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    My 2021 Kia Seltos two-litre pings when pushed. It does it in all drive modes...

    Kia Kia Advice Kia Seltos Kia Seltos Advice Kia Seltos 2021

    My 2021 Kia Seltos two-litre pings when pushed. It’s okay up to about 4500rpm but from there on it pings as it starts to rev out. It does it in all drive modes. Kia says nothing is wrong with it (no codes when it’s scanned) even though a Kia tech sat next to me and agreed he heard it. He said most new cars ping as they are tuned to run lean. I find this hard to believe, what’s the knock sensor for, or doing?

    If I run it near empty and then fill with 95 RON instead of 91 it still pings. But it doesn't ping using 98 RON. Do you have any idea what could be the issue?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    14 July 2022
    David Morley

    I would reject the assertion that all modern engines ping because they run lean. Pinging (or detonation or pre-ignition, call it what you will) is a symptom of a problem (usually with the ignition timing or fuel mixture) and it’s not something you should expect to hear. Over time, continued pinging will damage the engine’s internal components and then you’re faced with a huge bill instead.

    The knock sensor should detect the first signs of pinging (even before you’ve heard it) and adjust the engine’s ignition curve (generally) to stop it happening. So, either the knock sensor’s not working or the computer that is supposed to control the engine’s settings isn’t operating correctly. The fact that a tankful of 98RON fuel stops the problem suggests that the engine settings are off.

    Kia recommends normal 91 RON ULP for the Seltos and says that E10 fuel is also compatible with the vehicle. So there should be no need to buy the more costly 98 RON stuff just to prevent the engine pinging. Your vehicle is still well and truly under warranty, so make it Kia’s problem to fix it. And don’t be fobbed off by `they all do that, Sir’.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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