Hello Echo owners

[polishboy46]

I have a 2003 Echo, 4 Dr with auto. trans and 111,000 miles on it. Love the gas mileage, it's been a good car and low maintenance. But now I have a problem with the engine, it pings between 30-45 MPH, not constantly but always when going up hill. Check engine light has never come on. I have taken it to the dealer twice, the first time, the service manager said it could be from carbon build-up on the pistons and that they could do what he called a "top end clean", so I let them do that, but did not help at all. So I took it back, and the service manager and mechanic took it for test drive and told me that the engine is not pinging, I was not happy with that answer, because I know what engine ping sounds like. I have put every kind of chemical that can go into the fuel tank with no help, I have even tried getting gas at different gas stations but no help. Now outside temp. does effect the ping, this last winter we had some cold days, and on those days the engine did not ping. Any Echo owners out there that have had the same problem?

[Kiwi-Corolla]

Sorry to hear about the problem you've been having with your Echo.

I'd suggest giving your MAF sensor a clean with electrical cleaner, because if this gets dirty it can often result in pinging. Just take the sensor off, spray inside the hole and leave it to dry before reinstalling it. It's an easy job to do and is worthwhile even if it doesn't fix your particular issue.

Have a read of this guide for all you need to know:
http://www.yarisclubuk.com/forum/ind...h__1&#entry993

Carbon build-up on the cylinder head and valves is another cause, but since you've already had it cleaned I don't think that would be the issue. What grade fuel are you using? A lower grade fuel such as 87 octane will help keep the carbon build-up to a minimum as it has a detergent effect.

I'll move this thread to the Yaris/Echo/Vitz forum in case anyone else has any ideas or suggestions

[polishboy46]

Originally Posted by Kiwi-Corolla

Sorry to hear about the problem you've been having with your Echo.

I'd suggest giving your MAF sensor a clean with electrical cleaner, because if this gets dirty it can often result in pinging. Just take the sensor off, spray inside the hole and leave it to dry before reinstalling it. It's an easy job to do and is worthwhile even if it doesn't fix your particular issue.

Have a read of this guide for all you need to know:
http://www.yarisclubuk.com/forum/ind...h__1&#entry993

Carbon build-up on the cylinder head and valves is another cause, but since you've already had it cleaned I don't think that would be the issue. What grade fuel are you using? A lower grade fuel such as 87 octane will help keep the carbon build-up to a minimum as it has a detergent effect.

I'll move this thread to the Yaris/Echo/Vitz forum in case anyone else has any ideas or suggestions

Kiwi-Corolla,

Thanks for the suggestions, I will give them a try. I see that you are from New Zealand, I was in the Air Force, and during my time in I went TDY ( temporary duty ) to ChristChurch, New Zealand in 1984, you have a beautiful country.

Polishboy46

[Kiwi-Corolla]

Originally Posted by polishboy46

Kiwi-Corolla,

Thanks for the suggestions, I will give them a try. I see that you are from New Zealand, I was in the Air Force, and during my time in I went TDY ( temporary duty ) to ChristChurch, New Zealand in 1984, you have a beautiful country.

Polishboy46

No problem . Great to hear that you've spent some time here in New Zealand! Thanks for the compliment . I'm located in Auckland, the other end of the country than Christchurch, but I've been there once before and it was very nice. If you ever come back over you'll have to come to Auckland and see all the sights up here in the north island

[jambo101]

I'm not a big fan of using hightest gas in an engine designed for regular but in this case why not try a few tanks of super and see if the pinging goes away.