Hi Jason,
This is pretty common among the Dakota's and isn't really engine specific...and
there could be multiple reasons why the engine pings but here's a few options:
(1) Bad Gas - Unlikely but possible
(2) Spark Plug wires routed the wrong way - Dealer has a TSB out on this
(3) Blown Belly Pan Gasket - Dealer has a TSB out on this (Warranty work)
(4) PCM flash required - Dealer has a TSB out on this
These are the four main causes for excessive "pinging".
A few of the fixes are as follows:
(1) Run the next grade higher on octane rating
(2) Install a 180 degree T'Stat
(3) Install one heat range colder plug (Autolite 3923 or 5223)
(4) Change the plug wires to a higher quality one (MSD, Taylor, Jacobs, etc.)
(5) With 17K miles on the truck, take it back to the dealer and have them fix
it. (PCM Flash, Plug Wire reroute, belly pan fix, etc.)
There's been repeated fixes from the dealer on this and some have worked (and
some haven't). I've been keeping a record of the pinging problem with our
Dak's (got a little bit lazy on the updates...soon to be fixed) and you'd be
surprised on just how many have this problem. Again, the fixes listed are the
more common ones but they may not be the "cure" for the problem.
Bernd D. Ratsch
Pflugerville, TX
http://www.toycrusher.com
> Hi DML,
>
> My dakota has been pinging lately and it drives me nuts. I notice it when I
> accelerate hard and when I start from a dead stop. I have a 2000 dak, 3.9L
> V6, 5-speed. It has 17,000 miles and has no modifications to the engine or
> drive trian. I use 87 octane (usually BP, Shell, or Chevron) because thats
> what the manual says to use. Spark plugs have not been changed. Has anyone
> had this problem? If so, is there anything you can do to correct the
> problem? Thanks for the help.
>
> Jason
>
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