I have a 2001 Accent with the 1.5 5speed. The car is in very good shape, but lately once it warms up as I shift gears there will be some pinging sounds from the motor. The car is weel mainatined and the vehicle has 55,000 miles. The timing belt has been changed and a recent tune up done. As this car doesn't have a distributor cap, can the ignition timing be checked or is there something else i could be looking at.

Thanks

 

I found that the ignition timing is computer controlled 9+-. The light pinging can still be heard while accelerating? I don't have any error codes and use 87 octane gas. Since this engine has 10:1 compression should I be using a higher octane gas or is there still something else I can check?

Thanks

 

I've taken off the MAF sensor and cleaned it, but not much difference. Timing is right on, engine temperature is good, should I be checking the knock sensor? Anyone have experience doing this?

 

Pinging could be preignition in the cylinders the octane may be to low in the fuel you are using, the fuel is ignighting before the spark plug lights up the cylinder!

 

I filled up with Sunoco 94 Octane and the pinging seems to have disappeared however, once the weather returns to very hot and humid It might return. I don't think that these cars should have to run on high octane fuel though??

 

I experienced pinging for a few years off and on depending on weather etc. I started using higher octane fuel, but the pinging kept happening. Now it looks like I have to do a valve job...?
The pinging may have been a result of a faulty MAF sensor.

 

could be the MAF sensor... could be the octane.. try using 89 octane and see what happens... On the mileage, i don't think it would be the valves... try using some lucas oil stabilizer - good product.