EnsignB

Hello,

I've got a 2002 Maxima with 49K miles. Lately, I've noticed that when the engine is cold and I start driving that I get a slight "ping" type of sound around 2,000 RPMs. It seems to go away once the car is warmed up. It's definitely not the type of pinging from low octane gas. It's almost a high pitched rattle type of sound.

Do you think this is a heat shield starting to go? Any cause for concern?

Thanks!

Orgullo

iTrader: (47)

Common issue my man... It's been floating through these forums for a minute.

Could be octane level, I know when my car would get warmed up it would do the same thing. Opposite from what you are saying. I ran a octane booster and it seemingly cleared up the issue. Then again I usually do that every other fill up.

EnsignB

Yeah, that's all I had seen when I was searching. This is just when the engine is cold and doesn't even require much of a load on the engine. I've heard the pinging from low octane in cars before, and this defintely isn't that.

Thanks though.

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

could be timing chain or piston slap. check your oil level and use gas higher than 91AKI

NisTech

pinging is usually happening at higher temps since it is an "uncontrolled preignition" from heat or low octane gas in higher compression motors.
Like Jason said probably bottom end, however these motors are not known for that at all. Get it looked at as it may be something else. You really have to narrow it down. Hard to guess it online, regarding it is not common.
Also check your oil level first.

MADMAX2003

Guys...the problem that causes the ping under load really lies with fuel delivery and carbon buildup in cylinders. To fix these problems you need to replace your in-tank fuel filter every two years/40,000km(cost is $8.90). I know that Nissan says that it's a lifetime filter because of it's location in the gas tank and the filter is built into the fuel pump, but the filter itself is made with regular paper that develops sediment/gunk buildup as the mileage rolls on and therefore there is a slight slow down of fuel delivery to the engine under load with light acceleration(2000rpm). This causes a lean fuel mixture in the cylinders and the pinging starts. Under heavier throttle, the fuel pump kicks up the pressure and sends more fuel, so therefore no pinging. To keep the cylinders carbon-free, use seafoam motor treatment every 5000km. Carbon buildup contributes to engine ping under loads.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

what?

its the timing chain...check your oil level

MADMAX2003

I thought Maxima's were for big boys only, not kids...lol

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)