How can one tell if there is a defective knock sensor?

Most late model computer controlled engines have a knock sensor that detects vibrations caused by detonation when the engine is under load. When the knock sensor hears the pistons rattling, it signals the computer to momentarily retard ignition timing a certain number of degrees until the knocking goes away. But if the knock sensor is defective, no spark retard will occur.

I've been under the assumption that I have a connecting rod oil relate knock, but bein intermittent, I'm beginning to assum it's the knock sensor.

99% of the time, I hear no knock from startup to warmup, but after the engine is warmed up, I sometimes hear it, only upon inital acceleration, usuall about 10-12MPH, under throttle load. After that it goes away as RPM increases. All last week, it was practiall non-existent. Today, I filled up (regular) and it's back. Now I wonder if it is indded bad. THe codes read fine via a code reader, but how would I test, and is it a common issue?

Otherwise, I'll consider the oil pump, as I do understand that the 2.3L motors are notorious for failures with their oil pumps. '87 Ranger is the truck.

 

I'll pull out my 1988 Ford manual tomorrow if you don't get an answer tonight and see what the pinpoint tests are for the knock senosr.

 

Don't think your engine is equipt with a knock sensor. Did you locate something on the engine you think is a knock sensor?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-May-02 AT 01:38 AM (EST)]you don't have a knock sensor. have you checked your plugs recently? also i've never once heard of a 2.3L engine with a bad oil pump. check your timing also

 

Sorry to say, yes I do. It's on the intake manifold, connected to a harness, and verifys with my Factory Service Manual.

 

you sure that isn't the Iinlet air charge sensor, it's screwed into the back of the manifold