Circuit Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Toyota Camry. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The knock sensor is fitted to the cylinder block to detect the engine knocking. This sensor contains a piezo-electric element which generates a voltage when it becomes deformed. This occurs when the cylinder block vibrates due to knocking. If the engine knocking occurs, the ignition timing is delayed to suppress it.