hello! My 98 2.5 Ranger has been pinging recently. It only does it after I drive really easy such as slow acceleration. I run 89 with ethonal. What should I do. It really only does it in 4th and 5th when I am pushing it. I use Sea Foam so I don't think it is Carbon Buildup. Could it be something with timing. I am thinking it is something with timing. Any help will work.

 

could be timing, though it's computer controlled so not much you can do about it. I took mine in to the dealer and they adjusted via computer programmer, so unless you got one of those, you can do it yourself.

Try running some regular 87 octane, see if that helps. Have you tried seafoam via brake booster hose or just in the tank? -Mike-

 

I have done both with Sea Foam. But I think I use it to much. SO did you have the problem with Spark Knocking and then took it to a dealer and had them adjust the computer. Don't you want to use a higher octance with it pings? Thanks!!!

 

yea I took it to the dealer and they fixed me up no problem. I wasn't there to see how it was done with the programmer so I couldn't tell you that part.

As far as using a higher octane, I think that just masks the problem instead of actually fixing it. I usually do the seafoam treatment twice a year, no issues. Maybe try a different brand of gas. Run a couple of tank fulls through it and see if that helps. If it doesn't, take the truck in and have them check the timing.

Now that I think about it more, it could be timing because if it were the gas, it'd be doing it all the time regardless of acceleration or what gear your in. One would think anyway. But like I said, try a different brand and if it don't help, take it in, just my $.02 -Mike-

 

I see from your profile, you are using a K&N air filter. You probably have a dirty MAF sensor from the oil and dirt passed with the K&N. Your air filter is the same sized used in the 3.0L and 4.0L V-6's, so the OEM paper filter will
flow more than enough air for the 4 cylinder! Throw the K&N in the trash, replacing it with an OEM paper filter, clean your MAF sensor, and this should fix your pinging problem!

 

^^ could be that too, didn't see he had a K&N in there -Mike-