Is it possible for the sensor or module to be faulty or not working properly and still NOT throw a code? Read how a bad sensor or module not working can lead to certain problems. Although I don't hear any knock or suspicious sounds I do have the stutter and shaking at acceleration which it says happens with bad modules or sensors, so this is just a basic inquiry. I'll be testing the sensor next time I'm under the car.

 

A hard fault should result in a code. Something causing poor performance of the circuit may not. Live scan data should show you if the circuit is working properly. You can tap on the block with a hammer to simulate knock and see if it is picked up.

 

Just to be clear; when the system isn't working properly, it will automatically retard timing? I lied earlier, I do have a knock sound when the shuttering happens but not every time I don't know if it's from the engine area or just a result of the car shuttering violently. When it retards the timing based on the bad circuit or "false" knock readings it will cause the vehicle to stutter and shake?

When I test the sensor for 5v reference and a resistance between 3.3-4.5k ohms, if both are present would that rule out a bid circuit or system for sure or could there be other options effecting it? I read your(Shoebox) test method as well.

 

As Rob indicated, if there is a problem on the circuit for the knock sensor, or if the knock module is deceased, you will get codes. Do you have those codes? If the codes set, the PCM will default to pulling timing based on a calculation using the RPM, engine load, etc. But if you don't have codes, the PCM isn't going to arbitrarily retard the timing, unless it gets a knock signal from the knock sensor.

When the PCM pulls timing, the engine loses power and may have a slight feeling of 'stumbling' but it isn't going to make the car "shutter".

By "shutter" (but then sometimes you type "stutter") do you mean "shudder" (shaking) or "stutter" (misfiring)?

 

Nope still no codes at all. It "shudders" as in shakes violently. This thread was just for clarification on the sensor, as when I looked up info on it there wasn't much clarification as to what the system could or would do if bad, or if the ses light came on in all cases of failure or circuit problems. I guess that was answered since he said something causing poor performance in the circuit may not set a code. And your explanation also rules it out as a cause of the shaking.