Engine pinging or knocking

Knocking and pinging are two separate things. "Knocking" usually refers to the sound an engine makes when internal mechanical parts, such as piston rod bearings or connecting rod bearings, begin to wear and cause a deep "knock, knock, knock" sound during engine rotation. "Pinging" refers to the tapping sound you get upon acceleration, either when using fuel that is to loo octane for the vehicle, or when static timing is set too far advanced, or when the cylinder heads are overheating due to clogged water channels or thin oil.
If you are hearing KNOCKING on the left side, it is likely time for an engine rebuild. If you are hearing PINGING, you may need a better grade of fuel, or you are way overdue for either an oil change or a major tune-up.

What type of. vehicle? The knock sensor may be functioning properly and is picking up a knock from the vehicles engine. Sometimes a low grade of fuel can cause the engine to ping resulting in a knock sensor code. Is there any abnormal noises being produced from the engine or bolt on accessories?

caused by hot and lean.
which engine.??? at least 3 choices.
most have knock sensors. and will not knock.
if it really is knock then that is serious.
knock means detonation or ping.
if its just noise say that,
real PING happens under load.
1: check fuses.
2: check knock sensor for outside damage.
3: SCAN the PCM. do you have any DTC errors/
4: do a full 60k tune up. maybe its lean because the fuel filter is clogged.

If the knock sensor isn't working it isn't a real problem IF the engine isn't knocking. The sensor detects the faint pinging that comes before engine knock and sends a signal to the ECM which then begins to ****** timing until no pinging is reported by the sensor. If you do have knock and the sensor isn't working you can severely damage your engine.

Yes it can cause ping.

It sounds like the ignition may be firing early at times. If it sounds like it is knocking and pinging then this can be ******* the engine to keep it running like this. It is better to get off the roadway and shut it down. Check for engine codes, etc.

I hope this helps.

Hi, if it's the engine pinging/knocking, you might resolve that by using higher octane fuel. A tune-up would be good too. Spark knock or preignition sometimes is caused by carbon build-up in the combustion chambers. Other knocking might be something physically bumping, like a loose exhaust pipe. A torn engine mount can allow parts to contact other parts and knock together as the drivetrain sags

It allows the engine to run with the ignition timing as far advanced as possible. The computer will continue to advance the timing until the knock sensor detects pinging. At that point the computer retards the ignition timing just enough for the pinging to stop.
A knock sensor assures that you're getting as much power and fuel economy as is possible from your engine.


knock sensor
The knock sensor responds to spark knock caused by Pre-detonation of the Air/Fuel mixture. As the flame front moves out from the spark plug ignition point, pressure waves in the chamber crash into the piston or cylinder walls resulting in a sound known as a knock or ping. This is caused by using a fuel with a low octane rating, overheating, or over advanced timing. Sometimes it can be caused by hot carbon deposits on the piston or cylinder head that raise compression. A knock sensor is comprised of Piezoelectric materials; Crystals that when impacted, generate a voltage (same idea as a BBQ ignitor). This voltage is monitored by the computer, and when an irregularity is detected, the computer corrects timing in VVT (variable valve timing) engines, or triggers a DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code) in older vehicles.

I think you've called your solution, knock sensor!

The code means there is a problem in the knock sensor circuit, that means the the knock sensor connector wire pins may have a problem, the wiring to the sensor may be damaged, or the PCM may have a problem, and of course the sensor itself, I have one question did you tighten the sensor to the proper inch pound setting of torque? if not this can cause a code to set because the sensor does not vibrate as designed to send a signal of a engine knock/ping.