First time poster. I have been noticing a loss of power and fuel economy when my car gets up to temp. I ran diagnostics and found a bad knock sensor. I was wondering if there is an easy fix for this (like grounding the VTC's). Can I ground out the connector? Or maybe another easy fix? I really don't feel like taking the intake manifold off just to change one little sensor!

Thanks

P.S. I cleaned the coolant temp connector, but that didn't help.

 

No easy fix. But it could be the connector or wiring harness. Check those also before digging into there to replace the knock sensor.

 

I checked the harness connector with an ohmmeter. Chilton's said I should have a continuous circuit between pin A and ground. There wasn't continuity. So I think it's a bad sensor.

 

Well if you want to replace the sensor, it's really not that hard to take off the intake manifold. It's a little time consuming but not too technical.

You'll need the correct sized allen/socket to get the manifold allen bolts off. It would be a good time to clean out the TB also. You will need a new in. manifold gasket and a new TB gasket also. Might be time to check/replace any fuel injector hoses that are getting old/brittle/leaky when cold.

 

Will a knock sencor reduce the power of a car?

I noted that my car doesn't pull as well as it should. I did an ECU check and got the knock sencor code. I have been using low octane, and I hear that plays a role on the sencor, but that much loss of power?
So in any case, will it make me lose power? and how do I diagnose the wiring harness and the connectors?

Thanks

 

Yes, I think it does. My knock sensor will test out fine some days and be bad on others. When it is working I notice that my car pulls much better in the 2K-3K range. To test the connector, find the wire that comes from underneath the intake manifold and follow it to the connector. The connector should have 2 pins. Hook up an ohmmeter between the neg terminal of the battery and the pin closest to the radiator. You should get a continuous circuit. If not, probe the wire below the connector. No continuity will mean a bad sensor.

Hope this helps!

 

Can someone tell me exactly where that sensor is?
I have been looking all over for it, and either I am blind or I can't find it! I see the Throttle Positioning Sensor in that area where I think it should be, and that is it!

It would help if someone had a picure of it!

Thank you.