The one in the block, not the PCM...

If the sensor was bad or somehow cut off from the PCM, say by the wire hitting the header, would the car run like crap? I am getting code 43, which means knock sensor or module fault, or ICM fault...I replaced the modules, bu noticed he KS wiring is VERY close to the header tube...Is this a possibility?

LT4 CC306w/1.6's and hooker LT's

 

It has been suggested that a certain amount of timing retard is done by the pcm when that code is present (probably to protect the engine). That could be why you feel a drop in performance.

 

Damn...beat me to it.

I was going to say what shoebox said. When the knock sensor is seen by the PCM as not properly functioning, the PCM has no idea if any accurate knock is present, and retards the timing as a safeguard.

 

OK, that makes sense, I'll tace the wiring and replace the sensor today.

 

Let me confirm once again the above said, and add that the PCM will retard timing to its maximum value possible (and this is according to RPM and load) when there's a KS malfunction. As a result, the car will run very crappy.


Also,
The part that's in the PCM is called a Knock Module.

 

Yeah, I know abou the module...Just wanted to be clear...I have already replaced the KM...No luck...Would the PCM retard timing to the minimum proscrbed by the table in the PCM? Because according to Freescan, it sure as hell is.

 

Not minimum, but maximum. Yes, it will retard according to its KR tables.