The computer uses the knock sensor to regulate timing and amount of fuel being injected. You won't harm the engine, unless you do a lot of hilly driving in the summer or pull a trailer with 87 octane gasoline.

When you hear the engine pinging, back off the throttle.

One of these days, the oil separator will need to be replaced and then replace the knock sensors also. It is not as hard as the pictures describe, just a couple of bolts that are hard to reach. The injector rail does not need to be removed.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic.