The PCM flash didn't fix my '99 318. After rerouting & replacing the
plug wires, replacing the distributor cap (corroded terminals), and
re-syncing the distributor with the cam (it was off by 5 degrees) it
seems to have gone away. Wish they'd done all that before flashing me.
Doug Fedeli wrote:
>
> The way I understand it the PCM flash should be a last resort. They try to get rid
> of the pinging by backing off the timing. This hurts the performance.
>
> Doug Fedeli
>
> bernd@texas.net wrote:
>
> > 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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> > >
> > >
-- -andyhttp://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/ --- andylevy@bigfoot.com ------------------------------------------------------------- "We like AMD. The enemy of our enemy is our friend." --- Jonathan Schwartz Sun senior vice president -------------------------------------------------------------
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 11:57:03 EDT