Knock Sensor: Description and Operation

Knock Sensor

Knock Sensor (KS):

The Knock Sensor (KS) is a tuned accelerometer on the engine which converts engine vibration to an electrical signal. The PCM uses this signal to determine the presence of engine knock and to retard spark timing.

The knock sensor:
^ is located in the intake valley.
^ sends a signal to the powertrain control module indicating engine detonation. (If detonation is occurring, the powertrain control module then changes spark timing.)