Is it possible to have pinging without the ECM retarding the timing? I heard pinging from 1200rpm to 2000rpm range with no retarding and some spark knocks in What's Up Display screen.

 

Yep.

Knock is detected by frequency it resonates at.

Its possible to be outside that window. If its audible and your not seeing consistent knock counts with it I would investigate other issues besides internally to the engine.

Double and triple check the plugs while your trying to find it also, just in case it is something internal

Bad converter(cat), check valves for the air system, pulleys, etc.

later
Jeremy

 

Could also have a faulty knock sensor...

 

Very rare. Knock sensors rarely go bad.

Jeremey is correct, the Knock Sensor works at a different frequency than the human ear - much like a dog whistle. Also, as the detonation gets greater, the KS tends to get saturated with noise.

 

 

I had a knock sensor go bad on my other car (Monte Carlo) but it first gave a 43 code. I think my dissy may be off cause my leaking intake gasket was change and the pinging could have been hidden when one of my injector was dumping too much fuel enough to through black smoke from the tailpipe so I will try to check but I'm not a mechanic just a network specialist. Thanks for any help, guys.

 

No need for that. Your suggestion has merit and it is always great to discuss these things further. We are all here to learn.

Scott, you may also have a bad tank of gas. Times are similar to the 1970s when gas prices went through the roof. At that time, it was quite common for unscrupulous gas stations to put lower octane gas in the premium tanks.

 

Could also be that you're using a 350 now, not a 305. The bore diameter affects the frequency of knock, and thus determines which knock sensor frequency is necessary for a resonant sensor.

Bad tank of gas can cause knock, but a properly working knock system should catch that knock.

 

I only use Super in the tank and I stay away from Ma & Pa gas stations. I use the knock sensor and module from 92 caprice with a 350 unless Autozone's sensors have a short shelf life. This morning I burned me a chip with initial sa set to 3 deg and increased the ae by 2% in the 60 to 80 kpa range then I did a test drive no ping with increased performance.