A bad knock sensor can cause very serious damage to the engine. Before this happens, consult this article on how to replace the knock sensors in your Silverado.
Knock sensors are essential to the functionality of your Silverado engine. They detect any noise caused by a knock and adjust the ignition timing accordingly.
If the sensor is failing, it will not detect the knock and cannot be properly adjusted, which will result in serious engine damage, leading to costly repairs.
Symptoms of a faulty knock sensor include:
- Engine check light
- Loud noises coming from the engine
- Tremors
- Vibrations
- Cold start misfires
Follow our guide below which will show you step-by-step how to replace a knock sensor on a Chevy Silverado before any kind of problem occurs in your engine.
How to replace a knock sensor on Chevy Silverado
Step 1 – Access the intake manifold
The negative battery terminal should be disconnected first, followed by the intake hoses at both ends, and finally, both the throttle control cable and throttle body control cable should be removed.
It is recommended to remove the throttle cable bracket and the main harness bracket from the intake manifold, as well as disconnect the EVAP solenoid sub-harness, mass airflow sensor, and Knock sensor.
Remove the throttle body and vent hoses from each valve cover and place them in a safe place. Use a cloth or small container to catch any gas leaks after releasing fuel pressure through the Schrader valve located at the fuel rail crossover.
Step 2 – Remove the fuel lines
Disconnect the fuel lines from the rails using a fuel line removal tool suitable for the job. These fuel rails are located at the rear of the intake manifold on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Remove the EVAP line, which is located between the engine and the firewall, with the use of the fuel line removal tool.
Step 3 – Remove the injectors and engine wire harness
Remove the eight fuel injectors and their connections, then separate the vacuum line from the brake servo, then from the engine wiring harness, and finally disconnect the alternator connector from the engine wiring harness.
Remove the idle air control valve from the throttle body and disconnect the throttle position sensor from its connector.
Step 4 – Replace the knock sensors
Remove all the manifold screws in the reverse order in which they were installed, then remove the manifold to reveal the Knock sensors under the black plugs that are linked to a wiring harness.
The Knock sensors must be removed by removing the plugs and unscrewing them. To finish, add RTV to the plugs to prevent water leakage after installing the new sensors and tighten it to 15 ft-lbs.
Step 5: Reinstall the removed components
Make sure all surfaces are clean before installing the new intake manifold gaskets. Reconnect everything, including fuel lines, brackets, EVAP line, intake hose, etc. Reconnect the battery as well.
Once you have completed this step, connect the black wire to the vehicle’s negative terminal and test to see if the engine knock is still there. If the engine knock is no longer present, you are good to go at this point.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace a knock sensor on a Silverado?
The cost of a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 knock sensor replacement is between $161 and $187 on average, depending on the model. Labor costs are expected to range from $101 to $128, while components will cost $59 each.
Can I drive with a faulty knock sensor?
A faulty knock sensor can prevent the engine from accelerating properly when traveling on the highway, resulting in poorer fuel economy. You will almost certainly lose power once the computer recognizes that the knock sensor is not functioning properly.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the typical cost of replacing a knock sensor on a Chevy Silverado or trying to figure out how to repair a knock sensor on a Chevy Silverado can help ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly for a long period. The cost of replacing the knock sensor, in general, can be minimized if you pay attention to warning signs such as the engine warning light coming on, loud noises, and decreased engine power.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful and that you will be able to replace your vehicle’s knock sensors on your own straightforwardly and simply.
