Long Duk Dong
10+ Year Contributor
- 126
- 0
- Jul 8, 2008
-
Montgomery,
Alabama
Just a short knock sensor write up for us newbs - Everyday I am learning new and interesting stuff about these cars. Most recently, I discovered that I was picking up what appeared to be a good deal of "knock" even on start-up. At first I attributed this to the installation of the poly motor mounts. After checking the knock sensor a little closer I found that the previous owner had removed the knock sensor and filled it with some type of sealant. I assume it was because it was old, leaking and that he was looking for a cheap fix. After getting a copy of ECM link I also discovered that the intermittent engine code that was popping up was a 0031 Faulty Knock Sensor. I also noticed that no matter how good I had the numbers looking in the data log it would still knock at times causing me to question item after item. As such I ordered a Beck Arnley knock sensor from one of the local parts stores.
Before installing it I did some research both here and on the ECMLink forums. I discovered two things One, DO NOT over tighten the knock sensor. That issue alone can cause one a great deal of headache by causing the knock sensor to pick up what is referred to as False knock. Apparently the gent I bought it from either A) didnt care or B) didnt know as it was VERY tight. A dab of Locktite and a slight nudge over hand tight seems to be the trick. It is easily accessible with the car on a lift as it is located below the intake manifold, on the back side of the engine block, slightly offset towards the drivers side from the center. It can be done with relative ease with the car in the air. Just make sure to use JACK STANDS if you use a jack so you dont flatten yourself in the event of a jack failure. Flat DSM'er's aren't any good unless served up with syrup. I installed the new one and wallaa, it now runs and idles like new money with no codes and my logs look MUCH, MUCH BETTER. This may or may not be redundant but I hope that it will help someone as new to the DSM world as I.
Before installing it I did some research both here and on the ECMLink forums. I discovered two things One, DO NOT over tighten the knock sensor. That issue alone can cause one a great deal of headache by causing the knock sensor to pick up what is referred to as False knock. Apparently the gent I bought it from either A) didnt care or B) didnt know as it was VERY tight. A dab of Locktite and a slight nudge over hand tight seems to be the trick. It is easily accessible with the car on a lift as it is located below the intake manifold, on the back side of the engine block, slightly offset towards the drivers side from the center. It can be done with relative ease with the car in the air. Just make sure to use JACK STANDS if you use a jack so you dont flatten yourself in the event of a jack failure. Flat DSM'er's aren't any good unless served up with syrup. I installed the new one and wallaa, it now runs and idles like new money with no codes and my logs look MUCH, MUCH BETTER. This may or may not be redundant but I hope that it will help someone as new to the DSM world as I.