Knock Sensor (Ks) System

PURPOSE




Varying octane levels in today's gasoline may cause detonation in some engines. Detonation is caused by an uncontrolled explosion, burn, in the combustion chamber. This uncontrolled explosion could produce a flame front opposite that of the normal flame front produced by the spark plug. The rattling sound normally associated with detonation is the result of two or more opposing pressures, flame fronts, colliding within the combustion chamber. Though light detonation is sometimes considered normal, heavy detonation could result in engine damage. To control spark knock, a knock sensor (KS) system is used. This system is designed to retard spark timing when spark knock is detected in the engine. The KS system allows the engine to use maximum spark advance for optimal driveability and fuel economy.

OPERATION
The KS detects abnormal vibration, spark knocking, in the engine. The KS is mounted in the engine block near the cylinders and produce an AC signal under all engine operating conditions. The powertrain control module (PCM) contains integrated KS diagnostic circuitry which uses the input signals from the KS to detect engine detonation. This allows the PCM to retard ignition control (IC) spark timing based on the amplitude and frequency of the KS signal being received.

DIAGNOSIS
The PCM calculates an average voltage the KS signal and takes instantaneous signal voltage readings. The PCM uses the instantaneous signal voltage reading to determine the state of the KS circuitry. If the KS system is operating normally, the PCM should monitor instantaneous KS signal voltage readings varying outside a voltage range above and below the calculated average voltage. The following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are used to diagnose the KS system:
- If the PCM malfunctions in a manner which will not allow proper diagnosis of the KS circuits, DTC P0325 will set.
- DTC P0327 is designed to diagnose the KS, and related wiring, so problems encountered with the KS system should set a DTC. However, if no DTC was set but the KS system is suspect because detonation was the customer's complaint, use the tables for DTC P0327 to diagnose the Detonation/Spark Knock Symptom.