Hello all.

I have a 2006 HHR with 2.4L Auto 39K miles mostly long city commutes. I have had a bunch of little electronic issues in the past (such as BCM replaced 2ce). I have developed a new issue.

My car sounds "pingy", almost like bad gas, but I have changed gas stations many times and the problem doesn't go away. I don't notice the sound when I am just cruising along not getting on the go pedal, but when I press on the gas and the RPMs get to about 2800 I notice the pinging. If I shift to neutral it goes away all the way to the rev limiter. It makes the sound in reverse, L, I and D. I was thinking injector, or something in the injection system but that is only a guess.

Any help would be appreciated, I hate to take it to the dealer because they are sketchy at best, but I heard most mechanics cannot work on an 06 because GM hasn't released the computer program for the scanners...

Thanks!

 

What octane are you using? Have you tried and fuel system cleaner?

 

I currently am using 87, but get the same from 89 and 91 (in California)

What is a good cleaner? I haven't used one in a car in ages...

 

Sea Foam.

 

You should stick with 91-93 octane for that 2.4L.
If you`re jumping back and forth, you`re mixing values and never getting a pure 91-93 tank.
Also, Lucas makes a good injector cleaner. But use any product with caution, most good gas brands have a cleaner in them.

 

The best pour-in fuel injector cleaner you can buy is BG44K. It can be purchased at Chevrolet dealer parts departments.

 

Whichever injector cleaner you purchase, read the label very carefully. Many contain methanol or other types of prohibited "solvents", which can do even more harm to the engine.

The one from the dealer is probably an approved product...but more expensive.

Your next stop, I would suggest, is the dealer. They probably need to do a diagnostic.

 

The computer normally eliminates pinging by retarding the timing....You can use 87 gas safely, but you'll lose a little power.

I would guess it is more likely you have carbon build up on the valves-and Chevron Techron is the only additive proven to help solve that problem.

 

Curmudgeon indirectly raises another good point. Are you using a NAME BRAND gas....Chevron, Texaco, Shell, etc. (not "joes" gas stop, truck stop specials, etc.)

If you are using the "no names", that might be where your problem exists. GM has posted a TSB in regard to using Top Tier gas in your vehicle. Top tier means that the fuels contain the necessary levels and quantities of additives that will assist in keeping your vehicle from carboning up...running clean, etc. The no names, generally do not have these additives......only the minimal amounts dictated and in compliance with EPA and DOT requirements.

If you do a search, you can probably find a posting on the manufacturers, nation wide, that meet the top-tier requirement. Most all name brands, with a couple of exceptions, meet the top tier requirement. A couple of localized distributors, like QT, also.

Here is a list of top tier fuel providers.....

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-Ve...QQcmdZViewItemIf you want the fuel injector cleaner by gm there is one on ebay.