2009 2.4 litre slight engine pinging noise

[Kelly]

Hi, The engine will ping a little bit at low rpm's sometimes, especially in warm weather. It's hard to notice unless the windows are down but it's definately there. Only 35,000 kms. on it. Anyone else have this issue?I've tried different regular 87 octane gasolines and the next higher octane grade also with no change. I haven't tried the top grade yet.-any feedback would be appreciated.2.4 litre with 5 speed automatic

[vibenvy]

We've got two 09 GTs with the 2.4L and 5-speed auto and have not experienced this.Is it still under warranty? If so, take it to the dealer and have them check it out.

[csxt8058]

I've got a 2010 AWD with the 2.4L and I also have not heard such at noise at warm idle. I second the dealer suggestion if possible. JR

[vibedrivermatt]

Hello, I also have a 2.4l but with 5 speed. My engine is a little noisy around the idle but im sure its normal.I wonder could the noise your hearing be just regular engine noise? are you sure its pinging? getting a CEL? is it running ok?maybe bring to car in to get it checked out if your definately hearing somthing.

[Kelly]

The noise is definately an engine pining sound while driving and then stepping on the pedal. This is typically a sound that an engine does when the timing is a bit too far advanced or a symptom of using a gasoline of too low octane. No warning lights on the dash are lighting up and the car has 35,000 kms. on it and otherwise it's peppy and runs like a top. I might try using premium fuel for a bit and see what happens. I am hearing that some toyota engine owners use a higher octane fuel.

[XRVibe10]

Another simple check before taking it into the dealership is check your oil - make sure the level and condition is good (even change it if its been a bit and make sure the oil meets current industry standards) I've seen many GM vehicles with problems with low/poor oil with noise and wear - I haven't heard or seen any Vibes in our shop with this problem, but if it persists take it into make sure there is no issues

[j42.snyder]

I have experienced what you are hearing in warm weather - usually only under heavier loads at low RPM.The amount I've heard likely won't be damaging to anything - it just seems that the timing curve may be programmed to run "right on the edge" to get as much advance in as possible.I found that it gets much more pronounced if I tow with the car - so I usually fill up on 91 octane when I know I'm going to tow with it. It seems to allow it to maintain more advance under the heavier load, and I use a bit less gas (average 9.5L/100km on regular towing my boat, or 9.0 on premium) - so that helps make up for some of the difference in price.I know that ethanol is supposed to enhance octane, but I've found that higher levels seem to aggravate the problem, and get poorer fuel economy. Here in Ontario, Esso doesn't advertise any ethanol content on their pumps - although I can't be sure. I do seem to get marginally better economy on their gas compared to others around here (only 0.2 to 0.3L/100km difference). I don't know what brand of gas you're running, but trying a tank or two of Shell's V-power should let you see if the problem persists or not, as well as help clean things up if you've been using a low detergent gas.You did mention that it was during warmer weather, so based on your locale, I doubt that's an issue currently. I'm in southern Ontario, and haven't heard a sound since about early September with a steady diet of 87 octane.Although I doubt it would cause an issue, I'd think twice about using 91 out there in the winter, as the volatility level may be lower than that of 87 - and could potentially affect cold starting. That's not until it gets below about -20C or so though. I've never had any issues running higher octane in anything I've owned - but here in Canada we get nicely ripped off on the price difference at the pump. For normal driving, 87 should be just fine for your car.At least you have major powertrain warranty coverage up to the 5yr or 160k mark - so in the unlikely event that there was an actual issue, you should still have some time to get it resolved without costing you out of pocket.Keep us informed on what works out. It's nice to have a solid knowledge base available here.John

[Kelly]

Ok thanks John will try a higher octane gas. I didn't want to take it in for a mechanic to look at unless I can rule out a few things on my own first. I'll report back when I have an answer.

[j42.snyder]

Hi Kelly,With my car, if it pings, I can usually hear it even with the windows closed. I also remove the top engine cover in the warmer months - so it's probably allowing the noise to be a bit more prominent, as the cover has a fair bit of insulation in there.One thing I noticed with these engines is the "tinny" sound of the exhaust up front, due to the tubular steel headers rather than a cast manifold. That sound is much more noticeable with the window open, and more so if driving next to a wall that reflects the noise back.Do you still notice the sound this time of year? I noticed that co-op changes their blends as of October 1 for winter use, which continues until the end of April. Based on your mileage, you clearly don't drive all that much. If you had some gas left in there that was purchased during that period of time, and were driving the car in warmer weather - the pinging may be aggravated somewhat - but that's a bit of a guess.Did you buy the car new? If so, is this something you've always noticed, or did it just start this year? That would just determine whether it's been typical all along, or if something has changed. If it's a recent change, then running a high detergent gas like I mentioned may help out. If not, I probably wouldn't worry too much unless it starts getting quite noticeable. They're usually programmed to give as much advance as possible for best efficiency and emissions. The type of knock sensor used is quite sensitive, so it should definitely "hear" anything to extreme and adjust accordingly. If that didn't work, it's likely that an error code would be set, and you would have a MIL (check engine light) on. Timing isn't manually adjustable on these - so it's not like a mechanic could do a lot about it. They'd probably tell you that you should get some $300 cleaning done to the fuel system to remove carbon. Completely unnecessary IMHO - nothing a good highway run with quality gas wouldn't take care of - and I'd enjoy taking my car on a trip far more than paying somebody to spray some crap through my intake...Just some more food for thought.JohnP.S. - I've been through your town a number of times. My mother was born in Raymore, so I still have a number of family members in your area. Haven't been there for about 4 years now though. Hard to find time for a road trip like that too often with a family of my own now.

[Kelly]

John, Do you have a 2.4 also?When current tank is nearing empty I'll try running premium fuel and take her on the highway for a bit and see how she reacts. Good highway vehicle she is. We bought it new and it's been on the road for 2 1/2 years now. Don't want to put crap through the intake either. If for some strange reason the timing needed to be retarted a bit how do they do that?

[j42.snyder]

Hi Kelly,Yes, I have the exact same setup as yours. I've also had mine about the same length of time (purchased March 2009) - but have 85K on mine, as I have a 60km commute to work (each way). It does add up a bit over time.I don't believe there is a physical way to adjust the timing. Most newer engines simply provide the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) with crankshaft and camshaft position information, and the PCM then uses that info (along with lots of other inputs such as temperature, engine load, and feedback from the knock sensor) to provide fuel and spark at the appropriate times. The timing it chooses to use will be based on its programming, and how that corresponds with the particular conditions at any given time.Effectively, the only way you'll change the base timing or curve would be to have a different program installed in your PCM. Typically this isn't something readily available unless the manufacturer releases an update - which occasionally does happen to help correct unusual conditions such as yours - but typically to fix more serious issues (stalling, stumbling, etc.).I'm not sure how your dealer is, but if you have a decent "relationship" with them, you could ask if they can check your car to see if any updates are available. To me, these should be covered at least while the car is in warranty - but I'm not sure that's the case. May be worth asking if it's something that's bothering you. Clearly it is, or you wouldn't have asked "us" about it! Unfortunately for myself, I have a general distrust of my local dealerships, so I do my best to avoid needing their services. So far I've been very happy to have been without issue. Even my gas pedal hasn't been "fixed" yet - although they seem to like reminding me about that on a regular basis...Definitely keep us posted on your findings. I agree that they're very nice highway vehicles - especially with the tall gearing of the 5 speed auto. Don't even hear the engine at all cruising at legal speeds, and the fuel economy can be better than rated with careful driving.John

[Kelly]

I finally used up the tank of regular 87 octane and filled it with 91 premium gas from PetroCan a few days ago. I have not heard a "pinging" thus far and am hoping all is well. Perhaps the engine has a really good combustion pressure and enjoys premium gas or perhaps the gasoline nowadays with ethanol blends is affecting different engines differently. I don't mind paying extra for a gasoline that offers better performance and has more cleansing capabilities. John, I appreciate your knowledgeable advice and the time you've taken to post. Thank you.If by chance the pinging comes back I'll repost.P.S.I wish GM hadn't stop making Pontiacs.

[cq358]

Kelly nelly,I found Petro Can/7-eleven in Alberta offers best millageIn Saskatchewan, Shell bronze still the king in here,offers the best millage/performance, .. Co -op is just don't have the mileage I think they put quite a bit of ethanol. Husky/Costco/Petro Can are pretty much the same ( not bad) .