I noticed pinging upon load/acceleration from my 2007 Elantra at approx. 3000 miles. As per the owner's manual, I use 87 octane regular unleaded fuel. I took to the dealer and they could not replicate the problem. Dealer still performed tests and everything appeared ok. There is a comment on the work order that a trace ping is normal. Quite honestly, I’ve never heard of a trace ping. I now have 4300 miles and it seems the pinging has become more persistent. This is the first Hyundai I have owned. Is pinging a common trait of Hyundai vehicles? Thank you in advance for all feedback / suggestions?

"Trace" pinging, as your dealer suggests, is not unusual but I'll add it's usually very hard for the average driver to hear.

Since you have it documented you can breath a bit easier but I'd monitor it as best as possible.

You suggest it's getting worse.

Sometimes just for an experiment you can try a tank of high octane or a partial can of octane boost. Document it if it works! Then go right back to the dealer since this engine should perform ok on most regulars.

An anit-knock sensor could be going and if your mileage is suddenly going up this would be a clue of such.

This post has been edited by cmhj2000: Nov 6 2007, 09:34 AM

Thank you cmhj2000; your feedback is much appreciated. Although the pinging has become rather evident since I first reported to the dealer, I haven't noticed increased mileage. It does appear to quiet when I use 92 octane, 89 octane does not seem to help. In any event, I believe the vehicle needs to return to the dealer for another diagnostic.

Dear glr58,

Concur with cmhj to try a higher octane. My suggestion is even easier. Try switching gas stations! Several things to be aware of:

a) A minor amount of water in the gas can cause pinging. A minor amount is very small....maybe one ml per gallon.
B) Gasoline octane is determined by the average of research method and motor method (R+M). It is an average. Some gasolines test higher on the research method test performed in a laboratory, while other gasolines test higher in the motor method. The motor method is a test to raise the compression to the point that pinging starts.
c) You should know this, but Shell, Amoco, and BP tend to have higher quality gas than Conoco or Citgo. It is not just hype. Amoco gas is used in race cars and high compression marine engines. Also Sunoco.
d) While your spark plugs are new, sometimes changing spark plugs to a different brand can eliminate pinging.

Byron

TSB 05-20-002 posted on the Hyundai Service Technology website states that use of aftermarket oil filters causes engine knocking noise. Guess what, I did an oil change using a Hyundai filter and the pinging noise is gone. Strange, I have never heard of this but glad to find out the cause of the problem.

I spoke too soon, the engine ping / knock under load still occurs (now have 8100 miles). Have tried nearly every brand of gas with the same result. Took to the dealer for other maintenance and had them investigate pinging a second time. They still claim not to be able to detect this issue. Bizarre, I have no problem hearing the pinging noise, just wonder why the dealer can't hear it also?

Hi I have a 2003 Elantra GT with the same problem. Dealer suggested mid range fuel. I am not sure if they know what they are talking about.

glr58 have they fixed your pinging problem?

I have now taken to the dealer 3 times for this issue and others. The dealer always has the same answer; they do not hear anything other than a "normal" trace ping. Give me a break, the ping is so loud at times, you would think this car had a diesel engine (especially when the outside temp exceeds 90 degrees). I gave the dealer all F's on the last satisfaction survey. This prompted the service manager to call and ask that I bring in the car the next time the Hyundai factory rep is at the dealer. The car now has nearly 15,000 miles. The issue remains the same no matter which brand or regular unleaded fuel I use. I refuse to use a higher grade of fuel because the spec’s clearly indicate 87 octane is sufficient for this vehicle.

maybe you need a more viscous oil

Previously you mentioned my suggestion of a higher octane fuel helped. I've seen this many times thus I originally suggested it as a test. Is this still the case?

Have they test drove it with you riding along? This would be my next approach.

There are many ways to skin a cat.

The manufacturer recommends 5W-20, so this is what I use.

A higher octane fuel does appear to remedy this issue. I still notice pinging using 89 octane, not as bad as with 87. If I use 92 octane, it pretty much resolves the problem. Thank you for the suggestion and I do plan on riding along the next time I take it in. As this problem is somewhat sporadic, I just need to make sure I can replicate the issue with both of us in the car.