What Happens When Your Audi Q7 Knock Sensor Goes Bad? Q7 is the most popular sport utility vehicle in the Audi lineup. It has a maximum engine power output of 248 horsepower and a torque output of 273 pounds per foot. It's equipped with advanced safety features that make it one of the safest vehicles on road. The integration of cutting-edge sensors and microprocessors made Audi Q7 one of the advanced and powerful SUVs to ride. A knock sensor is one of such sensors that significantly enhance the power output of the engine. If it goes bad, a lot of things can go wrong. A failing knock sensor can adversely affect the power output of the engine. Besides, it would make your Audi Q7 engine consume more fuel than usual. So, let's find out more about the knock sensor and what would happen if it fails.
What’s a knock sensor and what does it do? It’s a small electric device designed to quantify the unusual engine vibration and sound. Simply put, it helps the engine management computer to detect pre-ignition or detonation. The engine control unit or ECU then uses this data to regulate the ignition timing accordingly. Usually, you can find it outside the engine block. But, in some cases, it’s located in the intake manifold. The timing of electric spark generation by the ignition system has to be perfectly synchronized with the timing at which the air-fuel mixture is entering the combustion chamber of the engine. The ECU analyzes the data received from the knock sensor and a dozen of other advanced sensors to maintain that consistency. However, a bad knock sensor might provide inaccurate information to the ECU which would make the engine run rough and abruptly cease operation. Therefore, learn to recognize the signs of a bad knock sensor in your Audi Q7 so that you can replace it on time. But first, let’s discuss some of the most common reasons behind knock sensor failure in your Audi Q7.
What causes knock sensor to go bad? Following reasons are primarily responsible for premature knock sensor failure in your Audi Q7;
Improper installation Damaged connectors Bad piezoelectric metal ring Flawed seismic mass Electric issues
What are the symptoms of a bad knock sensor? Declining engine performance Audi Q7 is powered by a typical internal combustion engine. Its operation is closely monitored and controlled by the ECU. The knock sensor and a dozen of other sensors aid the ECU for a smooth engine operation. However, if the knock sensor goes bad, it would provide misguided data to the ECU. When that happens the engine won't be able to run smoothly and you would notice a loss of acceleration when driving your Audi Q7.