Engine Knocking Noise Just Above Idle

Tech Tip: Engine Knocking Noise Just Above Idle May Be Normal

Engine "knock" may be heard on an applied vehicle just above engine idle speed (800-1,100 rpm) with the engine under a slight load. The noise cannot be detected over 1,100 rpm. The cause may be a normal pulsating noise coming from the EVAP purge solenoid valve and piping (in the engine compartment) transferring into the passenger cabin. However, use the following procedure to reduce the noise ....

Engine “knock” may be heard on an applied vehicle just above engine idle speed (800-1,100 rpm) with the engine under a slight load. The noise cannot be detected over 1,100 rpm.

Applied Vehicles:
• 1999-2002 Frontier (D22) with VG33E; not supercharged.
• 2000-’02 Xterra (D22) with VG33E; not supercharged.

The cause may be a normal pulsating noise coming from the EVAP purge solenoid valve and piping (in the engine compartment) transferring into the passenger cabin. However, use the following procedure to reduce the noise.

Service Procedure:
1. Start and run the engine for at least one minute.

2. Use CONSULT-II to view the status of the “Closed Throttle Position Switch” (CTPS).

3. Set the Parking Brake, then perform the following;

• For vehicles with an automatic transmission, with your foot on the brake, place the A/T gear selector in “D.”
• For vehicles with a manual transmission, depress the clutch and select any gear.

4. While viewing CTPS status, open the throttle just enough to change the CTPS status from “On” to “Off.”

Note: This will allow the EVAP purge volume control solenoid valve to begin operating.

5. Listen closely for a slight “knocking” noise. If “knocking” noise is heard;
a. Put the transmission in “neutral” (M/T) or “park” (A/T).
b. Disconnect the electrical connector to the EVAP purge volume control solenoid valve. See Fig. 1.

c. Listen again for the “knocking” noise by repeating steps 3, 4 and 5.
• If the “knocking” noise is still heard, this service bulletin does not apply. Consult the appropriate service manual for further diagnosis.
• If “knocking” noise is not heard, shut off the engine and proceed to step 6.

6. Remove the hose clamps from the EVAP purge hose. See Fig. 2.

7. Remove the EVAP purge hose. See Fig. 2.

Note: Set aside the two purge hose clamps for use in step 8.

8. Install a vacuum tank and hose kit (P/N 14958-5S625). See Fig. 3.

Note: Use the hose clamps set aside in step 7 to secure the replacement parts.

9. Reconnect the electrical connector to the EVAP purge volume control solenoid valve. See Fig. 1.

10. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 to verify the slight “knocking” noise is gone.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of Mitchell 1.

For additional information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

You May Also Like

Belts and Pulley Alignment

A misalignment of the plane of the belt can occur when a pulley is not parallel to the other pulleys on the belt drive system.

Drive Belt Alignment Alignment is key to the health of an engine belt. The belt drive system is designed to create friction between the grooves on the belt and pulley to transfer power from the crankshaft to the alternator, water pump or power steering pump. If the grooves on the belt do not align with the pulleys, the friction won’t be evenly applied and can result in wear and noise.

Diagnosing Misfires

What if there are no codes and a misfire is intermittent? This is where it gets complicated.

Lifter Deactivation

The area of contact between the lifters and cam lobes is the highest loaded surface inside an engine.

Alternator Testing For No Charge Conditions

Many alternator problems turn out to be nothing more than a bad connection at the alternator or a bad wiring harness.

Understanding Coolants

All-season coolant used inorganic acid technology and worked great for almost 30 years.

Other Posts

Hybrid Vehicle Fluid Maintenance

There are opportunities your shop can’t pass up just because the car or SUV has a hybrid badge on the back.

Ignition Coil Output

To see inductance inside the primary windings, use an amp probe placed around the positive wire for the ignition coil.

Using a Scope

Ignition coil and plug diagnostics.

Scope-diagnostics
Repairing Wiring Harnesses

A guide to probing and poking.