2000 Arnage Engine Management light

Christopher Adams

I have an engine management light on which, when interrogated by the Bentley scan tool mentions a code and "No 1 knock sensor". That is the sensor on the right hand side of the engine looking forward, and it is very time consuming to access and change. The car has done 33500 miles.
I use Shell V power fuel and never let the contents get below about 1/4. The sensor detects "pinking" amongst other things, apparently.
The warning has been cleared but returns after 5-10 miles. All temps and pressures are perfect and the car runs beautifully.
I suspect it is the sensor, or even the associated wiring that causes the light to come on.
As an ex aviator, I dislike driving around with a warning that's trying to tell me something. Perhaps I should just get an older car, made before these pesky sensors were introduced.
Anyone had a similar experience and did changing the sensor fix the problem?
Thanks.

Robert Craven · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 1:27 pm Post subject:

I once had a possibly similar warning light coming on a relatively modern but more ordinary car. Changing the sensor didn't cure it for long but my recollection is (it was some time ago) the cause turned out to be a slightly cracked rubber pipe of some kind which occasionally upset the mixture.

Christopher Adams · Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2018 7:09 am Post subject:

Thanks Robert
Advice taken so far seems to indicate that oxidation of the electrical contacts may be at fault so the plan is to access the sensor (4 hour job) and change it. At the same time we will clean all electrical contacts and treat them with silicone to deter future oxidation. Hopefully we won't need to chase our tails trying to locate the cause of this annoying problem. If it's not the sensor system itself it could be lots of things, unfortunately.
I will report on our progress.

Christopher Adams · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 4:14 pm Post subject:

Sensor changed and light is out (about 300 miles) so here's hoping. Bentley quote 10 hours for this job and we cleaned the electrical contacts although all were in very good condition due to a protective shroud.
I just hope the light doesn't re-appear because it's a horrid job requiring removal of exhaust, steering box, starter motor and catalytic convertor. Poor design indeed - all that to remove a sensor the size of a wheel nut. Unless you have good engineering contacts, that job alone could easily cost £1500-£2000.
Ridiculous!!
Anyway, onwards and upwards.

Christopher Adams · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2018 12:49 pm Post subject: Sensor Light

Light came back on (several bad words were spoken!!!)
Sensor changed (took about 14 hours) and 1000 miles plus done with no recurrence of the light. All Ts and Ps normal anyway - always have been. Still have the old sensor because they sense such a myriad of functions you could chase your tail for ever trying to find what was the trigger.
I have an excellent mechanic near Wyton, Oxford, if anyone has a similar problem.
Can't sell a car with that pesky light on so let me know if we can help.