2013 F 150. 3.7 L. 18000 miles. I have a gas ping. ?

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/13f12om3e.pdf Page 202 says regular 87 is fine, so that should not be the cause of a ping if you use that. However, cheap gas from convenience stores and independent retailers is just that--cheap gas. It does not have the proper detergents, buy strictly name-Brand gas. Shell, Chevron, the big names.See http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html .But that would not cause pre-detonation. Usually the cause of a ping. Even if your CEL is not on, have it scanned, look for a faulty knock sensor. That's what a knock sensor does, "listens" for when fuel ignites and the ECU should adjust accordingly If your truck is flex fuel, page 202 also warns of switching back-and-forth between E85 and E10 or straight gas. If it's still under warranty, have it looked at. Wait, not just looked at but fixed. A faulty knock sensor is P0330 to 0336 ..BUT could be ignition timing from faulty crankshaft or cam position sensor. As you can tell these modern engines and their myriad of interacting sensors are complex...not like the old days if you said it was a 1976 I would say use premium and problem solved