Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
The knock sensor is bolted to the engine block and “listens” to vibrations. If it hears knocking, the ECU retards the ignition to protect the engine.
What the car has detected
The knock sensor signal does not behave like a healthy sensor’s, so the ECU cannot trust it.
Without the sensor the ECU retards the ignition to be safe, so the car has less power and uses more fuel. If you hear metallic knocking when accelerating, do not push the engine.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Less power and higher fuel use
- Pinking when accelerating in some cases
Possible causes
- Knock sensor not tightened correctly
- Faulty knock sensor
- Broken or shorted wire, or a loose or corroded connector
Checks for the garage
- Check the sensor’s tightening torque
- Check the sensor wiring and connector
- Look in live data at the ignition retard for knock
Next step
Ask for the knock sensor’s tightness, its connector and the wiring to be checked.
Go to a garage in the next few days. Use the fuel the maker specifies meanwhile.