knock sensor

[Silver Blue '97]

Can someone tell me where the knock sensor is located on my 1997 Aurora. what does it do?
Thanks in advance.

[papa_cadillac]

According to the service book,"The knock sensor is located under the intake manifold, near the starter motor. The knock sensor detects abnormal vibration(spark knock or detonation) in the engine. The sensor produces an alternationg current(AC) voltage which increases with the severity of the knock. The knock sensor is specifically tuned to the engine based on the frequency of vibration that the engine creates when it knocks. The knock sensor for the 4.6 Northstar is tuned to 7000 hertz. This signal is an input to the PCM, which then adjusts spark advance to reduce the spark knock."
Basically, it works in concert with a few other sensors to help the PCM adjust the timing.
Hope this sheds a little light...

[Silver Blue '97]

To papa_cadillac, thank you for the detailed description.