it seems to ping going up hill alot. i have to start in 2nd gear because the transmission slipps in 1st gear after its warmed up. i am throwing a a speedsensor code right now and thats all. the noise sounds like a rattle or something from the engine compartment. i tried shell premium and regular gas. could it be out of time? mabey the advance is messed up? or ignition time? can you guys point me in the right direction here? what can i do to resolve this?

 

Fix the VSS code and adjust the ignition timing to spec using a timing light and having the service connector jumped.

 

the engine runs like a top though. no shakeing and or missing. what do you mean by jumping the service connector, what is that? do you supose that the vss code would cause the pinging?

 

The engine can seemingly run fine with the ignition timing being a little off.

Click here to learn how to jump the service connector.

I think misadjusted ignition timing is the main culprit, though the VSS does provide and one of the inputs to the ECU for determining ignition timing and duration.

 

the ignition timeing is run off the timeing belt right? so its possable that it jumped a tooth? also this gem has been sitting for 6 yrs too!

 

It's possible, but if the timing belt were off by even a tooth, the engine would typically run poorly. Nonetheless, you can kill two birds with one stone by checking the ignition timing. If you are unable to set the ignition timing to spec by rotating the distributor, then you would be prompted to check the mechanical timing. I think, however, that you will find that only the ignition timing is off and that adjusting it will eliminate the pinging/spark knock.

 

ok, is that how you set it is by turning the distribitor? there is a bolt up top that u loosen that enables you to turn it? then i use a time light to check it as i turn the distribitor? the engine runs real smooth, so i don;t think the belt slipped! i am geting 30mpg highway, so that says its running great right? i have ngr raceing plugs in there now.

 

What year and engine?

 

its a 97 civic lx w. the nonvtec 1.6 liter sohc