Knock Sensor: Description and Operation

Knock Sensor:

PURPOSE
The Knock Sensor (KS) is attached to the cylinder block and senses engine knocking conditions.

OPERATION
A knocking vibration from the cylinder block is applied as pressure to the piezoelectric element. This vibrational pressure is then converted into a voltage signal which is delivered as output to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The signal then is used by the ECM to retard ignition timing to reduce detonation.