Nissan Repair: 2004 nissan titan ping between 1st and 2nd gear, treatment additives, 2004 nissan titan

Question
Hello Von, just wondering if youve heard anything about 2004 nissan titans making a ping sound between 1st and 2nd gear. It makes the sound one time (first time the truck shifts between 1st and 2nd and then never repeats the sound the same day. Next day, on the first shift between 1st and 2nd gear it repeats. Does not make the sound every morning but does make the sound 2 out of 3 mornings. Best I can tell it is coming from the front somewhere. Took it to dealer as is still under warranty,but that day it decided not to do it. Thought I'd ask you if you had any ideas.
Tim

Answer
Tim,

A ping like a bell?  If that is the noise it is driveline related.  Usually, the noise is attributed to the differential and the required spacing between the gears.  Once oil gets up on the gears the shift does not cause the ping noise.

Now, if the ping noise you have is engine related and it does it between shifts that could mean that the timing is too far advanced or the fuel is not a high enough octain.  Try premium fuel or fuel from a different station and even a fuel additive like Lucas.  I have tried other horsepower additives and ended up melting injectors.  Remember they are plastic internally as are many of the components like the fuel presure regulator diaphram.  Nissan does not recommend fuel treatment additives for this reason.  Lucas, the little bottle you can get a Wal Mart or your local parts store is what I use and have not had any issues with it.  Now, if using a premium or better fuel does not get rid of the pinging perhaps the dealership could reflash your computer and drop the timing back a degree or two.  But, if it is only doing the ping thing on a once in a while basis and it is just timing you might leave it alone since it is constant pinging that causes engine damage.