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What can cause a knock sensor to go bad?

The last time I took my car in for an oil change, they told me my knock sensor might be going bad. I’ve never heard of a knock sensor before. What can cause it to go bad?

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Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Most often, your knock sensor will start malfunctioning due to faulty or bad connections. Sensors in your vehicle are sensitive, so any excessive vibration, movement from the wires, or other issues can cause a sensor to become disconnected.
Your knock sensor is crucial for making sure your engine is combusting properly. If the sensor isn’t working correctly, it could lead to some expensive engine damage.
If you notice any of the following issues, you’ll have to go ahead and have your knock sensor looked over:
  • Poor engine performance
  • Lower gas mileage
  • Any new or strange engine noises
  • Any change in vehicle’s performance
Regular engine maintenance can catch small problems (like a disconnected knock sensor) before they become big issues. You can also do some maintenance on your car insurance policy with
Jerry
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