Toyota Repair: toyota tacoma knock sensor, knock sensor, cylinder fuel

Question
Would a '99 toyota tacoma 4 cylinder fuel injected engine have a knock sensor(s)? I don't know off hand what size engine it has but it is the smaller engine. And, what does a knock sensor do?

Thank you,

Stan

Answer
Your 4cyl engine in your Tacoma does not have a knock sensor. Knock sensors come in the V-6 model truck engines. The purpose of the knock sensor in the V-6 engine is to detect "pre-ignition" in the engine and alert the driver by triggering the check engine light whe it occurs. "Pre-ignition" is a term used to describe detonation in your engine that can cause top end engine damage. If this occurs, one remedy would be to use a higher grade of fuel.

Thanks!