Knock Sensor Question w/in

[NevadaJim]

I had my car in the shop to have the starter replaced and a hose replace. While they were doing it, they found the connection portion of the knock sensor broke so they replaced it. After a couple of other problems related to replacing the starter, I got my car back today. However, I noticed a slight surge at idle that wasn't there before. Also, after stopping for gas, the check engine light came on when I started the car and the surge was a little worse. When I got home, I turned the car off and then, about a minute later restarted it. No check engine light and the surge was very mild again -- but still there.

Now for my question, if the shop routed the wire going to the knock sensor too close to the starter, like right over it, could the vibrations from the starter be causing false signals to the ECM?

I know this may seem a little far fetched, but nothing was done to the engine while it was in the shop and I can't figute out why it would start running this way all of a sudden ... any ideas would great be appreciated.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

The surge is most likely caused by the knock sensor detecting a knock condition and retarding the timing. A tune-up may be in order, or at least a check of your timing. You will see the timing retard when the sensor detects a knock and kicks it back about 10 degrees. A litle racing gas added to the tank might help to smooth it out in the meantime.