I was replacing my plugs/wires/ and collector gaskets today and I disconnected the knock sensor on the passenger side to give me some clearance. Well, I finished up and started the car and it had a slight knock coming from the passenger side. Unfortunately it was late and I didn't feel like putting it back on the lift, but I'm thinking I forgot to hook it back up. If this is the case, would it cause the car to knock? Just curious....I guess its either that or I have a socket layin on the frame somewhere


Thanks in advance

 

I think it's mostly a "silent" sensor.

Or that is, it won't make a difference or interrupt normal engine operation most of the time. When the engine is actually knocking is the only time it should interfere and cause the ecm to retard timing. If you unplug it it could potentially cause engine damage if you have pre-ignition problems- but you'll most likely be able to tell anyway...

It's kind of funny how the knock sensor only seems to get in the way- you're doing mods and it starts going crazy from all the noise. When your opti goes it can't do squat though because the ecm can't fix bridged dist. cap terminals...

 

Having it disconnected should not cause any kind of noise. However it should throw a code and I have heard that the computer will automatically retard the timing (maybe as much as 10°) to protect the engine (since it cannot detect any knock). I have not verified this for myself.

 

Thanks for the reply guys! I was hoping that would be the problem, but I guess not....guess tomorrow I'll have to put it back on the rack and HOPEFULLY find a socket or somethin layin around.

 

it throws an ESC error (electronic spark control) code and retarded the timing a good bit in mine, as ShoeBox said.