SLX V6-3.2L SOHC (1996)
Knock Sensor: Description and Operation
Component Description
KNOCK SENSOR
Insufficient gasoline octane levels may cause detonation in some engines. Detonation is an uncontrolled explosion (burn) in the combustion
chamber. This uncontrolled explosion results from a flame front opposite that of the normal flame front produced by the spark plug. The rattling
sound normally associated with detonation is the result of two or more opposing pressures (flame fronts) colliding within the combustion chamber.
Light detonation is sometimes considered normal, but heavy detonation could result in engine damage.
A knock sensor system is used to control detonation. This system is designed to retard spark timing up to 20 degrees to reduce detonation in the
engine. This allows the engine to use maximum spark advance to improve driveability and fuel economy.
The knock sensor system has two major components:
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The knock sensor (KS) module.
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The knock sensor.
The knock sensor, mounted in the engine block near the cylinders, detects abnormal vibration in the engine. The sensor produces an AC output
signal of about 10 millivolts. The signal amplitude and frequency are dependent on the amount of knock being experienced. The signal voltage
increases with the severity of the knock. This signal voltage is input to the PCM. The PCM then retards the ignition control (IC) spark timing
based on the KS signal being received.
The PCM determines whether knock is occurring by comparing the signal level on the KS circuit with the voltage level on the noise channel. The
noise channel allows the PCM to reject any false knock signal by indicating the amount of normal engine mechanical noise present. Normal engine
noise varies depending on the engine speed and load. If the voltage level on the KS noise channel circuit is below the range considered normal,
DTC P0327 will set, indicating a fault in the KS circuit or the knock sensor. If the PCM determines that an abnormal minimum or maximum noise
level is being experienced, DTC P0325 will set.
The PCM contains a knock sensor (KS) module. The KS module contains the circuitry which allows the PCM to utilize the KS signal and
diagnose the KS sensor and the KS circuitry. If the KS module is missing or faulty, a continuous knock condition will be indicated, and the PCM
will set DTC P0325.
Although it is a plug-in device, the KS module is not replaceable. If the KS module is faulty, the entire PCM must be replaced.
