GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Detonation/Spark Knock

Checks

Action

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

Preliminary Checks

    • Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds. Ensure that they are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .
    • Refer to supporting text of the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls. If the scan tool readings are normal , and if no engine mechanical faults exist, fill the fuel tank with a known high-quality fuel that meets the vehicle's minimum octane requirements. Refer to Fuel System Specifications . Road test the vehicle, and re-evaluate the vehicle's performance.

Fuel System

    • Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the items that can cause an engine to run lean, with a long-term fuel trim near 24 percent. For a lean condition, refer to DTC P0131 or P0151 .

Ignition System

Inspect the spark plugs for the proper heat range.

Engine Cooling System

Inspect for the following obvious overheating conditions:

    • Low engine coolant--Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling for the type and amount of engine coolant to be used.
    • Restricted air flow to the radiator, or restricted coolant flow through the radiator--Refer to Radiator Cleaning in Engine Cooling.
    • An inoperative electric cooling fan--Refer to Cooling Fan Inoperative in Engine Cooling.

Engine Mechanical

Inspect for the following engine mechanical conditions:

    • Excessive oil in the combustion chamber caused by leaking valve seals--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
    • Low cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.
    • Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chambers--Clean the combustion chamber by using a quality engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.
    • Inspect for incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following components:
       - The camshaft
       - The cylinder heads
       - The pistons

Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical-5.7L.

Additional Checks

    • Test the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch operation. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Adjustment in Automatic Transmission-4L60-E.
    • Test the Transmission Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) operation. A TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission-4L60-E.