Is Your Volkswagen Vehicle's Engine Making a Knocking Noise When You Accelerate? Here Are 4 Potential Causes
There are times when it's good to hear a knocking sound--when you're getting a visit from an old friend, for example. However, it's not good to hear a knocking or pinging coming from the engine of your Volkswagen when you step on the gas. Such a noise is most likely caused by one of the four following problems:
4. Your Car Received the Wrong Fuel
Your Volkswagen has a recommended octane rating that can be found in the owner's manual. If you fill it up with gas that's below this recommended level, the engine may make a knocking or pinging noise. If you've accidentally used gas with an octane rating below the manufacturer's specs, you can try to mitigate the problem by adding an octane booster to the tank. If this stops the knocking, just be sure to use the right gas next time.
3. There Is Carbon Buildup in the Combustion Chamber
The gasoline that you pump into your VW is treated with added detergents to help make it cleaner. Despite this, carbon can still build up over time. If this has happened, you can try using a fuel injector cleaner to break down the carbon deposits in fuel injectors. Or, have the fuel injectors professionally cleaned.
2. Spark Plug Problems
Spark plug issues can also cause knocking. Whether you had your old spark plugs replaced with an incorrect replacement or the spark plug gap isn't set at the right distance, problematic spark plugs can ignite the fuel-air mixture at the wrong time. If this happens, you may hear knocking from your engine.
1. A Bad Knock Sensor
Ironically, the very component that's meant to prevent knocking can sometimes cause it. When the knock sensor is working properly, it can sense when a knock is happening. It will then send a message to the computer telling it to adjust the timing in an attempt to stop the knock. But if the knock sensor has been damaged, it can send false signals to the computer. The computer will adjust the timing improperly, which could lead to knocking.
