How long is it "okay" to drive with a bad knock sensor on your car?

Question

I have been researching why my '96 Chevy Caviler has been showing the ETS off and check engine light. Also having this metallic strange sound when I start the car. And I found someone was having the same problem online and said they went to Auto Zone to get it checked on the computer and it's a bad knock sensor. So how long is it "okay" to drive with a bad one of these? Thanks!

Answer 1

>>  Also having this metallic strange sound when I start the car.

WOW !! You are DESTROYING the engine from the inside out. There's no "how long" that is safe. At least use high octane gasoline to limit the engine knock (somewhat).

Get it replaces ASAP.

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What you are asking is like "how long can I hit my head with a hammer before brain damage".  The damage doesn't just happen later, it is happening NOW.

Good Luck....

Answer 2

Get your knock sensor replaced immediately!!!

Its "NOT" ok to drive with a bad knock sensor. that protects your engine from harmful detonation! should that sensor be bad and your engine detonate, the computer will not pull timing to prevent said detonation and it will destroy your engine. i would get that sensor replaced immediately. something such as bad gas can cause detonation and ruin your engine or cut serious time off its life!! if i were you, i would head up to autozone to get the free OBDII scan and get the codes. the metallic sound when you start the car could be knock or it could just be that your car is old and the starter is grinding a little bit. my GF's pontiac sunfire does the same thing. not a big deal but i would plan for a new starter sometime this year. good luck!