Knock Meter

Installation and Operation Guide

 Summary
1 Presentation ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Characteristics .................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Warranty terms .................................................................................................................... 5
3 Installation ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Harness connection ........................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Wiring harness ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Knock sensor ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 Knock sensor installation ..................................................................................................................................... 7
3.5 RPM input wiring.................................................................................................................................................. 8
3.6 CAN communication with FuelTech ECUs ......................................................................................................... 8
4 Navigation and Menus ........................................................................................................ 9
4.1 Navigating through menus ................................................................................................................................ 9
4.2 Dashboard ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Knock Meter menu map. ................................................................................................................................... 9
5 Configuration .................................................................................................................... 10
5.1 Dashboard configuration ................................................................................................................................. 10
5.2 Knock Meter configuration ............................................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Engine settings ................................................................................................................................................. 11
5.4 Software version and Serial number ................................................................................................................ 11
6 Datalogger connection .................................................................................................... 12

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1 Presentation
The equipment is designed to measure the noise of anomalous combustion (called knock) on vehicles with
internal combustion engines. Through a knock sensor, it is able to analyze the noise from the engine combustion and
detect abnormal combustion, which can degrade performance and even damage the engine. This anomaly
occurs when abnormal combustion in the ignition advance or physical characteristics and engine parameters such
as engine compression rate and inlet air temperature.

This module is able to retard the ignition timing when a knock event is detected. These timing retard signals
are sent through a CAN-CAN cable that connects a FuelTech ECU (FT300, FT350, FT400 and FT500) to Knock Meter.
In its dashboard you can check in real time the combustion noise level and, through a beep, the event of any
knocking.

Knock Meter can also be used independent of a FuelTech ECU and work simply as a tool to tune the ignition
timing - the combustion noise level information, as well as the beep, are precious to tune the timing tables. Working
in this independent mode, it will only be a conditioner of the knock sensor signal, and there will be no interaction with
other ECU to change the ignition timing.

The correct operation of this product will only be achieved if:

• The sensor used is one of the recommended types

• The sensor is properly attached to the block (tightening torque and position)

1.1 Characteristics

Specifications and Inputs

Two knock sensor inputs

RPM signal input
0-5V knock level analog output
CAN port to communicate with FuelTech ECUs

Dimensions:
3,5” x 2” x 1,2”

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2 Warranty terms

The use of this equipment implies the total accordance with the terms described in this manual and
exempts the manufacturer from any responsibility regarding to product misuse.

Read all the information in this manual before starting the product installation.

This product must be installed and tuned by specialized auto shops and/or personnel with experience on
engine tuning.

Before starting any electric installation, disconnect the battery.

The inobservance of any of the warnings or precautions described in this manual might cause engine
damage and lead to the invalidation of this product warranty. The improper use of the product might cause engine
damage.
This product does not have a certification for the use on aircraft or any flying devices, as it has not been
designed for such use purpose.
In some countries where an annual inspection of vehicles is enforced, no modification in the OEM ECU is
permitted. Be informed about local laws and regulations prior to the product installation.

Important warnings for proper installation of this product:

 Always cut the unused parts of cables off – NEVER roll up the excess
 The black wire of the harness MUST be connected directly to the battery’s negative terminal, as well
as each one of the sensors’ ground wires.

Limited Warranty

All products manufactured by FUELTECH are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship
for one year following the date of original purchase. Warranty claim must be made by original owner with proof of
purchase from authorized reseller. This warranty does not include sensors or other products that FUELTECH carries but
did not manufacture. If a product is found defective, such products will, at FUELTECH’s option, be replaced or
repaired at cost to FUELTECH. All products alleged by Purchaser to be defective must be returned to FUELTECH,
postage prepaid, within one year warranty period.

This limited warranty does not cover labor or other costs or expenses incidental to the repair and/or
replacement of products or parts. This limited warranty does not apply to any product which has been subject to
misuse, mishandling, misapplication, neglect (including but not limited to improper maintenance), accident,
improper installation, tampered seal, modification (including but not limited to use of unauthorized parts or
attachments), or adjustment or repair performed by anyone other than FUELTECH.

The parties hereto expressly agree that the purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy against FUELTECH shall be
for the repair or replacement of the defective product as provided in this limited warranty. This exclusive remedy shall
not be deemed to have failed of its essential purpose so long as FUELTECH is willing and able to repair or replace
defective goods.

FUELTECH reserves the right to request additional information such as, but not limited to, tune up and log files
in order to evaluate a claim.

Seal violation voids warranty and renders loss of access to upgrade releases.

Manual version 1.8 – July/2015

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3 Installation
For proper installation, the electric cables must be disconnected from the module and the vehicle’s battery.
It is very important that the cable length is the shortest possible and that exceeding unused parts of wires are cut off.
Choose an appropriate location to affix the module inside the car, and avoid passing the harness wires
close to the ignition wires and cables, ignition coils and other sources of electric noise.
The black wire in the harness is the signal ground wire, and must be connected to the battery’s negative
terminal.
The electric cables must be protected from contact with sharp parts on the vehicle’s body that might
damage the wires and cause short circuit. Be particularly attentive to wires passing through holes, and use rubber
protectors or any other kind of protective material to prevent any damage to the wires.
3.1 Harness connection
Wire color Pin Function Information
Connect directly to the battery negative. Do not
Black 1 Battery negative input connect this wire to the chassis, engine block or
head.
Red 2 12V input from ignition switch Connect to a relay or ignition switch.
White of crank
Connect to the crank trigger sensor (hall or magnetic)
trigger shielded 3 RPM signal input
or to the distributor – do not connect the shield
cable
Green/Yellow 4 Cam sync signal input Connect to the cam sync sensor (hall or magnetic)
Yellow/Red 5 Knock level analog output Connect to any datalogger to log knock events
Connect to the negative wire of the magnetic sensor.
Red of crank When OEM ECU is reading the sensor in parallel, split
trigger shielded 6 Magnetic RPM sensor reference this wire with OEM sensor negative – Do not connect
cable when using hall effect sensor. (Check chapter 3.5 for
more details)
White of shielded Knock sensor 2 negative
7 Knock sensor 2 negative
cable 2 Connect directly to the sensor
Red of shielded Knock sensor 2 positive
8 Knock sensor 2 signal
cable 2 Connect directly to the sensor
White of shielded Knock sensor 1 negative
9 Knock sensor 1 negative
cable 1 Connect directly to the sensor
Red of shielded Knock sensor 1 positive
10 Knock sensor 1 signal
cable 1 Connect directly to the sensor

3.2 Wiring harness

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 3.3 Knock sensor

This is the main sensor used by Knock Meter to make the knock reading and timing retard control. The knock
sensor is capable of measuring the vibration suffered by engine block at the time of occurrence of an anomalous
combustion. According to the intensity of this signal, the Knock Meter performs an audible and visual warning,
besides retard timing when connected through CAN port to FuelTech ECUs (FT300, FT350, FT400 and FT500), which
prevents power loss and engine damage.
The installation of the sensor is simple: attach it to the middle of the block by applying 18 lbf.ft torque on your
screw.
The sensor should be wideband without internal filter. Below are some compatible Bosch part numbers:
Bosch 0 261 231 006
Bosch 0 261 231 007
Bosch 0 261 231 018
Bosch 0 261 231 040
Bosch 0 261 231 047
Bosch 0 261 231 118
Bosch 0 261 231 120
Bosch 0 261 231 148
Bosch 0 261 231 153
The only difference between the sensors above is the connector.
3.4 Knock sensor installation
Most sensors have two pins and the pinout usually does not affect the reading. It is recommended not to
share the sensor with other equipment, if this happens there will be need to connect as the original pin out (positive
signal in the red wire and the negative in white). In sensors with three pins, the third pin is connected to the shielded
cable (in this case we recommend the sensors listed in this manual).

Pin 1: Signal Pin 1: Signal

Pin 2: Negative Pin 2: Negative
Pin 3: Shield

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 3.5 RPM input wiring
The crank trigger shielded cable is responsible by the Knock Meter RPM reading. The white wire from crank
trigger shielded cable will be hooked to the crank trigger sensor signal (red wire of shielded cable in FT500 and white
wire of shielded cable in the rest of FuelTech line). The red wire goes to sensor’s negative or differential input pin.
Installation with FT500 - differential input

Installation with older FT ECUs - non-differential input (FT300, FT350 and FT400)

3.6 CAN communication with FuelTech ECUs

Knock Meter can be easily connected to a FuelTech ECU through a CAN CAN cable. This cable is
connected to the Knock Meter CAN port and the ECU CAN port (FT300, FT350, FT400 and FT500).
When a knock event is detected and the CAN CAN cable is connected, Knock Meter automatically sends a
timing retard signal to the ECU.
Important: the retarded timing is not shown on FuelTech display. Its display continues to show normal timing,
as if there is no retard, although the FT is retarding the timing as Knock Meter sends. The retard can be seen on the
ECU internal datalogger.

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4 Navigation and Menus
4.1 Navigating through menus
To navigate the menus and setup Knock Meter only one button is necessary.

- Short press: Change the displayed menu or its value

- Long press (1 sec): Enter the settings menu, select the item to configure or to confirm the edition.
- Keep pressed for 2 seconds: Back to dashboard

4.2 Dashboard
During its operation, Knock Meter shows information in the dashboard. Below is a brief description of each.

4.3 Knock Meter menu map.

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5 Configuration
5.1 Dashboard configuration

Backlight: Night mode – attenuates the display light;

Day mode – normal light.

Alert sound: Set the alert sound to turn on above a set % value.

5.2 Knock Meter configuration

Detection Start: Shows the crankshaft angular position, after the top dead
center (ATDC) where the knock sensor’s detection window will be opened.
Suggested value: 0° ATDC

Detection Window Angle: Duration, in degrees, of the detection window after

knocking is read.
Suggested value: 15 to 20° ATDC

Integration time: Signal acquisition time inside the detection window. This
parameter has the purpose of smooth the signal.
Suggested value: 200ms

Freq/Cyl: Specifies the knocking frequency, which is related to the engine

bore size.
Suggested value: choose according to the engine bore size.

Sensitivity level: Defines the reading sensitivity level. This parameter requires
great care in programming, because too high values will amplify the knock sensor
signal and hide the knock noise.
Suggested value: 20

Alert to 2000rpm: Noise percentage that is considered abnormal above

2000rpm;
Suggested value: 30%

Alert to 6000rpm: Noise percentage that is considered abnormal above

6000rpm;
Suggested value: 60%

Retard x.x° to each knock: Set the timing retard send to ECU to each knock
event. Each new knock, the retard will be summed until the knock stops.
Suggested value: 2° to 3°

Maximum retard: Set the maximum timing retard that will be send to the ECU
in case of several knock events.
Suggested value: 10°

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 5.3 Engine settings

All these settings are automatically filled when the Knock Meter is connected to FuelTech ECUs through CAN
CAN cable, but, when using it without the CAN CAN cable, all of these parameters must be set manually.

Number of Cylinders: tells the Knock Meter how many cylinders has the
engine;

Crank trigger wheel: crank trigger wheel pattern;

RPM sensor: choose between magnetic (variable reluctance) or Hall Effect;

RPM sensor edge: tells the Knock Meter how it should read the RPM signal.
Choose between Falling (standard) or Rising (inverted);

1st tooth alignment: tooth distance between the tooth that indicates the TDC
and the sensor;

Cam sync sensor: when using this sensor, set if it is magnetic or Hall Effect;

Ign. calibration: it is important to make sure the timing the ECU reads is really
correct with the engine. This function locks the timing at 20º BTDC that must be
checked with the timing light

5.4 Software version and Serial number

Software: Specifies the software version used in the device.

Serial: Serial number - identifies its manufacturing characteristics.

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6 Datalogger connection
The Knock Meter analog output can be connected to any kind of Datalogger or ECU that has an analog
input (i.e. FT500) to log knock events. Below are instructions on how to wire and setup the input:
Pin/Knock Meter wire color Function Description
Knock Meter Analog signal to the datalogger. This
Pin 5 Knock signal analog channel must be connected to white inputs of
Yellow/Red output PRO24 Datalogger or the analog inputs of WB-O2
Datalogger (white, blue, pink or orange wires).
These inputs are configured as pre-defined "Knock Meter" in FuelTech datalogger software.

Internal Datalogger example graphic

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