Detonation/Spark Knock. Chevrolet Tracker

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2002 🢒 Tracker - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 1.6L 🢒 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 .

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

Cooling System Checks

•	Check for any obvious overheating problems. Refer to Engine Overheating in Engine Cooling.

•	Check for a low engine coolant level. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.

•	Check for a loose water pump belt.

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

•	Check for a faulty or incorrect thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis in Engine Cooling.

•	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 Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .

•	Check for poor fuel quality and proper octane rating. If the scan tool readings are normal and there are no engine mechanical faults, fill the fuel tank with a premium gasoline that has a minimum octane rating of 92 and re-evaluate vehicle performance.

Ignition System Checks

Check the spark plugs for the proper heat range and gap. Refer to Ignition System Specifications .

Engine Mechanical Checks

•	Check for carbon buildup. Remove the carbon with a top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.

•	Check for incorrect basic engine parts such as cam, heads, pistons, etc.

•	Check for an excessive quanitity of oil entering the combustion chamber. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks

•	Check for the proper operation of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Diagnosis .

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

•	Check the Service Bulletins for any updates.