I know my car feels more sluggish then when I bought it; and since then i've done minor tweaks (hacked airbox, K&N panel, recent NGK plug change, TB/IACV cleaned) and I know it should still feel ATLEAST as strong as when I got it last year (bought at 49k, at 72k now; 5-speed.)

Recently my CEL came on with 0903 (EVAP Canister; this is a self-diagnostic for testing emissions, it is neglible and occurs only when it is very wet out, and goes away once it has been dry for atleast a week or so .. leads me to believe electrical connection, but I havent been able to nail that one yet.) But when it first came on I noticed the ghost code for the knock sensor.

Now, I don't know how long it's been dead, and I know that it retards the timing so there is no change of engine ping while the sensor has failed; does anyone know just how much, and does it make a noticable difference in power loss?

 

It's in the general 4th gen. faq's. It has a good explaination. I just installed my knock sensor two days ago, and the hesitation from 2k-3k rpms is eliminated -- the power is very linear. The loss of power and retarding the ignition are immense on a bad ks.

edit: wow your ks went out at 70k miles??? ouch

 

Someone told me they replaced their plugs and the KS code didnt come back after an ECU reset .. but I am never late on my plugs, but I'm going to try that before I buy a new KS (current NGK coppers have ~ 20k, so wouldnt hurt to give it a try.)

If it doesn't come back I wont worry about it.