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 Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms .

• | Search for bulletins.

• | Inspect the PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

• | 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 known high quality fuel that meets the vehicle's minimum octane requirements. Refer to Fuel System Specifications . Road test the vehicle and re-evaluate the vehicle's performance.

Fuel System |

• | Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

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

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

• | Inspect the items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 24%). 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 | Inspect the spark plugs for the proper heat range. Refer to Spark Plug Usage in Engine Electrical.
Engine Cooling System | Inspect for obvious overheating conditions:

• | Low engine coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling and Coolant Concentration Testing 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. Refer to Radiator Cleaning in Engine Cooling.

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

Engine Mechanical | Inspect 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.

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

- | Camshaft

- | Cylinder heads

- | Pistons, etc.

Refer to Engine Mechanical-5.7L.

Additional Checks |

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

• | Test the Transmission Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) operation. A TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Functional Test in Automatic Transmission 4L60-E.