I'm new to this site and would like to hear from anyone who is experiencing the same problem with their Rendezvous. We have a 2003 that has had an engine ping since it was new. We've had it to the dealer many times to have it fixed, but nothing has worked so far. The dealer (through GM) replaced the engine recently and it still pings. Their computer even records the problem but they still can't make it stop. It's most noticable when driving uphill. Not a steep grade but even a moderate grade makes the engine ping. I even tried using high grade gas but it didn't make any difference. The engineperformance hasn't been effected yet, but don't know what the long term effects will be if not corrected. The original engine was found to have one cylinder out of round, but it wan't clear if that caused the pinging. The dealer days they haven't had any other customers complain about this problem, so I'm hoping that someone else may have the same problem with their Rendezvous and found out what is causing it. It already qualifies under the Lemon Law but my wife really likes her Rendezvous and wants to keep it...providing it can be cured of this problem. If anyone out there is also having this problem...and got it fixed....I'd like to hear about it.

 

It is possible for the fuel being used to be very sensitive to temperature. You might try using the same octane fuel from another station, or manufacturer. Are you using a name beand, such as Chevron, or Exxon? It is possible for the off brand stuff to be of a lower octane from what is posted on the pump, especially for off brand fuels. It is also possible for the emission control calibration, which would be transferred to the new engine to be slightly wrong for the application, causing the problem to be transferred to the new engine. Have the dealership check, using the VIN for your vehicle, for updated calibrations, which can be downloaded to your vehicle. TSB's could also have been published for the probloem which you are experiencing, which could be available from a different dealer. Ray

 

Thanks for your reply. We usually used ARCO gas but only about half the time. I switched to Shell Premium for a while to see if it made a difference. Unfortunately it didn't. The Buick dealer is sending for a factory rep to help them out. I know the dealer has done a lot to try & cure the engine pinging, but it keeps comming back. The factory rep will probably be our last effort on this problem. They told us after the rep does his "magic" on the car we'll get an extended warranty for free (6yr - 100,000 mile) and refund the money we already paid for one as we haven't used it yet. OrBuick will buy it back under the Lemon Law. The manager said itqualifies and they won't contest it. My wife really wants to keep her Rendezvous so we're hoping the pinging can be cured. So far this hasn't cost us anything, but the manager said GM is about$8,000 into it now. We bought it new 16 months ago (2003 model) and have about 19,000 miles on it with 2000 miles on the new engine. So far the pinging hasn't effected the performace but who knows what it will do after 30 or 40,000 miles? We tend to keep our vehicles a long time. I drive a 98 Park Ave with over 102,000 miles on it and the engine runs great. I posted this to see if anyone else has experienced this problem andis there a cure for it.

 

Can you elaborate on what was replaced with the engine? Was the ECM also reprogrammed? Are there ANY other issues with the engine, including what appears to be early shifting of the trans, surging, difficulty starting under ANY conditions, ANYTHING? I have some 35 years experience with driveability, and may be able to help the dealer with this condition. Talk to me... Ray

 

The service manager said they replaced the computer..is that the same as the ECM? Also the injectors and other items I can't recall right now. There were no other problems associated with the pinging. The engine actually ran well otherwise. My wife drives the Rendezvous and being raised in a garage she has a good ear for noises. She knew it wasn't right. It's not a loud noise but noticeable. It always starts easily, runs smooth and no shifting problems. It's more pronounced in high gear at speeds from 30 to 60 mph. The service technicians even hooked a computer to it and monitered & recorded as the wife drove it on the freeway. It recorded the pinging but they still can't figure why it does it. It's been in & out of the dealer for well over a year now. I think they realize it might not be fixable at this point and are more than willing to buy it back under the Lemon Law.They want to give the factory rep a shot at it before they give up. The rep will be in the San Diego area in about a week or so. We'll take it back in then & see what happens....John

 

If the ping is slight, it may be normal. Very slight pinging is typical if the spark timing controls are allowing maximum timing. If, however, the factory is concerned with what they hear, I will not say otherwise. I do know that if the computer, or ECM is allowing amximum timing, some noise is normal. Since mention was made of the octane changes making no difference, my inclination is that it may be normal. I would, however, before making a definitive statement, want to see the timing advance, detonation sensor activity, and related sensor readings. If I see what the computer sees, it may tip me off regarding what may be going on. The computer will talk to experienced techs, if they ask the correct questions. I am well versed in this language, and would be curious as to what the factory rep says. Related sensor readings would incl;ude engine temps, air temp readings, rpm, transmission feedback etc. ANYTHING you could give me in these respects may help, even if they appear unrelated. Ray