At 60,000 miles my 2000 SE is starting to ping more on acceleration in a high gear (it's an automatic). My question is - what is actually done on a tune-up? Is there a rotor to replace, can timing be set, will plugs help the ping?

Please excuse my lack of knowledge on the new cars, but after years of tuning my old cars (American V8s), I look under the hood of the newer cars and am dumbfounded at all the crap under the hood.
Where do I begin? Is a dealer tune-up worth it, or just a rip-off?

Thanks for any suggestions you can give,

Bill

 

Worth it to do a tune up, but a rip off to get it done at any dealership. Find a trustworthy local mechanic.

 

Use 93 octane gas for starters ..., pinging maybe carbon build-up on the valves ... Tune-up: replace the plugs, stay with factory platinums or get new denso iridiums ...

 

A full tuneup consists of the following parts replacement:

-sparkplugs
-PVC valve
-air filter
-fuel filter (if you can get to it 'cause the 5th gen maxima located in the gas tank)
-throttle body cleaning
-fuel injector cleaning
-check battery terminal and refill with distilled water if needed
-check accessory belts (AC/alternator/power steering)
-flush or drain transmission fluid (for automatic)
-flush out radiation fluid
-exchange/replace brake/power steering fluids

Now, this would be my complete list of items I would do for my car at 60,000 miles.

 

What do you mean by pinging, I am not too sure but I might be having some sort of problems when going into third gear, also will fuel injector cleaners help.

Thanks

 

Does anyone have a picture of PVC valve placement? or tell me where it's located on VQ3.0. I want to chenge it, but don't want to go to a dealer and pay them.
Thanks
Nik