I have a 2003 super crew with a 5.4, it started pinging @ around 15000, its not a hard ping and when it starts if I back off the gas peddle a little it will stop.
The pinging seems to only come from one side (driver’s side). The pinging at first didn’t happen till the outside temp was over 75 degrees or pulling my boat.
My truck has been to the dealer 3 times (2 diff dealers) for the problem, but they clame they can’t duplicate the problem

Well now I am out of warranty, but I still need to get this fixed any clues?

 

O2 and knock sensors are usually pretty reliable especially on a 03 with low miles. Maybe check their connections on that side.
Good luck. Let us know if you find the problem.

 

15,000rpm!!!! buddy turn ur rev limiter back on :-p this isnt a indy500 car:-p

 

I think he meant 15,000 miles

 

When you say “pretty reliable” as in the reliable suspect? … are there knock sensors on both sides ? and why would this happen as the outside temp goes up?

 

probley just like all other pinging problems:

Plugs/wires
MAF sensor
bad vaccum lines
fuel filter
K*N air filter
Coil on Plug motors
EGR/Throttle body/ IAC cleaning

all other kinds of stuff....good luck finding the problem....im still looking on my 98 4.6, and ive done quite a bit of work to find it!

 

If your truck has an EGR tube that runs to the drivers side exh. manifold, check there for exhaust leak. Good luck.

 

Forgot to welcome you to the boards before so Welcome to the boards.
No, actually they are very dependable. More problems are from corrosion of the wires,connections, and ground. Also check that they are torqued properly. A loose sensor's signal will be weaker and result in pinging/detonation.

Most V engines have a seperate sensor for each bank of cylinders.Check your vehicle/manual.

Heavier loads (boat) or higher temps can increase pinging. Doubt if 75 does tho. Barometric pressure will if that system isn't working properly.

Knock/pinging is usually a result of increased combustion temp.
Faileds/improper EGR system
cooling system problem
lean A/F ratio as per the PCM (bad sensor input)
vacuum leak
carbon build up in the combustion chamber are definete causes.

Being that you report the pinging coming from the drivers side only, I would start with things that can affect one side only.
knock sensor, wires,connections, etc.
Vacuum leak (manifold)
Plugs/cops

Try riding shotgun and listening on the pass. side. If it is pinging also my book lists propable causes in order of frequency.
The first seven are timing related.
knock sensor
barometric pressure sensor
EGR system
the last one slays me, incorrect motor oil grade. What do I know?

If it is on both side tho run some injector cleaner/decarbonizer thru it, check for vacuum leaks and check the egr.

Happy hunting.

 

Going along the lines of what pepper is saying above, it is a simple attempt at a possible solution. Search the threads about running Seafoam thru your fuel system and engine. This should help clean your injectors and decarbonize your combustion chamber and fuel system. I have found Seafoam at O'reilly, you may find it at other places. It's been around for a long time, and if this helps you, I would say you fixed your problem with VERY little money.

Good Luck

 

Now are the Air Temp Sensor and the Barometric pressure sensor the same .... I tried to find a manual yesterday but will have to order one on monday

 

Where are the knock sensors located, and how can they be checked? Can the wrong grade of oil really cause pre-ignition. I have always run 10W-30, I think the manual calls for 5W-30? The previous(original) owner always ran it with good luck so I thought it best to contunue with the same kind.