Detonation/Spark Knock. Buick Park Avenue 2002

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 Park Avenue 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Detonation/Spark Knock

Checks

Action

DEFINITION: A mild to severe ping, usually worse under acceleration. The engine makes sharp metallic knocks that change with throttle opening.

Preliminary Checks

•	Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls .

•	Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting.

•	Refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls Visual/Physical Checks

•	Search for bulletins.

Fuel System

•	Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

•	Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (Long Term FT significantly in the positive range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171 .

Ignition System

Check the spark plugs for proper heat range and reach. Refer to Maintenance Items in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Engine Cooling System

Check for obvious overheating problems:

•	Low engine coolant

•	Restricted air flow to radiator, or restricted water flow through radiator.

•	Inoperative electric cooling fan circuits. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Cooling .

•	Correct coolant solution should be a 50/50 mix of GM 1052753 or equivalent antifreeze coolant and water. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.

Engine Mechanical

•	Excessive oil in combustion chamber--Leaking valve seals. Refer to Valve Stem Oil Seal and Valve Spring Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

•	Low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.

•	Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup. Clean using top engine cleaner. Follow instructions on the can.

•	For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:

Camshaft

-	Cylinder heads

-	Pistons, etc.

Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks

•	Check for proper exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system operation. Refer to DTC P0401 .

•	Check the transaxle range switch input with the vehicle in drive and the gear selector in drive or overdrive.

•	Check torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transaxle.

•	If scan tool readings are normal and there are no engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tank with a known quality gasoline that has a minimum octane reading of 87, for VIN K, 91 for VIN 1 and re-evaluate vehicle performance.