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Floored + Low RPM = Static?!

M

Matty K

Hard-core CEG'er
Joined
Apr 17, 2005
Messages
1,192
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA
So this is a weird one... I go up a big hill on my drive home; closer to a mountain, actually. Anyway, usually I cruise in fifth. If I floor it, obviously the RPMs and speed climbs, but not a whole lot (again, big hill). What does happen is I get a sound very much like static coming from the engine. It's a weird, crackly sound; granted, these are noisy engines in general, but this is a particularly odd noise. I haven't been able to reproduce it elsewhere, but it's hard to find a place I can floor it in fifth without stalling or taking off.

Any thoughts? I'm not too worried, as it's limited to the stipulations listed above, but just wondered if anyone had an idea.
 
pinging.. or "knocking"..

check things involving fuel burn, and quality/

ie, octane, injector cleanliness, spark quality and plug quality.
 
I always thought that had a more consistent sound... I guess the first thing to do is turn off the NPG tune, then work from there. Thanks Ray.

Should probably mention... plugs and wires are less than 10k old. Also, we only get 91 octane out here... maybe that plus the tune = no good. Again, I'll de-tune first, and work from there. Why does this only occur at the low RPMs (just out of curiosity)? I can't seem to hear it if I'm revving all the way up.
 
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Matty K said:
Why does this only occur at the low RPMs (just out of curiosity
Click to expand...


Most cars will ping a little when going uphill because of sudden change in load of uphill driving, and the computer will not be able to suddenly adjust air, fuel and ignition condition.

Lower RPMs is just increasing the load on the engine, thus more fuel/air/spark needed for the same amount of work. You are just exacerbating the symptoms moreso. It is not UNnormal for ANY car to ping a LITTLE when going up a sudden hill, or when variables are suddenly changed (lower RPM, floor it quickly, etc), but avoiding it would be recommended.
 
Well, I just de-tuned the PCM; I'll try this on my way home and see if it's improved with the stock tune. If it does, I'll set the tune's timing back a little.

If not, I'll just stop doing that, lol. I'll update.
 
Incidentally, it can also happen not going uphill if I upshift too early. And lugging was used to described hauling stuff around, methought.
 
At a certain low RPM you'll be seriously out of the power/torque band for the engine so it will "lug" which is a term used when you can't say "carry easily". Pinging will occur not to mention some other more serious noises if done too drastically.
Karl
 
De-tuned the PCM; problem's 80% gone (and I'd call that other 20% normal). So, I'll retard the timing on the tune a hair, reprogram it, and be mindful about shifting. :P
 
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