Hey all...I'm at my wits end here and am hoping for some insight.
I bought my '03 Avant 1.8t 5speed a couple weeks ago. It has developed a ping under light load and in between shifts under hard acceleration. It does not ping under heavy load...usually just in transition from off throttle to on between 2k and 3k rpms. No codes being thrown and it is bone stock. I'm itching to mod it but am uncomfortable with detonation. I always run 92 octane premium. Any help will be appreciated. Attempting to fix the issue I have replaced:
Fuel filter
DV
MAF
O2 sensor
Plugs <-- 4 different types with no change
IAT
Coil packs
Seafoamed it
Couple tanks of injector cleaner
Cleaned the intercooler
Checked for vacuum leaks

 

Battery? Alternator? Are you sure you're having a prob, this is not common.

 

The alternator and battery are ok. Unfortunately I am sure it is pinging as described above.

 

Is there any way you can post a video of it?

 

Ground issue??

 

Ground issue is intriguing. What other symptoms normally accompany a ground problem on these cars? Where are the main trouble points under the hood?
Thanks,
Adam

 

Dan...I'll see if I can get a video of it in the next few days...I'll have to find someone with a camera and I live in the boonies.

 

Grasping at straws again tonight I double checked all of the vacuum lines. Everything appears good. I popped the oil cap at idle to see if there was excessive vacuum in the crankcase (PCV check). There was positive pressure. Being new to 1.8t's is this normal or indicative of a malfunctioning piece of hardware somewhere?
Thanks,
Adam