Checks
| Action
|
DEFINITION: A mild to severe ping, usually worse under
acceleration. The engine makes sharp metallic knocks that change
with throttle opening.
|
Preliminary Checks
|
• | Search for service bulletins. |
|
Fuel System
|
• | Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. |
• | Inspect items that can cause an engine to run lean (Long Term
FT significantly in the positive range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for
DTC P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean
. |
|
Ignition System
|
• | Inspect the spark plugs for proper heat range and reach. Refer
to
Spark Plug Replacement
in Engine
Electrical. |
• | Confirm that the knock sensor (KS) system is not retarding timing. |
|
Engine Cooling System
| Inspect for obvious overheating problems:
• | Restricted air flow to radiator, or restricted water flow through
radiator. |
• | Inoperative electric cooling fan circuits. |
• | Correct coolant solution should be a 50/50 mix of DEX-COOL or
equivalent antifreeze coolant and water. Refer to
Coolant Concentration Testing
in Engine Cooling. |
|
Engine Mechanical
|
• | Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup. Clean using
top engine cleaner. Follow instructions on can. |
• | For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following components: |
|
Additional Checks
|
- Inspect the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch input with a scan
tool and the gear selector in drive or overdrive.
- Test TCC operation. TCC applying too soon can cause the engine
to spark knock. Refer to
Torque Converter Diagnosis
in Automatic Transmission.
- If scan tool readings are normal and there are no engine mechanical
malfunctions, fill the fuel tank with a known quality gasoline that has
a minimum octane reading of 87 and re-evaluate vehicle performance.
|