What does a knock sensor do?
The knock sensor is located on the outside of the engine block. Its job is to record knocking noise from the engine in order to prevent engine damage.
The knock sensor "listens out for" vibrations from the engine block and converts these into electrical signals. The signals are filtered and evaluated in the engine’s control unit. If the vibrations are determined to be outside of the predefined ‘normal’ limits, the engine management control unit will alter the ignition timing until it returns to within the correct limits.
How often should a knock sensor need replacing?
Replacing a knock sensor is not part of routine car maintenance so should only need to be fixed when it breaks or begins to fail. On most modern vehicles, the knock sensor should last over 150,000 miles or the lifetime of the vehicle.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A fault with the knock sensor will often illuminate the Engine Management Light in your car. Your vehicle will fail its MOT if your Engine Management Light remains on when the engine has been started. Under the new MOT rules, it is now classed as a major fault so will need to be fixed before a mechanic can pass your car. Therefore it’s crucial that you keep an eye out for engine warning lights and have your car inspected by one of our vetted mechanics when necessary.
What happens when we do a knock sensor replacement on your car?
Our certified mechanics will:
Perform a diagnostic check to discover any fault codes coming from the knock sensor and other related parts of the engine.
Once they confirm that the knock sensor is faulty, they will fit a replacement knock sensor.
Once replaced, the mechanic will start the engine and recheck for fault codes.
When should a knock sensor be replaced?
You should have your knock sensor looked at as soon as you notice any of the related symptoms, such as an illuminated engine warning light, reduced engine power or poor fuel economy. Because your knock sensor plays a vital role in preventing engine damage and in the safe and efficient running of your car, it’s very important to have it fixed as soon as possible.
What are the signs of a bad knock sensor?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
Engine pre-detonation known as “pinking” or knocking
Engine warning light comes on
Reduced engine power
Increased fuel consumption
How often should you replace your knock sensor?
Replacing a knock sensor is not part of routine car maintenance so should only need to be fixed when it breaks or begins to fail. On most modern vehicles, the knock sensor should last over 150,000 miles or the lifetime of the vehicle.
What happens during a knock sensor replacement?
During the repair our certified mechanics will:
Perform a diagnostic check to discover any fault codes coming from the knock sensor and other related parts of the engine.
Once they confirm that the knock sensor is faulty, they will fit a replacement knock sensor.
Once replaced, the mechanic will start the engine and recheck for fault codes.
What is the average life of a knock sensor?
On most modern vehicles, the knock sensor should last over 150,000 miles or the lifetime of the vehicle.
Can you drive with a broken knock sensor?
You should not drive with a bad knock sensor. If you continue to drive with a failing sensor, serious damage could be done to your engine, causing an expensive repair or replacement. As well as this a bad knock sensor will greatly reduce your cars power and fuel economy. To save yourself time and money down the line we recommend refraining from driving and getting the issue fixed as soon as possible.
