Detonation/Spark Knock. Chevrolet Prizm 2000

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 1.8L 🢒 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 Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check .

•	Refer to Symptoms .

•	Road test the vehicle and determine the severity of the complaint.

Cooling System Checks

•	Check for any obvious overheating problems.

•	Check for a low engine coolant level.

•	Check for a loose water pump belt.

•	Check for restricted air flow through the radiator, or a restricted coolant flow.

•	Check for a faulty or incorrect thermostat.

•	Check for a correct coolant solution. The solution should be a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water.

Sensor Check

Check for an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that has a shifted value. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

Fuel System Checks

•	Check to determine if a lean system causes the condition. Drive the vehicle at the speed of the complaint. Monitoring the Fuel Trim will help identify the problem. If the system is lean, the Long Term Fuel Trim will be more than 20 percent.

•	Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

•	Check the fuel injectors. Perform the Fuel Injector Coil Test procedure and the Fuel Injector Balance Test procedure. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) and to Fuel Injector Balance Test .

•	Check for inferior quality fuel and the proper octane rating. Refer to Fuel System Specifications . Fill the fuel tank with a known high quality fuel that meets the vehicles minimum octane requirements. Road test the vehicle and re-evaluate the vehicle performance.

Ignition System Checks

•	Check the spark plugs for the correct gap. Refer to Spark Plug Usage .

•	Inspect the spark plugs for excessive deposits that can glow and pre-ignite the air/fuel mixture. Refer to Spark Plug Visual Diagnosis .

•	Check the spark plugs for the correct type and the correct heat range. Refer to Spark Plug Visual Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical Checks

•	Check for carbon buildup. Remove the carbon with a Top engine cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the container.

•	Check for incorrect basic engine parts such as the cam, the heads, the pistons, etc. Refer to Engine Mechanical.

•	Check for excessive oil entering the combustion chamber.

Additional Checks

•	Check for the proper operation of the air induction system.

•	Check for any Service Bulletins or updates.