-Chevrolet
-2015 Colorado z71
-2WD
-V6
-4 door
-60k miles

I am in the market for a new Silverado 1500 z71, but need to come to a conclusion about my current truck.

I love my Colorado, but I have had a problem with it pinging since I bought it. I use regular unleaded fuel from racetrac. If I use higher octane or an octane booster with regular fuel, the problem goes away. Problem is, I have a company gas card that ONLY allows regular fuel and only at racetrac. They will not budge on this, I've already asked (a few times). Obviously, it is kind of a deal breaker for me to buy my own fuel (I drive about 20-30k miles/year), so I have put up with the issue since I bought it. Frequently I use the octane booster, but not always.

1. Could this be a problem with the engine, bad timing? Possibly a lemon? It's a new truck and it seems crazy to me that it can't run off regular. I work construction and all my guys have trucks of all sizes that don't have this problem with the same fuel.

2. Is this damaging the engine allowing it to ping?

3. Could the spark plugs just be bad? I haven't changed them since I bought it (60k miles ago), but the problem has been present since shortly after I purchased it.

4. If I get a new Silverado, especially something higher performance, am I just going to run into the same problem? I am buying the new truck because I want bigger, not cause of the problem. Just afraid to purchase a new vehicle until I come to a conclusion with this issue.

 

Your knock sensor is not working or the ECM is messed up. Also you might want to make sure that your plugs are the correct ones for the motor. Could be someone used the wrong heat range plugs. Nah, the Silverado wont have the same engine as the Colorado. (Why, oh why, did Chevy stop making the S-10??)

No, pinging isn't good. Your fuel is pre-igniting. Might have some carbon buildup on the pistons as well, which will increase the compression ratio, which leads to pinging. Back in the old days, you'd just back off on the timing, but that isn't possible anymore.

 

Yeah, I was thinking it could be the ECM/knock sensor not adjusting for the fuel. I am guessing the dealership didn't want to waste the money changing it since it wouldn't be a guarantee that it would fix it. I took it to the dealership explaining the problem several times and they did nothing - was very disappointed. Neither of these are cheap fixes.. Anyway, good to hear it is not likely just the fuel and shouldn't be a problem with a 1500.