I started using ARX about a year ago on my 2001when the oil light came on it was running sluggish. Went to the Toyota dealer who said it had sludge and I needed to replace the engine ($3500 for a used one, $7000 new). It was then I researched and started using ARX. After one treatment the oil light never came back on, engine started running better. During the summer it started smoking more and using oil but this subsided after a while - from other forums I've learned this is normal and is part of the treatment working. I dont need to top up with oil anymore. Now it smokes occasionally on start up and recently the engine light came on as I was nearing 1250 miles in the cleaning phase (my 2nd treatment). I decided to change the filter and am now in the rinse phase. Took the car to Autozone and they ran a diagnostic that showed code P0330 - Knock sensor defective. I have read the FAQ and understand that the gages will return to normal after the rinse phase. But just wanted some feedback on this code - in case I should do anything different. I'm been very impressed with ARX, engine is definetely smoother than before. I did also take it to Toyota to run the diagnostic on the engine light but the service guy looked at the history and didn't want to run it as he said it had sludge and there was nothing he could do (except for me to get another engine!). He was also surprised it was still running but didn't know I had been treating it with ARX. The car has done 83k miles.
Finish your Auto-Rx Application than drive 150 miles and see if you still have knock (you might change gas brand your currently buying) I am putting my money on a engine with a lot of contaminants. There is seldom any results until your done with rinse phase.
DON,T SPEND A DIME UNTIL YOUR DONE WITH APPLICATION.
I read an article that suggested disconnecting the battery for a few mins and if the engine light comes back on there is still some issue. Just tried this and upon start up the engine light did not come on. Took it for a run round the block to give it more time and its still off! I'm ~100 miles into the rinse phase, so stiil early days yet.
Update - 300 miles into Rinse phase. Decided to give it a run on the freeway as most of the time I am doing city driving. It ran a bit rough at >55mph and the engine light came back on, so I reset it again when I got back. I notice that the engine light has come on during the 2 times I have taken it on the freeway, but remains off when driving around town. Will continue to monitor.
As another Toyota owner, I am a bit disappointed with Toyota in your case, since they are basically telling you that you need a new engine since the one they made in 2001 was defective. I think Toyota owes a new engine to you and all the other drivers with sludge-prone engines.
An engine, well-cared for and maintained following manufacturer's maintenance procedures should not fail at 83K miles -- at least not a Toyota engine.
Whether or not the ARX is causing the knock sensor to signal remains to be seen. But I agree with Mr. Miller, finish what you have started before investing in a new engine. $25.00 well spent now may prevent $3500 to be spent later.
I can't see what ARX would have to do with a knock sensor, I think it's just a coincidence that it is starting to fail at this time. I would replace/repair the sensor, and continue following the heavy-sludge application.
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2001 Ford Ranger, 4.0 V6. Mobil 1 0w-30, Motorcraft FL 820s filter, 3oz Auto Rx
Update. 700 miles into Rinse phase. The check engine light has now gone off a couple of times (without me re-setting it) but has come back later on e.g next day. I'm also using higher grade fuel per Frank's suggestion.
If your car gets you from point A to point B and your gas mileage is fine, I would not worry about this until you go in for emissions. Finish the rinse phase and see what happens with the light.
I would not take any gas mileage reading until you are done with the Rinse Phase. Just drive the car as much as you can and worry about mileage and lights later.
The only thing I would check now is your PCV, and make sure that it is clear and working properly.
