[bluesman123]

After the posts on the knock sensor location on the LT1, I thought I'd check mine (1997 5.7 Vortec). What a surprise!

The wire is hanging loose! Yet when I check the connector to the VCM (C2 - 19) against a ground I don't get an open line. Instead, I get a resistance of about 100K ohms. Is there _another_ ... naw, I know there isn't. Also the engine doesn't knock.

Anyone have any ideas?

[5.0Towncar]

So the wire broke to the sensor?? Steve

[milner]

this is exactly what i have been trying to say all along,you really do not need a knock sensor.

[5.0Towncar]

Prolly best you don't have one huh? Advance the sucker to run best on low grade or medium grade and just leave it. Does an 88 Towncar have a knock sensor? I've heard my engine knock before but that was because it was hard to adjust the timing since the distributor is computer controled. Steve

[milner]

hi 5.0L, your towncar does not have a knock sensor. but it does have a spout connector that you have to disconect to set the timing.

[5.0Towncar]

I heard of that but I don't know what or where it is. What does it look like and where is it? My timing is pretty much set and runs fine. Just rough a bit at low RPM cruising when it's cold(about 1000-1300 RPM). Steve

BTW. When I set my timing I unpluged the negative battery terminal and that seemed to work for me. Do I just unplug the spout conector and adjust it?

[ February 22, 2003: Message edited by: 5.0Towncar ]</p>

[bluesman123]

Aww ... Milner and Towncar ... I know you'd just as soon yank it out. I'd rather run it. I'm just bumfuzzled about what's giving me the resistance reading that LOOKS like a KS!! :p

[milner]

bluesman 123, if i remember correctly this line is not open until the esc shuts off, and only shuts off when it detects a knock signal.

[bluesman123]

To answer Towncar, no it didn't break. I'm dropping a 98 vorted into a Sonoma and its a rat's nest of little bitty colored wires. I just started stripping out what I don't need and came up with this little dangly green wire ("war" for you Oklahoma dudes :p ) when I traced back ... guess what? Its connected to the KS! D____ thing runs, but I don't have the OBDII hooked up yet to see what DTCs it throws.

Milner, I don't understand your advice! Can you translate for dummies?

[milner]

5.0L, the spout connector is in the wiring harness right next to the distributor. it is a little plastic block, black or gray in colour. just pull it out and set the timing. when you put it back in, you will see the check engine light on, just shut the car off, then restart it. light will be out.

[milner]

SORRY BLUESMAN123, MY LAST POST WAS NOT CORRECT. THEY STOPPED USING THE ESC MODULE IN 96, AFTER THIS THE KNOCK SENSOR WAS CONTROLLED BY A PROM IN THE COMPUTOR, WITCH ANALYSIS AND CONTROLS THE TIMING. BUT 1 THING CONFUSSES ME , YOU SAID THE WIRE WAS GREEN, ANY SENSOR WIRE I HAVE SEEN IS DARK BLUE. GOOD LUCK!

[5.0Towncar]

Ummm there is a white wiring harness that plugs into the side of the distributor but if I unplug it than it don't run. And I don't have a check engine light, my whole dash is digital. Heres and OLD pic of my motor that you can see the harness thingy. Is that it? There is a little harness with a plug on the end right by the distributor, whats that?Steve

[5.0Towncar]

Well?????????????? Steve

[milner]

5.0L: i can not see the connector in the picture, but the little block on the end of the harness as you described will be it. sorry did't get back sooner, plowing snow again.

[5.0Towncar]

Ok. So the little plug behind the distributor is the spout connector? I guess the cap on the end has sopme metal in it and makes some sort of circuit.... God I don't know.Anyways I get the idea so I will try that.WHEN THE TEMP GETS ABOVE 18 DEGREES!!! Steve