GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Inspection/Test

Action

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

Sensor/System

    â€¢ Verify that the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is not shifted in value. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
    â€¢ Inspect for vacuum leaks and any unmetered air.
    â€¢ Monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity. Refer to the knock sensor description within the Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description .

Fuel System

    â€¢  Test the fuel system for correct operation, restriction, volume, and pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    â€¢ Test for proper operation of the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis .
    â€¢ Test for fuel contamination. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    â€¢ Inspect the throttle body for coking. Refer to Throttle Body Inspection and Cleaning .
    â€¢ Inspect for lean or rich conditions. Refer to DTC P0171, P0172, P0174 or P0175 Conditions for Running the DTC. Refer to DTC P0171 or P0172 or DTC P0174 or P0175 .
    â€¢ Ensure that quality fuel is being used. Consult the Vehicle Owner's Manual.

Ignition System

    â€¢ Inspect for proper ignition system operation. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
    â€¢ Inspect the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .
    â€¢ Inspect the spark plugs for correct application. Refer to Ignition System Specifications .
    â€¢ Inspect for damaged ignition coils within the ignition coil module assemblies.
    â€¢ Inspect for damaged or misaligned spark plug boots.
    â€¢ Inspect for a missing or damaged ignition module ground spring.

Engine Mechanical

    â€¢ Inspect the engine mechanical for oil consumption, carbon build up within the combustion chamber, correct engine compression, and correct base engine timing. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .
    â€¢ Inspect the combustion chamber for excessive carbon buildup.
    â€¢ Inspect for correct base engine timing. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .
    â€¢ Inspect the following for incorrect basic engine parts:
      â€¢ Camshafts
      â€¢ Cylinder heads
      â€¢ Pistons

Additional Inspections

    â€¢ Inspect the engine cooling system. Refer to Engine Overheating .
    â€¢ Inspect the torque converter clutch (TCC) system for proper operation. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis .