My Pops Camry Is Pinging - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Mopar4Life · 05-31-2004, 06:22 PM

Hi, This is my first post. I was hoping I could get some help on this. My Father has a 2003 Camry SE with around 24K miles on it. I drove it the other day, and it's pinging like crazy. I'll almost bet he uses regular gas. My question is, should he be using the good stuff,or has there been a problem with these cars?. I'll need to convince him to spend the $2.35 on high test,so what could be the ramifications if he keeps driving it the way it is?. Thanks for any help. It's the 6cyl.,if that's any help.

jaguar · 05-31-2004, 06:25 PM

might try that high-octane gas, although regular should do fine

a new car pinging would make me visit the dealer ! (did your dad take care of his car ?)

Mopar4Life · 05-31-2004, 06:28 PM

Jaguar, He's over 70 now, and does the normal oil change,tire rotation thing. He(nor would I) expect a new car to be pinging the way his is. He doesn't get on the gas much either,so when I put it under load,is when I could hear it.

eecc · 05-31-2004, 07:30 PM

try some redline fuel system cleaner...it fixed my knocking problems. u gota use one whole bottle the first time, then use a lil each fill-up after that.

Ken4 · 05-31-2004, 09:05 PM

Toyota V6s should all be using premium gas. Only the 4cyls are suitable for regular gas.

Even if regular gas is used, the knock sensors should automatically retard the timing. Maybe it will take the ECU another 30 days to re-learn this. But I dont think there will be any serious damage, esp since your dad is light-footed. But of course with retarded timing, power is reduced, so what's the point of buying a V6 to begin with?

Mopar4Life · 05-31-2004, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken4
so what's the point of buying a V6 to begin with?

Ken, I'm no Camry expert, but could you get the 4 banger with the SE package?.

EDIT- I just went to the Toyota site,and yes you can get the 4cyl with the SE. I don't know why he ordered the 6cyl,I wasn't in town when he bought it.

87Camry5Speed · 05-31-2004, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mopar4Life
Ken, I'm no Camry expert, but could you get the 4 banger with the SE package?.

EDIT- I just went to the Toyota site,and yes you can get the 4cyl with the SE. I don't know why he ordered the 6cyl,I wasn't in town when he bought it.

Not to sound cynical but the salesman probably conned him into it. More expensive car= more commission= more $$ in his pocket. For his more gentle style a 4 would def. make more sense

Steve