Engine knocks are obnoxious, and in many cases they’re also preventable. The key is to know what’s causing the knocking sounds. Cool Green Auto has some suggestions for you about what might be causing the engine knocks that you’re hearing.
Spark Problems
If the spark is off, too weak, or is otherwise not proper for the engine’s needs, that’s going to cause misfires. That’s what engine knocking is, truly. So, when you’re hearing those sounds, it’s possible that the spark plugs, wiring, or even timing are off in some way. Correcting issues with the spark can help to correct the engine knocking, giving you a quieter engine.
Fuel Injector Issues
Besides spark and air, your car’s engine also needs to have fuel in the engine in order to run properly. That fuel has to arrive in the right way and at the right time, just like the spark. Fuel injectors spray the fuel in a fine mist so that it ignites properly, so if the fuel injectors are clogged or aren’t working at all, you may not be getting fuel into the engine on time or in the right amounts. You’ll hear engine knocking as a result.
Improper Fuel
Your car’s manufacturer may have some seemingly odd recommendations about fuel octane levels for your car. The thing is, if you ignore those recommendations and put fuel in the tank that’s a lower octane level, you’re going to hear about it from your car’s engine. At first it’ll be engine knocks, and over time those knocks will get louder and create actual engine damage.
Failed Knock Sensor
Your car’s engine has a few different sensors throughout the engine and exhaust that help the onboard computer to make decisions that improve engine performance. One of those types of sensors is the knock sensor, and its job is to detect knocks. Then the ECM adjusts whatever needs adjusting in order to reduce the knocking. A failed sensor means the ECM can’t do any of that.
Do you still have a lot of engine knocking going on? Cool Green Auto in Shepherdstown, WV can diagnose the cause for you. We’ll use diagnostic testing to determine exactly what is causing the engine knocks and help you to find the best repair solution possible. That helps to protect your car’s engine life and performance for many years to come and helps you to enjoy driving your car for a long time to come.