I have a 96 that experiences slight hesitation. i don't know when i was tuned up because i just bought it. Autozone test shows knock sensor as the only code. I was running reg gas for 2 tanks until i realized it needs prem. Now on second tank of premium. Idle is good. Mileage seems good. Just passed emissions just before i bought it.
Can a bad knock sensor cause the slight hesitation?
Yep. Clear the ECU and run the better gasoline for a few tanks, it should gradually reprogram to the optimum performance timing values.
Only if the knock sensor code appears alone, and when running premium fuel, can it be wisely concluded the knock sensor itself is bad.
Dave
will it reprogram without clearing the ECU? how do i clear the ECU? it's under a panel under/near the floorboard i believe? sorry, my first maxima.
by the way, thanks for the help.
It will recalibrate by itself. You need a scan tool to reset it. Hate to say it, but it's unlikely the KS is going to fix your hesitation. With it out of service, it retards the timing a bit, but not enough to hesitiate. How old are the plugs and fuel filter? How many miles? Is it an automatic? Are you sure it's the engine and not the trans?
don't know the history. just bought it. it is five speed. definately an engine thing. i started to change the fuel filter but decided to run a couple of tanks of premium first. maybe i should change the it out next (fuel filter) yes? the knock sensor code could have been caused by running regular fuel maybe. don't know if that's possible but it's a guess.
Change the fuel filter immediately.
Dave
did it. seems to help but i'll have to drive around a bit to be sure. thanks again for the help.
Jim V and agent86:
Cruise control will cause hestation. That occurs when the road levels off or is downhill. The CC will slow the engine to maintain the pre-set speed.
Similarly the engine will apply power to maintain speed uphill. On a level road surface variations in wind pressure and levelness of the road will cause variations in the amount of power applied by the CC.
Is that a possibility?
Ralph Hertle
not in this case. the hestation was/is when accelerating (manual trans). it seems to be much improved but not completely gone after changing the fuel filter. i think i may put in new plugs soon. also running premium fuel is making a difference.
i think i've solved it. the small vaccuum hose going to the MAS (a small copper fitting)? was leaking near the connection. simply cut off the bad section and slid it on again.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.