GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The knock sensor (KS) produces an AC voltage at all engine speeds and loads. The powertrain control module (PCM) then adjusts the spark timing based on the amplitude and frequency of the KS signal. The PCM uses the KS signal to calculate the average voltage. Then, the PCM assigns a voltage value. The PCM checks the KS and related wiring by comparing the actual knock signal to the assigned voltage range. A normal KS signal should stay outside the assigned voltage range. This DTC will set if the KS signal is within the assigned voltage range or not present.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0335, P0340, P0385, P0502, P0503, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122, or P1336 are not set.
    • The engine speed is between 1,000-3,000 RPM.
    • The throttle angle is more than 15 percent.
    • The engine load is more than 45 percent.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 65°C (149°F).
    • The maximum spark retard is less than 15 degrees.
    • The system voltage is more than 9 volts.
    • The engine run time is more than 30 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects that the KS signal voltage remains within the calculated average voltage range.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step  2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important: If an engine knock can be heard, repair the engine mechanical condition before proceeding with this diagnostic.

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the engine within the Conditions for Running the DTC as close to the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data that you observed.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition?

Go to Step  3

Go to Intermittent Conditions

3

  1. Disconnect the PCM connector. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .
  2. Set the DMM to 400 mV AC Hertz scale. Refer to Measuring Frequency in Wiring Systems.
  3. Observe the frequency between the signal circuit and a good ground.
  4. Important:  DO NOT tap on plastic engine components.

  5. Tap on the engine block near the appropriate knock sensor while observing the signal indicated on the DMM.

Is any signal indicated on the DMM while tapping on the engine block near the knock sensor?

Go to Step  7

Go to Step  4

4

Test the KS signal circuit between the PCM and the knock sensor connector for the following:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step  9

Go to Step  5

5

  1. Inspect the KS signal circuit for a poor connection at the knock sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
  2. If you find a poor connection, repair the connector as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition ?

Go to Step  9

Go to Step  6

6

Replace the knock sensor. Refer to Knock Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step  9

--

7

  1. Inspect the KS signal circuit for a poor connection at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
  2. If you find a poor connection, repair the connector as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step  9

Go to Step  8

8

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step  9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs
  2. Turn OFF the engine for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step  10

Go to Step  2

10

Use a scan tool, in order to observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK