Knock Sensor (KS) Operation

Knock Sensor (KS) Sensor:

The Knock Sensor (KS) system is used in order to detect the engine detonation. The VCM will retard the spark timing based on the signals from the KS module. The knock sensors produce an AC voltage that is sent to the KS module. The amount of the AC voltage produced is proportional to the amount of knock.

An operating engine produces a normal amount of engine mechanical vibration or noise. The knock sensors will produce an AC voltage signal from this noise. When an engine is operating, the VCM will learn the minimum and maximum frequency of the noise that the engine produces. When the VCM determines that this frequency is less than or more than the expected amount, a knock sensor DTC will set.