02 Windstar pinging when hot - Ford Forums

bill48nj1 · 06-02-2009, 17:33

Hi.
I have an 02 Windstar 3.8. It pings when hot, cold it is quiet.
I heard there is an "octane shorting bar" or "shunt/plug", or it might be called an "octane adjustment bar" that when removed, it retards the timing by 4 degrees. The only info I found, is that it is in or near a wiring harness on the passenger side under the hood.
Can anyone tell me what it looks like, and where exactly it's located? A photo would be especially helpful.
Thanks in advance.
Regared,
bill48nj1

**360ci** · 06-02-2009, 19:05

I haven't heard of this 'bar', but if it's octane related, you can try running a few gallons of premium fuel and see if that helps. Perhaps someone else will chime in soon!

bill48nj1 · 06-03-2009, 05:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360ci

I haven't heard of this 'bar', but if it's octane related, you can try running a few gallons of premium fuel and see if that helps. Perhaps someone else will chime in soon!

Thanks, I'll try premium fuel. At least it's not $4.00/gal any more.
bill48nj1

**jwko** · 06-03-2009, 05:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill48nj1

Thanks, I'll try premium fuel. At least it's not $4.00/gal any more.
bill48nj1

It's on it way I'm afraid. $2.55 regular unleaded here today, last week it was $2.32. Maybe we'll get some bail out money

You'll have to take your van into the Ford service dept to have the computer reset to 87 octane, I had to have it done to my Taurus.

**360ci** · 06-03-2009, 14:38

I pay $4.08/US gal (in Canadian dollars) for 3.78L for 91 octane RIGHT NOW lol. You yanks got it MADE. Regular dropped down to 91cents/L today...so 91 octane is hovering right around $1.015/L lucky me - better fill up!!

**Sterling_Six** · 06-05-2009, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360ci

I pay $4.08/US gal (in Canadian dollars) for 3.78L for 91 octane RIGHT NOW lol. You yanks got it MADE. Regular dropped down to 91cents/L today...so 91 octane is hovering right around $1.015/L lucky me - better fill up!!

OUCH....

**360ci** · 06-06-2009, 06:39

It's definitely a pinch. I drive my guzzler mostly during the summer since i can write off expenses (mostly fuel) for work (landscaping). The cars I can't get away with. But at least the cars run fine on 87 octane. I took my Durango down to estin FL and back a couple months ago and it was SO NICE paying around $0.67/L for 91 octane! 2867miles on less than $500 worth of fuel! Equivalent with exchange at the time that $500 would've set me back close to $820 up here. If the dollar was two months ago what it is now, it would've cost me around $450 for the Destin trip. While booking a room at a Holiday Inn south of Nashville, the front desk clerk thought Ontario was a country...uh huh!