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knock sensor failing my emissions test?

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Old 12-26-2006, 09:25 AM
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Default knock sensor failing my emissions test?

I have gone to advance and barrowed thier actron scanner. I ckecked the readiness codes and all was fine. Actually I checked EVERYTHING and all was fine except for "knock sensor 1 bank 1 voltage low". I reset the codes and the light goes out for a short while. If I reset it and start the car, it useually stays out for 15 minutes or so. I cleared the codes just before emission check but I am not even allowed to even try a test. I had the car fully warmed up but the machine says the following.........



not ready:

catalyst
evaporative system
sec air system
O2 sensor
H02 sensor
EGR system


Unsupported:

Heated Catalyst
A/C System

So, would a faulty bank one sensor do this or is there more underlying issues?
Old 12-26-2006, 09:28 AM
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when you reset the system by clearing codes it take a while for the readiness tests to complete, so that was your downfall right there
Old 12-26-2006, 02:09 PM
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Well, crap! I didnt unplug the battery so I never thought just clearing the codes would have been an issue like that, although it WAS in the back of my mind. I asked the inspector if that would have done it, but, he was asian and kep saying "fix problem first, fix problem first!". Not that there is anything wrong with Asians, I dated one great chick that was Asian, but, the language barrier was way to thick, so, I had to just leave in confusion and frustration that I waited in line for nothing, lol.
Old 12-26-2006, 02:10 PM
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ROFL "Fis Wrobwem Firs"
Old 12-26-2006, 02:40 PM
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Well, he actually said "fix problem first" in very plain, consise english, but, after that, we just kind of looked at each other like two deer caught in each others headlights. I said okay thanks, and took off. `I have had the car on the road for about 150 miles, but, I would have also thought that the computer would have been reading everything by then and if anything, just report that the knock sensor was bad. I would not have thought it clearing the codes would have reset the whold darn computer!?!?!?!?
Old 12-26-2006, 02:59 PM
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Some states will let you get away with a couple "not readies." Try a couple GM drive cycles too, supposed to help even if you don't follow it to the letter. www.obdii.com/drivecycle.html
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Old 12-26-2006, 03:17 PM
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Thanks, I will definitly copy that page for when I go the second round. Thing is, until I fix the knock sensor, I dont think he will hook it up to the machine as the check engine light will then be on after I do all that, and, if what I am understanding, clearing the codes will make me have to start all over again. Gots me a dog chasing his tail syndrom until I change out the knock sensor, or, make sure the wiring is not cut.
Old 12-28-2006, 10:16 AM
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I don't think a knock sensor will make you fail emmissions... kinda like a transmission code, or an abs code, that stuff I don't think are a problem.
Old 12-28-2006, 10:30 AM
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Is the knock sensor in an LS1 car the same as a LT1 ?I have a LT4 knock sensor in my 94 trans am. Can I swap it into the LS1?
Old 12-28-2006, 01:23 PM
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The LS1 has 2 knock sensors...under the intake manifold. I'd replace both while the intake is off.
Old 12-28-2006, 01:44 PM
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thanks 2001, yea, I saw that on my 98 when I had it apart. I am hoping the cap part of the wiring harness popped off or something, but, if they are on good and tight and the wiring checks out, i will be sure t change them both, thats for sure.
Old 12-28-2006, 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by csmc711
Well, crap! I didnt unplug the battery so I never thought just clearing the codes would have been an issue like that, although it WAS in the back of my mind. I asked the inspector if that would have done it, but, he was asian and kep saying "fix problem first, fix problem first!". Not that there is anything wrong with Asians, I dated one great chick that was Asian, but, the language barrier was way to thick, so, I had to just leave in confusion and frustration that I waited in line for nothing, lol.
Ive got a customer with the same problem. Im fixing it this weekend.

When knock sensors show low voltage its usually a short from moisture. When the sensor shorts out it usually damages the knock sensor harness too. Its not a hard fix but I replace both knock sensors, and the harness and then use RTV silicone and seal off the sensors from any possible moisture. Ive done a few like this and they never had an issue again. The first one i did was 3 years ago on a 98 and still going strong.

You can replace the sensors like i did on his car a few times and then you figure out the harness has been shorted as well. WHen i replaced the harness after both sensors were replaced we never had another problem. Its some kind of resistance in the harness that the sensors cant operate correctly on and will throw that code of low voltage.
Old 12-29-2006, 01:04 PM
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Yeah you are right.... Since they are very low-voltage units to begin with, it takes VERY little resistance in the cabling to cause a voltage drop. V=I*R ..... the current is TINY so a minor change in the R component will be readily seen in V.
Old 12-29-2006, 03:51 PM
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Ahhhhhhhhhh, crapola!! My front sensor looks like it has been under water for a year, so, I am sure the harness is not good then,
Old 12-30-2006, 07:04 PM
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It took me 547 miles of driving (I didn't try to run the drive cycle) before all my monitors showed ready.

Running the drive cycle can shorten that considerably.

Perry
Old 12-30-2006, 08:38 PM
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Okay, well, had to get a pigtail sensor connector from the dealer. I cut 10" off the old harness and soldered, siliconed and then shrink wraped the wires together, siliconed the caps on and a little dab for good measure around the wiring that pops out the middle of the cap. Got her all together, drove her around for an hour tonight and everything seems fine, no check engine light.

Now I guess it is time for 2001's drive cycle, bwhaahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
Old 01-01-2007, 08:41 PM
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Is there a part number for the harness?
Old 01-01-2007, 09:28 PM
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As far as my dealer was concerned, there was no connector in his records, just pig tail connectors in which you splice into the existing harness with. Came with about a foot or so of wire.
Old 01-03-2007, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by csmc711
Okay, well, had to get a pigtail sensor connector from the dealer. I cut 10" off the old harness and soldered, siliconed and then shrink wraped the wires together, siliconed the caps on and a little dab for good measure around the wiring that pops out the middle of the cap. Got her all together, drove her around for an hour tonight and everything seems fine, no check engine light.

Now I guess it is time for 2001's drive cycle, bwhaahahahahahahahahaha!!!!
What you did probably wont fix it but it could. I had a customer bring me that same pigtail. You want the complete harness under that intake. A good parts guy will find it. Sounds like a dummy found your part. I did an install with just the pigtail and it was no good after soldering and sealing it all off. It ended up getting the full harness like I asked for originally and the problem went away.
Old 01-03-2007, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by csmc711
As far as my dealer was concerned, there was no connector in his records, just pig tail connectors in which you splice into the existing harness with. Came with about a foot or so of wire.
I have the package at home with a complete harness there. Your parts dude was a rookie.

Ill post the number tonight when I get home.


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