using the pictures at motorvate.ca, i was able to change my knock sensor in about 10 minutes - locating the sensor was the problem, but once i spotted it, i used a 12mm socket, swivel adapter, and 12" extension to loosen the bolt, then i (wierd human trick) dislocated my thumb so my hand could fit through the opening and slide under the intake manifold to loosen it with my index and middle fingers, then fished the whole deal out - under 2 minutes. looked at the sensor, cleaned the contacts, etc. on the connecter, and reinstalled it (i figured "hey, its way easier than everyone says, so why not try it?") started the car and drove around - so much power! i have no idea how long the KS has been a problem, but its just crazy now! i can burn the tires with light throttle, and my auto (back to stock) gle scratches the 1-2 shift, seems like it wants to on the 2-3 thanks for the help, and sorry if i bugged anyone with my other post, i didn't know that the search function was back. thanks all! if anyone wants some photos, can post some? gotta give a thumbs up to motorvate.ca, without the knock sensor photos from their site i never would have gotten to it. ALSO - it is NOT necessary to remove the intake or anything, i just undid one sensor to get the connector out of my way. and i do not have tiny hands, i am 6'3" 240lbs - any questions at all?

:: damn, i rambled! ::

 

Live near Ohio? I'm next.

 

no, southern california. in hindsight, i think i will let the car cool off before putting my hand in there too. (ouchie!)

go to a hardware store and get a 12" extension and 12mm swivel socket, it will make short work of the job. and a flashlight! check first to see if your hand will fit in there though, i didn't even get cut (which seems to be a common cmplaint?)

 

Thanks for the advice, and congrats.

 

how did you clean the knock sensor?

 

with a pointy knife, and put some dielectric grease on there to help it keep contact in the future

 

How did you know your knock sensor was a problem, was it giving you a code?

Did you test the thing at all to see how much current it would run?

 

no fair, i cant dislocate my thumb

 

just changed my knock sensor a couple of weeks ago, i found that this trick works. use some kind of plastic bag or piece of paper, wrap it around the bolt, then shove the bolt into 12mm socket. the bolt should stay in there, then tighten up the bolt, lift up and the piece of plastic should still stick to either the bolt or socket. finally just remove that piece. save you from spend time cutting up your hands.

 

So you changed teh KS completely right? You didnt just take off the KS and clean teh contacts (ground, connectors, etc..)? I'm asking because I also changed my KS a few months ago and I'm still getting the KS code, I'm not sure if its a contact problem, because I still read the right amount of resistance from it.

 

i took it off, cleaned the contacts, and put it back on. was fine for 24 hours, but seems to be back to its old self. very strange- well, at least i know how to do it now. i was getting a code, and it finally came back with the code again. i can look for a good price on a new one now and not really have to worry about it. i wonder how long the knock sensor has been going, because i don't remember the last time it felt that powerful - wierd!

 

You say that you were getting a code, but don't know how long the KS has been going. Were you not getting a CEL?

 

the KS will not trigger a CEL itself, but if you check codes you will see it. i was trying to find out why i was only getting 260 mi. /tank (all gentle freeway miles) and why my car was such a dog off the line compared to how it used to be- checked codes and got a KS code. once, a long time ago, i got a front heated o2 sensor CEL, but after clearing it it hasn't come back (6 months or so) im off to locate a cheap KS. probably around a hundred bucks, right?

 

Yep.. I'm testing mine with a multimeter tonight to see if my CEL was for actual knocking or a failed KS. I did, however, buy a KS so that I could replace (ULTRA HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE), so after I check this evening, if I find the resistance is within spec for my KS I'll sell you mine. (Not even out of the shipping box!) for like 105 shipped.