What happens when a knock sensor goes bad?
What happens when a knock sensor goes bad? It detects any engine noises caused by detonation -- when fuel explodes in an engine's cylinder-- and adjusts ignition timing accordingly. If the knock sensor malfunctions, detonation is not properly regulated and major engine damage can occur. Can a bad knock sensor cause a check engine light to flash? Usually a bad knock sensor will trigger the "check engine" light to flash on your vehicle's dashboard. Sometimes, using cheap gasoline causes detonation and triggers the power train module -- the engine's main control board -- to wrongly diagnose the knock sensor and...