Inspections 
 | Action 
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DEFINITION: A mild to severe ping, usually worse under acceleration. The engine makes sharp metallic knocks that change with throttle opening. 
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Preliminary 
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|     •  | Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to 
Engine Controls Schematics
. |  
  
|     •  | If the scan tool readings are normal, refer to supporting text of the Engine Controls Diagnostic Check. If there are no engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tank with a known high quality fuel that meets the vehicles minimum octane requirements.
Road test the vehicle and re-evaluate the vehicle performance. |  
  
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Fuel System 
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|     •  | Inspect the following that may cause the engine to run lean: |  
  
Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section. |       •  | Water intrusion in the HO2S connector |  
  
|       •  | An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to 
Exhaust Leakage
. |  
  
|       •  | Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections |  
  
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Ignition System 
 | Inspect the spark plugs for being the proper heat range. Refer to 
Spark Plug Inspection
.  
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Engine Cooling System 
 | Inspect for the following obvious overheating problems: 
|     •  | Low engine coolant--Refer to 
Loss of Coolant
 for the type and amount of engine coolant to be used. |  
  
|     •  | Restricted air flow to the radiator or restricted coolant flow through the radiator. |  
  
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Engine Mechanical 
 | Inspect for the following engine mechanical problems: 
|     •  | 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: |  
  
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