Detonation/Spark Knock. Chevrolet Corvette 2001

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 5.7L 🢒 Detonation/Spark Knock

Detonation/Spark Knock

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: A mild to severe ping which usually occurs worse while under acceleration. The engine makes sharp metallic knocks that change with throttle opening.

Preliminary Checks

•	Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .

•	Search for bulletins.

•	Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in their proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

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If the scan tool readings are normal--Refer to the supporting text of Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls --, and if there are no engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tanks with a known high quality fuel that meets the vehicles minimum octane requirements. Refer to Fuel System Specifications . Road test the vehicle and re-evaluate the vehicles 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 .

•	Test the items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim near 23 percent). For a lean condition, refer to DTC P0131 or P0151 .

Ignition System

Inspect the spark plugs for being the proper heat range. Refer to Ignition System Specifications .

Engine Cooling System

Test for obvious overheating problems:

•	Low engine coolant-- Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling 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 Cooling Fan Inoperative .

Engine Mechanical

Inspect for the following engine mechanical problems:

•	Excess oil in the combustion chamber or leaking valve seals--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.

•	High cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.

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

•	Inspect for the incorrect engine parts, such as the following basic components:

-	The camshaft

-	The cylinder heads

-	The pistons.

Additional Checks

•	Test the park/neutral position (PNP) switch operation. Refer to DTC P0706 in Automatic Transmission-4L60 E.

•	Test the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) for proper operation. Applying the TCC too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis in Automatic Transmission-4L60 E.