Engine knocking might be annoying for you to hear, but it’s important to understand what engine knocking means. This is actually damage occurring to your car’s engine. It’s mild at first, but over time as that damage continues, it can shorten the life of your car’s engine. Louisville Automotive Shop has some information for you about possible causes of engine knocking.
Knock Sensors Have Failed
Knock sensors are kind of a big deal for your car’s engine. These tiny sensors gather information about knocking in the engine and then transfer that data to the ECM. The ECM is then able to adjust things like the fuel mixture in order to compensate and correct those knocking sounds. No information from the knock sensors means that the ECM may not even be aware of the problem.
Spark Problems
If the spark from your car’s spark plugs is timed incorrectly or just doesn’t show up, that affects how well the whole combustion process occurs. Without the right spark, misfires and engine knocking become more prevalent. That then creates even bigger problems because the engine doesn’t have what it needs to function properly.
Wrong or Bad Fuel
The type of fuel you use matters more than you might think. In the owner’s manual, you might see a notice about the octane level or other requirements that the manufacturer recommends for your car. If you’re buying lower octane fuel, that can be a problem. But if you’re getting fuel that is somehow contaminated, like with too much alcohol content, that can also cause engine knocking.
Fuel Injector Failure
Problems in the fuel system, particularly with the fuel injectors, can also contribute to engine knocking issues. Your fuel injectors might only be clogged, causing intermittent issues with fuel. On the other hand, your fuel injectors can also fail, which causes a bigger problem more consistently. Regardless, problems with fuel delivery to the engine can cause knocking sounds that affect engine performance.
Is engine knocking about to drive you up a wall? Get some help finding out the underlying cause. Louisville Automotive Shop in Louisville, KY is here to help you with diagnostic testing that can quickly and accurately target the source of the problem. From there we can recommend the right repair solution right away so that you can get back on the road again quickly and safely. We’re also here for all of your routine maintenance needs.