Knock meter question

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

Hi, I'm planning to get a knock meter, please make some suggestions. Which brand do you recommand, which brand I should avoid? Does our cars have a factory knock sensor, is it sensitive enough? Do I need a GM knock sensor? Thanks in advance.

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

Will this MDS Knock Alert work with 1G DSM? It comes with it's own sensor, so I think that should be more accurate than the factory knock sensor. right?

 

[Cesar]

Where would you mount the sensor? would you replace the factory one?
Have you heard of the knockbox? Pocketlogger?
http://pocketlogger.com/index.php?pid=kb_det

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

I'm new to DSM tuning, I haven't heard of the KnockBox. It looks really good. But does it use the stock knock sensor? Is the stock knock sensor sensitive enough to heard knock before it does real damage? If I do get the MSD I guess I would have to either find a place to mount it, or I would have to relocate the stock sensor. Does anyone have an aftermarket sensor installed? Where would be a good place to mount it (without removing the stock knock sensor?) Thanks for the help.

 

[kpt4321]

On the DSM, which has a factory knock sensor, I would just use the knockbox. The factory knock sensor is fine for your purpose.

 

[pneumo]

Don't be so paranoid! The stock knock sensor is awesome. The electronics behind the knock sensor are very sophisticated. Yes, the sensor will detect knock well before it does any damage. If you get the Knockbox, or better yet a Pocketlogger, you will see that the knock sensor has a range from zero to 43 (max), so you can see exactly how bad the knock is, and wether it's increasing, decreasing, or staying the same. The ECU is also set up so that if knock gets bad enough it will retard the ignition timing, and more knock = more retard. Just make sure your knock sensor isn't so old that it doesn't work properly.

 

[Larry L]

Originally posted by kpt4321
On the DSM, which has a factory knock sensor, I would just use the knockbox. The factory knock sensor is fine for your purpose.

Hey Kyle I am about to install the Knock LED mod from VFAQ. Now it only illuminates when severe knock activates the BCS to restrict boost. I want to use this to monitor knock so I know when to get off the accelerator. My funds are limited and I know that the 2g Pocket logger programs only monitor timing advance. Is this a good modification or is it a waste of time.

 

[pneumo]

The knock LED is a waste of time. It doesn't monitor knock, it only monitors when the ECU trips the BCS. Unfortunately, the ECU was programmed to pulse the BCS at partial boost, which would trip the "knock LED" even tho there wasn't any knock. The ECU was programmed to pulse the BCS so the boost doesn't hit as hard, and to prevent the BOV from surging under partial boost conditions.

The ECU also trips the BCS when knock is reached under full boost.

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

My car has 112k mile, do you think I need to replace the knock sensor? Is there a way to test the knock sensor? Thanks for the help.

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by DSM_AWD_TSi
Is there a way to test the knock sensor?

The Check Engine light trips if it fails.

 

[kpt4321]

The check engine light will trip if it dies really badly. However, it can be worn out and oversensitive, and not throw a code.

 

[pneumo]

The manual says to hook up a timing light without grounding the test connector, then bang on the intake manifold with a hammer. Watch the timing to see if it gets pulled.

You could also reach under the IM and feel the backside of the sensor. It's filled with rubber. If the rubber is dripping off and very goey, replace the sensor. New sensors have only a slight softness that can be felt when you dig your fingernail into it, kinda like a car tire.

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

I don't have a timing light. BUt I will check to see if the rubbers are bad. Thanks.

 

[Larry L]

Originally posted by pneumo
The knock LED is a waste of time. It doesn't monitor knock, it only monitors when the ECU trips the BCS. Unfortunately, the ECU was programmed to pulse the BCS at partial boost, which would trip the "knock LED" even tho there wasn't any knock. The ECU was programmed to pulse the BCS so the boost doesn't hit as hard, and to prevent the BOV from surging under partial boost conditions.

The ECU also trips the BCS when knock is reached under full boost.

I'm aware that it cycles between 2500 and 3k so that isn't a prob. I'm actually interested in knock levels at high boost. I figure if the ECU sees significant enough knock to trip the bcs and restrick the boost than I should get off the throttle.

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

Is the stock knock sensor always active? Cause some knock sensors are ignored in certain conditions. Will I still be able to monitor knock?

 

[pneumo]

The knock sensor is always active, even at part throttle, WOT, idle, and everything in between.