2003 3.8 ping / knock

I have a 2003 Chrysler mini-van with the 3.8 engine - 6,000 miles. It
pings lightly under load in all gears. Somewhat more when cold, but
also when warm.

I have tried all octanes from 87 to 93 - with no change. Octane makes
no difference (which I find interesting).

One dealer said that there's nothing that can be done about it. I
find this disturbing in a 30K vehicle.

I've searched the internet, but can't find anything relevent to this
engine and "ping". This can't be normal. I had a 1996 with the 3.8
and it never pinged. My father-in-law has a 2000 with the 3.8, and
his never pings.

Anyone have any ideas as to what may be causing this ping? Are there
any other systems or components that may be faulty and are causing
this?

I'd like to go to another dealer, but would like to have some
"ammunition" before going.



Thanks,

Pete

 

I find this very strange as this engine has a knock sensor. The
computer should not be allowing it to ping.

Ted

 

no tsb for this issue but there is one for stalling for 2002 so go bac and
give them a little tale about stalling and maybe they will reflash the pcm

 

Wow - hey I posted this same problem on a TC forum. Its good to know I am
not alone. 2003 TC EX 3.8 and yes ping under load going up a slight grade.
Sounds like a light/faint ticking coming from engine.

What are the long term ramifications of this?

Also, anyone notice the engine runs rough the next time you start it if you
had briefly started and then quickly shut it off?

Can someone elaborate on what a PCM flash would do for ping?

 

A bad EGR system can cause a ping under load (among other things I'm sure).
If the EGR is always ON, it can cause this problem. The EGR should be
active only during cruise, not during idle and not during wide open
throttle.

The EGR dilutes the intake gases to reduce the termperature of combustion
below that which produces Nitrous Oxide. During idle, the engine is too
sensitive to changes in the air/fuel mixture and will run roughly and stall.
During wide open throttle, the engine won't produce the desired power with
the EGR on and will cause pinging.

 

2003 does not have a egr

 

Sounds like a bad knock sensor.

 

check out the a/c compressor there has been some issues with these knocking like
a failing connecting rod