For 1990-2009 cars

#### Detonation/Spark Knock

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 |

• | Refer to Symptoms , Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.

• | Search for bulletins.

• | Check the PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Ground Distribution Schematics in Wiring Systems

• | If the scan tool readings are normal (refer to supporting text of the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check) and there are no engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tank with a premium gasoline that has a minimum octane reading of 92 and re-evaluate the engine's performance.

Fuel System |

• | Check for a low fuel pressure condition. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Check for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

• | Check for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

• | Check the items that cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim near -13%). For a rich condition, refer to DTC P0132 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 and DTC P0152 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 .

• | Check the items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 23%). For a Lean condition, refer to DTC P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 and DTC P0151 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 .

Ignition System | Check the spark plugs for being the proper heat range.
Engine Cooling System | Check for obvious overheating conditions:

• | Low engine coolant. Refer to Engine Cooling System Specifications in Engine Cooling for the type and amount of engine coolant to be used.

• | Restricted air flow to the radiator or restricted coolant flow through the radiator.

• | Inoperative electric cooling fan circuits. Refer to Electric Cooling Fan Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical | Check for the following engine mechanical conditions:

• | Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical 5.7L.

• | Low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical 5.7L.

• | Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup. Clean the combustion chamber by using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.

• | Check for incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:

- | Camshaft

- | Cylinder heads

- | Pistons, etc.

Additional Checks |

• | Check the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch operation. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Diagnosis .

• | Check the TCC operation. The TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Diagnosis in Automatic Transmission 4L60E.