is there a way to test a knock sensor if it is OUTside of the car? i have one right here, i could sell it. Im pretty sure its functional, id like to know for sure.

see a while back i got codes thrown for a ks (while the car was lagging and such), and when i replaced it, nothing changed at all. it later turned out to be just a coilpack, when i replaced that the car ran perfectly. so it obviously wasn't the ks...

any suggestions? i dont feel like ripping my hands up again

 

Yep.. you'll need a scope though.. Knock sensors will react when a ping is made.

 

you talking about a scope that a doctor uses?

 

Check resistance...But a failing KS may still pass the resistance test.
Haynes manual helps in explaining how to test resitance.

 

scope means oscilliscope.

 

ok, so the easiest way is to check resistance.

so the answer is maybe, or no then?

thanks guys

 

Maybe, since..

 

A knock sensor that passes the resistance test may or may not be good.

A knock sensor that does not pass the resistance test is bad.

So depending on how yours tests, you'll either know nothing, or you'll know its definitely bad.

 

The best way to test (i'm speculating here) i would be to hook it up to an oscilliscope and make a pinging noise and see what happens on the scope screen.

 

Dan - I agree that this is the most conclusive way, but I don't know if you'd still be able to determine if the readings are in spec or not...

When a KS fails, does it typically just go dead - i.e no response? if this is the case, then the scope will be conclusive in proving whether or not it works. If you can have a KS that is not dead but still not working properly (like an O2 sensor for example), then even the scope will not be sufficient.

 

Engine knock/ping is very sensitive and nearly impossible to detect. The KS is calibrated to such frequencies.

KS > you...

 

For a small plastic POS, it's a mighty little beast.. damn, they should be selling KS's in blue tiffany boxes

 

if you want to get rid of it, let me know.

mine threw a knock sensor code recently, but it hasn't come back, so i'm not sure what's going on.

 

damn, i dont have a scope, i guess ill have to cut my hand up again to check it. my guess is its still good

if you want it, make an offer, they go brand new for 100 on ebay.

 

Sounds like it's your KS harness.

 

i got the KS sensor code thrown at me too.

some guy on a another forum suggested that you can simple take out the bad one and place a .5mohm resistor where the KS goes to bypass the circuit.

can anyone explain this further?

 

It can be done, but it's a bad idea. The knock sensor detects pinging and adjusts timing accordingly. If you fool the ECU into thinking everything is ok, when it may not be, you can cause damage to the engine.

 

is the KS a difficult install? apart from the hand ripping stuff.

is a bolt involved or what.

 

As long as you have the right tools, it's easy. Get a long extension (like 16") and a flex socket or universal joint. You'll also need a magnetic or claw-type pickup tool.

 

one more question...how tight do you make the bolt?

if its too tight its over sensitive and if its too loose its not sensitive enough?

 

231 ft/lbs