Octane Booster - Kept throwing Codes
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4
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Octane Booster - Kept throwing Codes
I just got my C5 back after a week long ordeal. Monday my check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer, they said they reset the code and it should be fine. After I drove a block the check engine light came on again. So I took it back. Test after test and they finally asked if I had been using Octane Boost. I told them yes (STP Octane Boost) with 92 Octane gas. Come to find out that after a month of using this mix. The Knock and Ping sensors in the lower engine had to be replaced. This could have been a costly lesson learned had I not had the extended warranty. I just wanted to pass this on if anyone was thinking of using Octane Boost. I agree, it's a Vette... It probably didn't need it anyway. 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
The only knock sensors I know about are the 2 mounted in the valley cover on a C5. 
How could octane boost damage a sealed piezo electric transducer? And they are in the top of the engine. 
Unless you were using leaded octane boost and you fried your cats, but they aren't sensors. Is STP octane boost leaded or designed not to be used with cats? If you want some octane boost I would recommend Torco.
How could octane boost damage a sealed piezo electric transducer? And they are in the top of the engine. Unless you were using leaded octane boost and you fried your cats, but they aren't sensors. Is STP octane boost leaded or designed not to be used with cats? If you want some octane boost I would recommend Torco.
Last edited by ArKay99; Mar 4, 2005 at 08:44 PM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
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From: tega Cay sc
Knock Code
I use 93 octane and get the sensor knock message also. I keep resetting. I can be cruising down the road not hear anything and the check engine light comes on. I do not have an ext warranty. 99 A4 with 28K miles. How much would it cost to replace the sensors? If I do not replace, will there be a later problem??
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Originally Posted by walter fournet
I use 93 octane and get the sensor knock message also. I keep resetting. I can be cruising down the road not hear anything and the check engine light comes on. I do not have an ext warranty. 99 A4 with 28K miles. How much would it cost to replace the sensors? If I do not replace, will there be a later problem??
