sofarsogdsowhat

Just got done searching the "check engine lamp" threads and nothing matches my symptoms.

I'm going to check out the engine codes but was hoping to get a head start and see if anyone had any experience with my problem.

The truck: 1988 4X4 22-RE

The problem: Check engine lamp comes on randomly (more often in stop & go traffic when it heats up a little more). When the light is on, the engine feels like the timing is being retarded, when the light is off the truck runs perfect and strong, no idle issues either way. When the check engine lamp is on is the only time the truck acts like this.

I'm asking before I check the codes because I expect several codes to pop off for smog stuff, at this time I just am interested in the engine lamp/timing retard occurrence.

Thanks for any suggestions.
-David

Elton

it could be alot of things to cause a check engine light with out knowing what code its throwing im takeing a stab in the dark try checking the o2 senser

sofarsogdsowhat

Well, to answer my own question.

Reading the computer codes was key. The truck is tripping a “knock sensor” code 52. From what I hear this sensor helps retard the timing when the cylinder chambers get to hot, reducing pre-ignition, after they cool the timing automatically advances to its normal setting. If my sensor is bad this would retard the timing and affect my engine performance when the “check engine lamp” is on. This is loosely what I gathered but could be wrong to some extent, so if anybody finds this useful double-check me on it.

-David

kyle_22r

the knock sensor threads in just to the right of the fuel filter, underneath the intake manifold. it detects pre-ignition or pinging, not heat. if it senses pinging, it causes the computer to retard the timing to reduce this condition.

sofarsogdsowhat

Thanks for the input & clarification Kyle, my bad.

-David