Purchased a 2000 V6 about a year and a half ago used. After 6 months (when the weather was getting warmer) the car started to have a rattling/pinging noise that came from in front of the driver in the engine compartment. Had my mechanic check it and he said it is probably a fuel sensor but received no error message on the computer. Said to just run higher octane gas. I have been, and it helps a bit, but still have a rattling/pinging problem. After reviewing the forum, it seems it could be one of many possibilities. Now I am familiar with some engine components, but am far from a car junkie. If anyone could help suggest what from the following to try first, I would be thankful.
The noise occurs during acceleration, seems to happen more in the summer, and can happen one time but not the next. It seems that if it begins rattling at the start of a trip, it will continue for the length of the drive. However if it is not happening at the beginning, it rarely starts during a drive. The car is completely stock, and I do not push it or kill it.
From the possibilities I have:
ACT / ECT sensor
Heat shield on catalytic converter
Breakdown of metal in the catalytic converter
Any other ideas or suggestions? I am hoping someone here has experienced a similar problem. Thanks.
-D
The noise occurs during acceleration, seems to happen more in the summer, and can happen one time but not the next. It seems that if it begins rattling at the start of a trip, it will continue for the length of the drive. However if it is not happening at the beginning, it rarely starts during a drive. The car is completely stock, and I do not push it or kill it.
From the possibilities I have:
ACT / ECT sensor
Heat shield on catalytic converter
Breakdown of metal in the catalytic converter
Any other ideas or suggestions? I am hoping someone here has experienced a similar problem. Thanks.
-D