Engine knocks are annoying, but they’re also a sign that there’s something going wrong in your car’s engine. Cary’s Auto Service has this advice for you if you’re hearing engine knocking sounds in your car.
The Knock Sensor Is Failing
You might think that’s a joke, but your car really does have a knock sensor. And this sensor’s job is to let the engine control module, or ECM, know that it’s picking up knocks. That prompts the ECM to go through different settings and adjust them. If that sensor isn’t working, the ECM is working blind from that angle.
Air and Fuel Aren’t Being Measured Properly
To properly combust, your car’s engine needs fuel and air to mix together in the perfect ratio. That might seem complicated to you, and it truly is. That’s why the ECM is in charge of all of that. But other things can go wrong, like the knock sensor above, or problems in the fuel system or air filter.
There Might Be an Issue with Spark
It isn’t just air and fuel, though. If you don’t have that spark, you won’t have any “boom,” and that means that combustion is off and you get engine knocks again. Spark plugs do go bad, but there can also be issues with spark plug wires that create issues. There’s a lot to consider.
The Engine’s Timing Might Be Wrong
Engine timing involves calculating exactly when to mix the air, fuel, and spark within the engine cylinder. Your car has a specific engine timing that needs to be precise. If that timing is off, you’re going to hear it in the form of engine knocking. The ECM may try to correct engine timing, unless there’s some other reason it isn’t able to do so.
You’re Not Using the Right Gas
This one is a little bit of user error. Your car’s manufacturer recommends a specific octane level for your car for a reason. It’s not just to con you into buying more expensive gas, either. That octane level is what will work best in your car’s engine. Consistently putting lower octane levels than your owner’s manual recommends into the tank can lead to engine knocks.
Not sure what might be causing the engine knocks you’re hearing? You don’t have to go it alone. Call Cary’s Auto Service in Tempe, AZ and set up an appointment today. We can troubleshoot the issue and let you know what is going on with your car’s engine.