Rep Power: 0

Been getting this sound between shifts (auto) occasionally that sounds and feels like mild pinging (pre-detonation). Been using the same gas (reg unleaded) for the much of the 1100 miles so far with no problems and other than that it runs great.

It is from a discount gas outlet at my grocery store (10% ethanol) that I've been using for years (get a 3 cent discount using the store card and it's close to my house) with no other trouble and it always worked fine in my previous '01 Civic, '03 Tacoma and my wife's '08 Forester (before that her '03 Element).

I occasionally fill up at other stations too and will do so next time, but I always thought the ECU would retard timing to prevent it.

Anyone else have this happen?

 
Rep Power: 811

you sure its not just a rattle sound, maybe from heatshields? sometimes i get it too, metallic type noises above 2800rpm. i think its just stuff on the car vibrating and not the motor itself. next fillup you can try 89 gas and if it still makes the noise, you know its not pinging. technically civics were made to run 86, so 87 is just fine. and yes the ecu will adjust ignition timing based on octane so you should be fine. has knock sensor also.

 
Rep Power: 0

It's very subtle and brief so it's hard to tell for sure so yeah, it could be a vibration or rattle of some sort. I'll try the 89 octane like you say to be sure. Thanks.