Checks 
 | Action 
 | 
DEFINITION: A mild
to severe ping, usually   worse under acceleration. The engine makes     
  sharp metallic   knocks  that     change   with throttle opening. 
 | 
Preliminary
Checks 
 | 
|     •  | If the scan tool readings are normal refer to supporting text
  of the Engine Controls Diagnostic Check and there  are   no            
        engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tank with a known   high 
      quality fuel that meets the vehicles minimum octane requirements.  
Refer       to  
Fuel System Specifications 
    .    Road  test the vehicle and re-evaluate  the vehicles            
   performance. |  
  
 | 
Fuel
  System 
 | 
|     •  | Inspect  the items that can cause an engine to run lean long term
  fuel trim near 24 percent. For a lean condition, refer to  
DTC P0171 or P0174 
 .   |  
  
 | 
Ignition
  System 
 | Inspect    the spark plugs for being the proper heat range. Refer to  
Spark Plug Inspection 
.            
 | 
Engine Cooling
System 
 | Inspect
 for obvious overheating problems: 
|     •  | Low engine coolant--Refer to 
Loss of Coolant 
  in Engine Cooling for the type and amount of
engine    coolant to be used. |  
  
|     •  | Restricted airflow to the radiator or restricted coolant flow
  through the radiator. |  
  
 | 
Engine
  Mechanical 
 | Inspect  the engine for the following mechanical conditions: 
|     •  | Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup--Clean the
combustion   chamber by using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions
    on the can. |  
  
|     •  | Inspect the following components for incorrect basic engine parts: |  
  
|     •  | Refer to the appropriate procedures in Engine Mechanical 8.1L. |  
  
 | 
Additional
  Checks 
 | 
|     •  | Inspect  the park/neutral position (PNP) switch operation.  |  
  
 |