Timing setting?

I would have though the computer would have controlled the timing. Also try running on premium fuel
Cheers Pete

Tracy,
As mentioned earlier my information also tells me that everything is electronic, no adjustment. Has this just started or has this always happened? Changed servo's, Changed fuel, new plugs, recent service, anything changed? Air leak inlet side. Check the plugs condition make sure the colour is right etc.

Tracy,

Had a similar problem, mine started to pink sometimes when pulling in third gear. Logic tells me it should have done the same in first and second. Some time after I did a service and changed the fuel filter at the same time, problem ceased. I'm not prepared to say that the fuel filter change did the trick but I'm happy to accept the result.

What I do believe is that I experienced an all round performance gain, nothing fantastic but noticeable - placebo effect? Who knows.

My son cut open the canister and showed me the paper filter material which was impregnated with a thick black tarry like deposit.

Sorry I can't offer anything concrete.

Ian

mmmm been here done that......Mazda even offered me lifetime warranty while I owned the car

Even went to the expense of getting it dyno'd on hot days etc etc and one could really see the engine perfomance drop away

Also engaged an Auto Engineer who agreed that something was amiss.....he wanted to fit a few temp gauges and data logger to the heart and record temps etc but this was going to cost $$$ ...in the end i just fought it out with Mazda who did nothing to fix except to say that they would warranty the engine while I owned it. My Legal advisors says that this would be their out and would be fruitless to persue...

i had the original bumper hanging in the shed for ages and then one day decided to turf it....took notice of amount of air intakes thru bumper and thought???? ....the new car i ordered came with dealer fitted bull bar.....could this be restricing airflow across the radiator and hence reduced cooling causing the pinging....too late to prove but always been a thought.

Note during all the testing and dyno stuff the temp gauge always remained below "hot"...so will never know....but it is interesting to note that Mazda offered extra warranty...did they know something?

Note it well known that pinging can destroy an engine

Thanks for all the replies.
I'm not sure exactly when I started noticing it, but I haven't had any work done on it to change anything. I always use premium fuel and air flow isn't restricted to the radiator.
I was taught the "old fashoined"way of doing things without computers...hadn't figured one might be controlling this car, but I take it it does to some extent or other.
Got the strobe light out this morning - and it didn't work! I've re-set the distributor back to it's original position and may fiddle by ear; 2 x no.12 spanners will be first in the toolkit.
It's not severe pinking, but as has been rightly said, over time it could cause damage. Will keep monitoring it.
Or just turn the radio up....!
Tracy