OK i brought the car to the shop, they found out the AFM sensor need to be replaced. done. drove away and an hour later engine check light came on again. return to the shop and they rediagnosed it. this time the knock sensor. WTH?? is this thing common?
shop said its gonna cost more to replace knock sensor cause they have to pull many parts. is this true?
also, are there any avyfan ever replaced their timing belt themself? how difficult is it?
A knock sensor is located on each cylinder bank. The issue is each sensor is on the cylinder block wall facing the engine valley, as such access is difficult.
Suggest getting the exact trouble codes and posting them or doing a Google search.
This engine is also used on the Camry with V6 option, suggest a TN search on the timing belt issue. The job is not too bad if you are setup to do it.
Where can I get that trouble codes, I had no previous experience with ECU type. When the man at the shop plugged in the analyzer all I remember is a message showing 'knock sensor malfunction...'.
I bought this car used so no manual included. Where can i get this TN? thks
theres not many people browsing the second gen forums. most avalon drivers are mid 40s and are not likely to be on the forum troubleshooting. Most people just ask for help on here and never come back to contribute after their problems are fixed. Are you the like?
I suggest for you to go on ebay and buy the electronic version of the factory service manuals.
I believe the (2) knock sensors are located at the end of the cam shafts and pulley.
I noticed that. 40 is either too loaded to do stuff or too old to do stuff.
I didn't know there is such thing as e-manual so I went on and purchased a Chilton's. Am waiting for it now and will judge wheter is it feasible to do it myself. Checklight is being on and off at this moment.
The knock sensor could come on if you are using low octane. I would fill it up with 92+, i know it hurts at the pump, but you will get better gas mileage and more power. It offsets the cost of the more expensive fuel. I don't know if this car has a balance shaft on it, but i have seen a car that the balance shaft belt was broken and getting knocked around by the timing belt and cause a knock sensor malfunction. try the fuel first.
And thanks Eurobob, you got the point. But I uses premium 91 and it still on.
Strange thing is that sometimes it off but not for a long time. Based on my experience with electrical parts they are just go dead and that's it. No commas whatsoever. So I suspect may be something wrong with the connection, such as loose cable/terminal. Don't u think so?
Anyway I still have to go under intake manifold and still have no idea on parts needed (gasket replacements, etc)
if the mixture is not burning correctly it could knock as well. high octane is resistance to detonation which is what causes a knock issue or even worse. no codes for fuel trim rich? someone verify balance shaft belt. take the timing cover off and look for a broken belt. If it is not fuel.... something is causing a vibration. Check plugs and coil packs. I'm way curious now...
i have never seen a loose cable or connection in my life unless someone messed with it and is telling piggy pies. I feel the solution is something simple. get a new pair of eyes to look at it and get a fresh perspective.
You know you're right about vibration thing. One thing I notice is the engine makes noticeable vibration when car starts to roll, I think it is between 1-2K rpm.
I would use my eyes of course when I have my resources to get a clearer view.
Oh and btw shop quotes me around $500 for replacing the sensors.
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It worked fine until I fixed it! 
Linear Mode
