The knock sensor on your Toyota VVTi engine is basically a microphone that senses if detonation occurs in one of the cylinders. The detonation happens when the fuel-air mixture ignites before it’s supposed to, due to various conditions and it can quickly harm internal parts like pistons, rods or valves.
To avoid that, when the knock sensor detects a detonation, the ECU will rapidly alter the parameters to avoid them. If the sensor fails to work, the ECU will still play it safe by “detuning” the engine to run at a lower capacity.
If you need to replace the sensor on a 1.6-liter VVTi Toyota engine, you have to dig a bit in order to find it, as it’s located on the engine block, right under the intake manifold and next to the thermostat’s casing. It looks like a nut with a wire attached to it.
Taking it out is pretty simple, all you need is a 12 mm socket ratchet with extender to unscrew the nut. Then you have to simply pull it out and disconnect its electric wires. Check the video bellow for a visual representation.
This is a DIY guide and, as such, you must be aware the procedures described here involve some risks. autoevolution cannot be held responsible for any possible damage that might result while following this guide.
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