I have a new 2009 luxury Euro. Only had it 3 weeks, now has 1000 kms on it pinging like mad. Pings at 60KPH pings at 100KPH on the flat. Seems to ping less going up an incline under load. Currently running on Premium (95 octane) going to change to (98 octane on next tank) Dealers here dont have an answer. Taken it in twice. Doest seem to be fuel related. Manual clearly states pinging can damage the engine if left unchecked so would appreciate if you do find a solution to pass it on to other New Euro Drivers. From searching American Honda Forums they have the same problem over there. Our Euro model over there is known over there as the ACURA TSX. Seems to be a Honda factory fix thats required, not something a local dealer tech can fix with adjustment. Anyone else have the same problem. Any help would be appreciated
UPDATE UPDATE 8th October 1500KMS.
Dropped it in for 1000km check to dealer 2 days ago...After keeping the vehicle for 2 days...Result. Pinging is recognised as a problem even at 98Octane. Worse with Premium. Dealer doesnt know what is causing it. HONDA head office have not provided an answer, even though they are aware of it. Dealer added 2 bottles of octane booster but still the pinging did not go away. It appears to be a HONDA AUSTRALIA problem but they are not addressing it or giving their Euro owners any advice of attending to the problem. ( doesnt leave you with a comfort feeling driving around in a new $46,000 car with this kind of problem )
this pinging problem appears to be across Auto 09 Euros as a model..Now I dont believe Honda will not fix the problem in the end .. but Honda please when are you going to address this problem
UPDATE 8th November. Now driven 2500ks.. No change.. No solution from Honda. I have been contacted by Honda Australia Direct ( A Fellow named Heinz) Stated they are aware of the problem and are working with Japan to come up with a fix for it. When I asked for a time frame for this fault to be fixed he would not provide any. Furthur this contact was by phone so there is nothing in writing to protect me from a future failure. Now if they cannot fix it without Japans help it sounds serious to me. What do you think? If you are thinking of buying this model suggest you wait for the next model maybe 2010. Cause the manual states on Page 340 that if pinging is left unattended it can cause engine failure.
UPDATE 25th January 2009.. 6000kms .With a lot of letters to the media about the same engine noise we are experiencing here in Australia finally they have caved in and given me an answer. It is as follows. Software fix is reputedly available mid February
Dear John, we appreciate that you are concerned about the presence of an engine operational sound as it detracts from your overall enjoyment of the vehicle and we wish to again reassure you that this condition will have no impact on performance or engine reliability. We have been working closely with the technical division of Honda Corporation in Japan and following extensive investigations we can confirm that the condition you are experiencing is not that of “pinging” which is known within the industry as “pre-ignition”. The condition that you are experiencing is a combustion sound taking place after the programmed ignition, namely a “post combustion noise”. As this condition takes place after the programmed ignition and with the piston on its downward stroke, there is no detrimental force or impact within the engine in your vehicle. Therefore your engine has not sustained any damage and we are happy to offer you a guarantee on the engine while you are the owner of this vehicle as a way of reassuring you of our confidence that no wear or damage is occurring to the engine or associated components.
We trust this advice from the manufacturer clarifies the matter.
Regards
Joe Gelsi
Customer Relations Manager
Honda Australia Pty Ltd
April 2009. After 7 unpleasurable months and 10,000 kilometers Honda still have not come up with a fix for all 'pinging' 2009 Euro owners out there. Promises promises no delivery. It would appear to be a major problem and not minor if after 7 months they have no solution. Remember this pinging issue was known in England back in 2008 and in the USA as early as March 2008. So they knew about the problem before it was released here.
Now when I drove the demonstrator vehicle before purchase there was no pinging sound. Yet when I picked up my new vehicle there was an engine pinging sound driving it straight off the showroom floor. Could we claim deceptive selling practices. There is a deafening silence from Honda now on the matter. If you have a pinging model how can you sell it until after a fix from Honda even if you wanted to. Are you sick of this treatment. Would you like to become part of a class action to seek a legal end to their procrastination. Contact me at jbowly@tpg.com.au if interested. Remember divided they can tell us anything as a group we have more ability to make them listen.
August 2009
At last the so called Ping Fix has been carried out on my Euro Auto. Yes initally there is improvement. The fix involved a change of knock sensors and a change of software. But dont all sigh with a tone of relief. IT DOES NOT GET RID OF THE PINGING SOUND. It has got rid of the ping over 100 KPH...... BUT it is still pinging between 40 KPH and 60 KPH and around town often this is the speed you have to travel at. So after 12 months of promises from Honda there is NO real improvement. It would now appear that the problem is more costly to fix than HONDA are prepared to make. They have now issued me with a letter stating that my vehicle is warranteed for the life of the vehicle in my possession for any fault which develops from this pinging condition. Is this an admission that they dont know how to get rid of the noise and I have to put up with it. It would appear so. This is my 4th Honda and sadly my last. I purchased this model based on a test drive of a vehicle that had no such ping. I was delivered a totally different car that has proved to be a pinging nightmare. Honda have not fixed the problem under warranty in 12 months. So much for their integrity as an honorable Japanese car manufacturer.
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