fordtaurus99ti

I have a Ford car that I got in 2004 from a Ford Dealership. From that time, the car has the same problems, which I was merely told it's a Ford, what do I expect. When driving uphill, or on the Highway uphill, I notice sounds like bells jingling, or pinging when I step on the gas pedal. Sometimes the noises get louder, sometimes I don't hear them as much. I regularly maintain the car for oil changes, and so fourth. The car has approx 37,000 miles on it. More than likely I will take it to a local Ford Dealership so they can testdrive it uphill and see whats causing this. In the past I had the same problem, but with a 88 olds Carb engine. My Ford has a Fule Injector. The fuel filter has been changed. If I got a tune-up, do you think the mechnics will pin point the problem, or is it much worse than this? I have been told by non-mechanics that it's possibly the linkage to the drive shaft, or Universal Joints, or Flux Capacitor, Pinging, Timing fault, Timing too far in advanced or engine has carbon buildup raising the compression higher, or low octane gas.I was also told by non-mechanics that this problem can gradually kill the engine.

I know it's hard without seeing the car, but any answers replied from a mechanic to an est what the problem might be, and what is involved might help. Also, what will the Ford Mechanics do to actually see where the problem is coming from ? And will this be costly?

I would appreciate any help you can give

Sand1

If I had to guess I would say the spark knock sensor is bad. The car should run fine on 87 octane and without the rattle your descibing. Unless you idle every where you go I cant see carbon build up that bad at 37000 miles. Shouldnt be to costly if its only the knock sensor. You can run a higher octane fuel and it would probably solve it, but with todays gas prices I would opt to fix the problem. If you have not done so already, spring for a code scan and see what comes back. Usually costs around 60 bucks.