Knock Sensor (LT1) Question

[Fastbird93]

Could a hard detonation from a lean condition possibly damage a knock sensor.

Also, if a knock sensor was getting lazy......what all could it affect, even if it's not retarding any timing?

Mine seems to be working, but I was getting about .5 to 1.5 degrees of retard for no aparrent reason with about 1/3 throttle or more.

[Injuneer]

Could a hard detonation from a lean condition possibly damage a knock sensor.

I doubt it.

Also, if a knock sensor was getting lazy......what all could it affect, even if it's not retarding any timing?

Nothing, assuming the PCM is still seing the required 2.5V in the sensor circuit. If it doesn't see the required voltage, it sets DTC 43 and starts retarding the timing a variable amount (based on load, rpm) to protect the engine.

Mine seems to be working, but I was getting about .5 to 1.5 degrees of retard for no aparrent reason with about 1/3 throttle or more.

It might be worth checking the sensor. It is possible for foreign matter to get into the sensor and make it overly sensitive. I recall one case where they pulled the sensor and found a gob of RTV that had found its way into the cooling system. You can also check the resistance of the sensor (4,500ohms +/- 1,000ohms) and make sure that the PCM is providing the proper voltage at the sensor (5V +/- .5V, from the sensor wire, unplugged, to ground).

[Fastbird93]

Fred, I was hoping you would pop in and give me some insight. Thanks for the information. A service manual is great for troubleshooting and fixing, but does very little in ways of explanation of how it works/interacts.

I'm just scrounging ideas around. I haven't run the car with the new (old stock) lifters in it yet, so if the knock is still present I'll try the 100 octane test, then go after the sensor.

Thanks!