What should you do when you hear pinging or rattling when accelerating 2000 Nissan maxima?

Answer 1

The first thing I would suggest is to use premium fuel, as the owner's manual recommends. You could also try fuel additives, such as an octane booster. However, I've had very limited success by using these products. Some sources also warn against their use. I don't know if the dealer can adjust anything with the computer or not. I read that the car's computer is supposed to recognize this problem, and correct for it. Perhaps it was a bit of the good old 'sales pitch' effect. None the less, I've driven several older-model Lincoln Towncars that would ping a lot, especially in the summer. As many people as I asked, and as many things I tried, the problem simply could not be remedied. I even read mention of the problem (believe it or not) in the Lincoln owner's manual! So that should tell you how incurable the problem might be. If there's a sure-fire, cheap, easy fix, I'm with you... that is, still looking for it. My 2000 Maxima pings as you described, but when I ask various "experts" about it, they look at me like I'm speaking an unknown language. If I ever find a conclusive resolution, I'll respond here.