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2 years 2 Knocks sensors Whats going on???

Old Aug 15, 2008 | 01:02 PM
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2 years 2 Knocks sensors Whats going on???

Like clock work my knock sensors go bad every year, I replaced the first time with a aftermart knock 1 year later it's dead. I buy a OEM knock from the dealer one year later same thing... whats going on, bad luck or bad design?

any way around this the drop in power is killin me when the ECM shifts to safe tables...
Old Aug 15, 2008 | 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Buck96
Like clock work my knock sensors go bad every year, I replaced the first time with a aftermart knock 1 year later it's dead. I buy a OEM knock from the dealer one year later same thing... whats going on, bad luck or bad design?

any way around this the drop in power is killin me when the ECM shifts to safe tables...
What octane do you use? Ive always heard using low quality gas could kill off knock sensors, not sure how true that is though. Also, are you torqeing them down to spec?
Old Aug 15, 2008 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Flava_24/7
What octane do you use? Ive always heard using low quality gas could kill off knock sensors, not sure how true that is though. Also, are you torqeing them down to spec?


When I first got the car I ran 87 for the first 2 months. I threw a KS code within this time and swapped out a perfect working sensor. I switched to 93 and the code went away.

91 plus is a must with our cars IMO.
Old Aug 15, 2008 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Flava_24/7
Also, are you torqeing them down to spec?
That was the first thing that came to my mind. Sadly, that's nearly impossible considering the method that 99% of orgers use.
Old Aug 15, 2008 | 04:20 PM
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ummm... when u installed the knock sensor did you appropiately tighten the bolt? I think if you over tighten the bolt you the sensor becomes more sensitive, and maybe lead to premature failure.
Old Aug 16, 2008 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Flava_24/7
Ive always heard using low quality gas could kill off knock sensors, not sure how true that is though.
Not true.

The KS is bolted to the outside of the engine block, it doesn't see (or care) what grade the fuel is, it detects engine ping and produces a signal to the ECU.

A faulty O2 sensor will also set KS codes. Have you ever had them changed or have you ever got an O2 error code? If your getting O2 codes with the KS code, change your O2's and the KS code should go away.

151,000 miles and I've replaced my KS only once.
Old Aug 16, 2008 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
Not true.

The KS is bolted to the outside of the engine block, it doesn't see (or care) what grade the fuel is, it detects engine ping and produces a signal to the ECU.

A faulty O2 sensor will also set KS codes. Have you ever had them changed or have you ever got an O2 error code? If your getting O2 codes with the KS code, change your O2's and the KS code should go away.

151,000 miles and I've replaced my KS only once.
LOL, yes I know where the KS is located. What I was refering when i said cheap gas is that it can cause knocking sometimes thus leading to premature Ks failure or knock readings. Especially if not torqued down enough and left loose to pick up all types of vibrations.
Old Aug 16, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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Ok thanks for the replys guys, still haven't found any answers to this, frustrating sometimes

To answer the obvious first, yes I only use 93 Octane not the 91 grade
I do own a torque wrench (SK) and use it often, and I baby this car and it still breaks on me


NJmax- one ks?!? replacement type/brand

this time I'm going to replace the pigtail connector too and see what happens

Last edited by Buck96; Aug 16, 2008 at 07:59 PM. Reason: update new info
Old Aug 17, 2008 | 01:58 PM
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knock sensor

Did u do the ODB scan and got only one code pointing to the KS ? or you actually got more than one code ? If there are some other codes: what are they ?


Originally Posted by Buck96
Like clock work my knock sensors go bad every year, I replaced the first time with a aftermart knock 1 year later it's dead. I buy a OEM knock from the dealer one year later same thing... whats going on, bad luck or bad design?

any way around this the drop in power is killin me when the ECM shifts to safe tables...
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