jim628

Hi:
I have 97 4Runner with manual transmission. Lately I notice that when the car is in 1st gear and is about to move from a standstill, as I release the clutch pedal, the engine knocks a bit. This is the only time the engine knocks. Any idea? Could it be the knock sensor? I tried using super unleaded gas but it doesn't help so I return to regular. Also if somebody can briefly summarize how to adjust the ignition timing I would appreciate. I am curious on how to do this since this car is distributorless.

Thanks

rimpainter.com

Welcome to the Forum. Are you lugging it off the line? Or are you talking about a normal start in 1st?

The knock sensor does not cause pinging, so I would say its not that. If anything, your truck would be really sluggish if the knock sensor was malfunctioning as timing may be very retarded.

I am pretty sure timing is electronically controlled on these engines.

Mikey

The timing is electronically controlled and only advances or retards it to what the computer says to do. Not like the old days when you could pull out a timing light and make your own adjustments. I'm with 96 runner. If you lug it down then you will get some knocking or banging noises at first untill you reach you ideling RPM. If your not luging it down then I'm not sure.