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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2006 🢒 GMC Sierra Denali 🢒 Vehicle Control Systems 🢒 Vehicle DTC Information 🢒 Detonation/Spark Knock

Inspection/Tests

Action

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

Preliminary Inspections
    • Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Beginning in Symptoms - Engine Controls .
    • Search for bulletins.
    • Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views and Engine Controls Schematics .
    • If there are no engine mechanical faults, 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 performance of the vehicle.

Fuel System
    • Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool , or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
    • Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean:

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

       - Water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector
       - An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine--Refer to Exhaust Leakage .
       - Vacuum leaks
       - Incorrect fuel pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
       - Restricted fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
       - Inspect for proper operation of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor--Refer to DTC P0106 .
       - Fuel contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
       - Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected

Sensor/System

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

Ignition System
    • In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures:
       -  Spark Plug Inspection
       -  Spark Plug Replacement
    • Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following:
       - Correct heat range
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Heavy deposits
       - Verify that the spark plugs are of the correct type.
    • Inspect for proper secondary ignition voltage output with J 26792 HEI Spark Tester .
    • An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool.
    • If the spark plugs are found to be fouled, determine the cause before replacing the spark plugs.
    • Inspect for damaged spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection .

Engine Cooling System

Inspect for obvious overheating problems:

    • Low engine coolant--Refer to Loss of Coolant .
    • Faulty thermostat-- Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
    • Restricted air flow to the radiator or restricted coolant flow through the radiator.
    • Inoperative cooling fan--Refer to Cooling Fan Malfunction .
    • Proper tension on the drive belts--Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis .
    • Correct coolant solution should be a 50/50 mix. Refer to Cooling System Description and Operation .

Engine Mechanical

Inspect for the following engine mechanical problems:

    • Excessive oil in combustion chamber--Leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis .
    • High cylinder compression--Refer to Engine Compression Test .
    • Combustion chambers for excessive carbon buildup--Clean the combustion chamber by using top engine cleaner. Follow the instructions on the can.
    • Incorrect camshaft timing
    • Inspect for incorrect, worn, or damaged basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
       - The camshaft--Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection .
       - The cylinder heads--Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .
       - The pistons, etc.--Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
    • Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .
    • Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection . This could result in any of the following conditions:
       - A no start
       - A start and stall
       - Erratic performance

Additional Inspections

Inspect the transmission torque converter clutch (TCC) operation. The TCC applying too soon can cause the engine to spark knock. Refer to Torque Converter Diagnosis for the 4L60-E/4L65-E transmission.