Nissan Repair: Pinging noise when shifting, rubber mallet, fuel grade

Question
My 2007 Versa SL started making a dull pinging noise when I shift from 1st to 2nd but not everytime. It sounds like, feels like the noise is just beneath my feet. It can happen a couple of times on a short 10 km ride home or not at all.

Answer
Hi Ann -

Can you tell me if the noise comes out while driving up a hill under load?

I can think of a couple things, however need your assistance in diagnosis.

If the answer to the above is yes, then have you changed fuel grade lately? Try a higher octane brand.

If the sound comes out only at a certain RPM (watch your tach when the sound appears), then it could be the lining of your exhaust pipe, or heat shield vibrating. Best way to check this is to get a rubber mallet and firmly hit the exhaust pipe where you think the sound is generated. If you hear that same sound, then replace or repair the exhaust.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin