2002 Sienna Pings

I've had a number of pinging complaints in the first gen Sienna over the years. On a few occasions we've had a Field Rep come out to inspect a few of them, and have been told that some audible pinging in the Sienna is normal. For whatever reason, be it the shape of the engine compartment or cowl, the Sienna is just louder than the other 1MZ vehicles.

I'm having the same issue with my Subaru Outback. I know this is not Subaru discussion group, but to reply to your issue with engine ping (detonation) I was angry to learn that my 4 cylinder engine designed (and recommended by Subaru) to use 87 AKI gas now has to use 94 AKI (fortunately available in Vancouver, B.C.). With 87/89 and even 92 AKI it pings like crazy.

Everything I tried (you mentioned it as well) was to no avail. Now I just have to live with it. Even Subaru rep. for North-West Canada said that at some point in engine's life I have to switch to higher octane fuel.

Well, this was no message to give you any solution (sorry) but to comfort you that you're not alone (hope that helps).

Cheers, Voja

The vehicle only has 44k. Ping / detonation is NOT normal and is very bad.

I use to be a mechanic back in the early 90s and this is just when more sophisticated sensors like knock sensors just came out. I am almost positive the shop didn't do any testing like measuring the voltage from the knock sensors while taping on the engine block with a hammer. Check the knocks sensors are a great idea! Thanks! It looks like I will have to do that myself.

If some mechanic tells you to live with your car's ping that is there way of saying they don't know what's wrong. Depending on the severity of the knock or detonation could damage your motor plus you are not getting the full performance of the vehicle and gas mileage, as you should. IMHO this would then be covered under the power train warranty and they should do everything including replacing your motor if they can not fix the ping.

I was told another test with vehicles with knock sensors is to tap on the engine block and use a timing light and visually see the timing retard. No sue if this will work with the vehicle sitting still but I will try. I will get back to everyone if the problem is resolved. Thanks for the input!

You'll need a multi meter with a data store function because the signal from the knock sensor is very momentary. The knock sensor is basically a piezo electric crystal like that used in barbecue sparkers - when the crystal is stressed, it emits a static spark.

Rev the engine enough so that the timing is advanced before you start banging. Just make sure you don't whack the knock sensor itself or any other delicate parts ;-) The difficulty you may have with checking timing is if the engine has a coil -over-plug setup, then you need some kind of connector to pick up the #1 cylinder spark signal.

I seem to recall reading about issues with Siennas pinging, but I'm not sure.

let us know how it works out.