2004 PT cruiser Engine light on and Knocking

[moonfairy16]

I have a 2004 PT Cruiser. I am having problems with my engine knocking. When entering the freeway, the engine light turn on then turn off when I exit the freeway. Once I exit, the engine started to knock. I quickly turn off the car. However, when I try to turn the car back on, the engine starts to knock 10 seconds after I turn on the car. No engine light on but it is still knocking. Does anyone have any suggestions? I just had an oil change last weekend and the oil levels are full.

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum.

Search the forum for a way of reading the stored codes in the computer or take it to an auto store like Auto Zone, Discount Auto or Pep Boys and they will read the codes for you. Bring the code/s back to us so we can help you diagnose what's wrong.

Knocking is usually a sign of bad timing or low oil levels. The timing is set and adjusted automatically by the computer. Did the knocking start right after you had the oil changed? Did you buy any cheap gas lately? You can throw a can of "dry Ice" into the fuel tank. It's for the winter land will get rid of any water in the fuel.

[moonfairy16]

It could have been knocking since I had my car oil changed but I don't drive much only to and from work. I only fill my tank with Shell gasoline this week. Do you think it has something to do with the way they changed my oil? The oil levels seem to be at the maximum level. Any suggestions would be grateful.

[CREWZIN]

We could suggest different things but the best thing to do is find the codes stored in your computer. Of course that might just tell us that a sensor saw something wrong and set the engine fault code but doesn't tell us why the sensor saw the problem in the first place. You might have to find someone with a scanner that digs deeper into the fault code and gives more information on the WHY.

Could they have done something at your oil change place to cause the knocking? Unlikely, but you can't rule that out until you find the problem.

[moonfairy16]

I just got someone to check the computer. The code is P0301 which is misfired on cylinder 1. Does anyone else have this problem? What did you do to resolve it? Also I am curious to know if this will be cover under the warranty because my PT cruiser has less than 10,000 miles on it.

[CREWZIN]

What we tell everyone, if it's still under warranty, take it back to a dealer.

[GALVANIZEDYANKEE]

Engine knock, called detinition, is usuall a timing problem as stated by Crewzen.
It can be caused by poor fuel of too low an octain rating. In any case it can be very destructive to the engine. Detinition can punch holes in the pistons, burn valves, etc. It should be fixed ASAP

[garciaag]

having the same problem on 3rd cylinder. car stopped all of a sudden at a stop. started up after 15 minutes then stopped again after about 15 feet. was towed to my mechanic. was able to start it at the mechanic and my engine trembled as if it was misfiring. picked up today and started fine with the engine light on. went to auto zone told me problem with 3rd cylinder more than likely need a tune up. driving home i heard knocking like the spark plug wasnt firing right sister said she saw dirty exaust we towed it home and just right now i turned it on and moved it into the drive way. so there she will sit until i do my tune up. am i heading in the right track i would like to think i am.

[GALVANIZEDYANKEE]

The suggested tune up does not seem a good idea until the initial problem is solved. The knock, as stated before, is usually detination. There is a ping detector (piezo electric microphone) that changes the engine timing when ping is detected. It acts so fast, and is so sensitive that it all ocurs before you can hear the ping. They do go bad.
Run the diagnostics before spending any money.

[moonfairy16]

My problem was resolve by replacing all spark plugs. This solution might help with the misfiring in the cylinder.