Knock Sensor

PURPOSE
Varying octane levels in the gasoline can cause a detonation in performance engines. Detonation is sometimes called a spark knock. A spark knock causes the pistons and the rings to vibrate and rattle, sometimes producing a knocking sound.

In order to control a spark knock, a Knock Sensor (KS) is used. This system is designed to retard the spark timing up to 15 degrees in order to reduce a spark knock in the engine. This allows the engine to use a maximum spark advance in order to improve driveability and fuel economy.

The PCM uses information from the MAP and ECT sensors in addition to the RPM in order to calculate the spark advance as follows:
^ Low MAP output voltage equals more spark advance.
^ Cold engine equals more spark advance.
^ High MAP output voltage equals less spark advance.
^ Hot engine equals less spark advance.

A low MAP output or high resistance in the (ECT) sensor circuit could cause detonation. A high MAP output or low resistance in the (ECT) sensor circuit could cause poor performance.

OPERATION
The Knock Sensor (KS) system has two major components:
^ The KS module.
^ The knock sensor.

The KS module is an integral part of the PCM. The KS module is not serviceable.

The knock sensor is mounted into the engine block near the oil filter cartridge. The knock sensor produces a voltage which increases with the severity of the knock. This signal voltage inputs to the PCM. The PCM then adjusts the IC timing to reduce spark knocking.

The knock sensor signal is only used during the TDC combustion event, which is determined by the 7X signal (knock window).