Chrysler 2.4 ping?

Recently the 2.4 in my '00 Voyager van has begun to detonate or ping
on mid to full throttle acceleration under load. If you back off it
stops. The motor has 155K miles on it, and has always run well. It
has had regular oil changes and maintenance. It is slightly overdue
for plugs and wires. The only reall engine troubles I've had relate
to the plug wires cracking and arcing due to heat under the hood. Is
this an issue that anyone else has had? Could I be detonating due to
carbon buildup? If so, how do I tell this? What else should I be
checking?

 

Check to see if your EGR valve is operating properly and the EGR passages
are open and not full of carbon.

 

i would guess its got to due with your spark timing or a defect
somewhere in that area.

 

Recently the 2.4 in my '00 Voyager van has begun to detonate or ping

Plugged up EGR passages or a failed EGR valve would be my first guess.
Excessive combustion chamber temperatures will cause this problem.
Check your ignition timing and check for vacuum leaks first..might be
a cracked/broken vacuum line if you're having a lucky day.....

Chris

 

The modern era 2,4 is a DIS ignition system:

I would say look at the EGR valve for sticking or improper computer control
of it.

Also, there is a chance you have a vacuum leak, or low fuel pressure/volume.

RK

 

Could also be a knock sensor. If you could have someone plug in a scan
tool, you will be able to get further info. Since it is a 2000 it most
likely has the ODBII system.

-KM

 

Possible, but not likely on an engine such as the 2.4 where the engine
timing is computer controlled. Much more likely candidates are
inadequate EGR flow due to clogging (as mentioned by a previous poster),
or carbon build-up in the combustion chamber, or hot-spots and/or carbon
buildup on worn-out spark plugs (the OP said its overdue for a plug change).