GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1996 🢒 Camaro 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 4.3L (Caprice Only) and 5.7L 🢒 Detonation/Spark Knock

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 PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in their proper locations. Refer to PCM wiring diagrams in Electrical Diagnosis.
    • 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 vehicle performance.

Fuel System
    • Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check for restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    •  Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Test .
    • Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim near -99%). 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 items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 100%). 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
    • Spark plugs for proper heat range. Refer to Owners Manual or Section OB.
    • Check distributor vent system for being restricted or open. Refer to Distributor Vent System Check .

Engine Cooling System

Check for obvious overheating problems:

    • Low engine coolant.
    • Restricted air flow to radiator, or restricted water flow through radiator.
    • Inoperative electric cooling fan circuit(s). Refer to Electric Cooling Fan Diagnosis .
    •  Correct coolant solution should be a 50/50 mix of GM 1052753 or equivalent antifreeze coolant and water. Refer to Engine Cooling (6B) .

Engine Mechanical
    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
    • Low cylinder compression. Refer to 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:
       - Camshaft
       - Cylinder heads
       - Pistons, etc.
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks
    • Check Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch operation. Connect scan tool and monitor PNP signal. The scan tool should indicate P-N---- when in park or neutral and -R-OD21 when in any forward gear or reverse. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Check .
    • Check TCC operation. TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Transmission Controls.