stays there. A reset has helped a few.
Please report back! If this helps, I'm seriously thinking about putting a Microsoft trademark on the bumper!
art k.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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I found a VERY loose Oxygen sensor after trying for a year to stip pinging. By chance I found it about 1 thread was holding it. Tightned it and no pinging. Have 22k mi on E450 superduty 99 and it has never been in for any service and no check engine light
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
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From: Gulf Coast, FL
I discussed pinging recently with my FORD tech and was told there is some exhaust noise kinda like pinging. He said the pinging is different from vehicle to vehicle. I described mine and was told that is generally what FORD will say is standard for a V10.
I can heard it, but I have to listen for it while driving generally uphill or under hard throttle. The tech described the conditions that I would hear it before I had to tell him. I really felt he knew what he was talking about from experience.
I can heard it, but I have to listen for it while driving generally uphill or under hard throttle. The tech described the conditions that I would hear it before I had to tell him. I really felt he knew what he was talking about from experience.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 2
From: Denver, CO
I have a 2000 F250 4x4 ext cab with the V10. I also have engine knock under load. I switched to 91 octane and it went away completey. Until I bought a Hypertech power tuner, now the knock is back with 91 octane. I am going to try an octane booster but that could get very expensive with every fill up. Someone else made comment about 10mpg, im pretty lead footed and manage about 12-14 (with an automatic).
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Brett Foote
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Oxnard CA
I have a 2000 F250 4x4 V10, and have also had the pinging problem. I think there might be an issue with the knock sensor, as mentioned above. I cleaned the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor with an electrical contacts spray cleaner (opted not to touch thin wires), replace the air cleaner and replaced the fuel filter. That helped some. I then started puting a fuel treatment in by Lucas Oil. It's actually an oil that goes in the gas, looks like mineral oil. Anyway... I recently ordered some by the gallon (All State Turbo) and use it with every fillup. So far the ping seems to be gone. At some point I'll run the tank down and fill it with gas only and see if the ping returns. P.S. I also had Ford check mine out and they said some light ping is normal and all the diagnostics were normal. One thing Ford did say, is that if the ping still bothers me, they could manually retard the timing up to 3 degrees to see if that helps. I couldn't get a clear answer on how this would affect performance. If I return to gas only, without the fuel treatment, and it pings I may try replacing the knock sensor, if I can reach it without major component removal (intake manifold, injectors, etc..).
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
I haven't checked my F250, but my '96 and '97 T-bird/cougar 4.6L's have an "octane plug" - it's a grey plug on the end of a wire harness on the right shock tower. Remove it, timing is retarded something like 3 degrees over the total spark curve.
I've tried it and it makes it a DOG.
Again, I'm not sure it's on the V10, but I'm pretty sure it would be included somewhere. Maybe only a software change, no plug.
Now the real question, WHY does Ford think it's necessary to include that little "octane plug" ?
I've tried it and it makes it a DOG.
Again, I'm not sure it's on the V10, but I'm pretty sure it would be included somewhere. Maybe only a software change, no plug.
Now the real question, WHY does Ford think it's necessary to include that little "octane plug" ?
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