Lesson learned ... these cars do NOT like low octane gas
 

As some of you know, I just bought my car and have felt that the power was weak. I was thinking that maybe the car had bad gas ... and I started to get chirping from under the hood (350 miles on car) ... so yesterday I brought the car back to the dealership. The salesperson admitted to filling the car up with 86 octane gas. The car was also making a loud injector tapping ...

They had a mechanic come look at the car, and he acknowledged the issue. Since I had a 72 hours guarantee, I told them that either they extend my 72 hour guarantee for another 72 hours while I put good gas in it ... or I drop off the car right them. They agreed

I put 93 octane in the car this morning and have since put 30 miles on the car. The chirping is gone, the injector tapping is reduced, and the car feel stronger ... still not 100% ... but much better.

Lesson learned ...

Personally, I woulda probably got a whole new car, you we're entitled to it. Running that rough can't be good with that low miles in break in. Just an opinion, good to hear it's coming back!

yeah my dealer had 91 no ethanol in tank and I do 93 no ethanol

I hope you get that in writing. The dealer knowingly violated the warranty prior to delivery to you....

Question: Have you guys every opened the hood ... started the car ... and listen to the engine for a couple of minutes?

My car starts normal, a minute or so until kick down ... then idles, then after about 30 seconds suddenly starts ticking louder on drivers side ... normal?

I dont know about the whole ticking sound but i heard from many people that once you fill up a car with a certain gas then you are suppose to use the same gas for the cars whole life. I would of tried getting a brand new car if i was in your position.

Crickets is my guess. Yeah, basically everybody has them.

Really the only abnormal sound I hear are the "crickets" can't really mistake that sound and usually only after full operating temp.. My 2007 fj had a very loud engine ticking etc which i thought was knocking; it's not every fj I stood next to sound the same. I'm guessing as well these engine are quite loud compared to a Lexus engine etc. the fuel pump is on the drivers side if I'm not mistaken:bonk:

Don't worry the ECU pulls the timing instantly with knock detection. The only real negative is reduced volumetric efficiency (power). No damage done.

If you return the car you deserve a Veloster! LOL

I found a thread that discusses the ticking ... the change over from port injection to DI is what I am hearing.

As for a veloster ... I bought a fully loaded one about 1.5 years ago ... traded it in within 30 days for a new miata ... talk about a pathetic car ... the glass roof cracked when I hit a bump.

BTW ... you guys seem to miss my comment ... the dealer has given me another 72 hours to test out new gas (in writing). He has agreed that if things are not corrected, the will get me a new car.

I am not looking to screw anyone ... or wait another few weeks to find another red FR-S. I might consider upgrading to a 2014 since they are out now ... or a series 10 ... but I hate the color.

Putting a tankful of 89 octane through will not hurt the car...

...the ticking is normal...and is not the same as the crickets.

Really?

You haven't got a clue how a car works.

I didn't say I believe it. Just saying what I heard...