How To Trouble Shoot Feedback Knock And Reduced DAM Readings

This is one of the most frequently asked questions that I get asked on Instagram. So I saw this as an opportunity to answer some of the common questions that everyone has of what to do when they see feedback knock and decreased DAM Readings. Hopefully this helps everyone out with their troubleshooting and makes things easier for everyone!
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[@calumjustice4305]

this man throws out videos that i have been looking for, for 7 years.

[@Smeedia]

I know the struggle because I use to look for these also 😅

[@ayeitstito3217]

On god

[@dustinedatuin4849]

Hey man? I have a bad fine knock all the time idk what’s the problem

[@carbonfiberc0219]

I call him Mr.Subaru

[@jakeselvius6502]

This is the reason I subscribed to you my guy. You have soooo much knowledge and are very descriptive with what you say. Thank you so much!

[@Smeedia]

Anytime my friend and thank you for the support! 😁😁😁

[@marshallbeaumont3733]

Hey man, Cheers! This video will continue to be a blessing for ages; I recently did a 1-4 pull on a pretty hot day (not the greatest idea) and my dam dropped to 0.812 mid-pull with coolant temps touching 207. and has been like that for a few days now 😅 wish her luck, and thanks for all the videos 🙏

[@timb8643]

Did it go away?

[@ThatWasherNerd]

The fact that this video has no dislikes just shows how quality your content is

[@Smeedia]

Appreciate the Kind words my friend!

[@gheygladiator]

This man stay spitting out gold content 👌

[@Smeedia]

Appreciate the support and glad the content is good 🙌

[@XxArmedGamerxX]

Literally subscribed last night and today i had some thoughts about the feedback knock and this video magically appeared 😂

[@Smeedia]

@@XxArmedGamerxX I can read minds 👀 lol

[@darinsath292]

Still helpful even after over a year! Thanks Tanner, good to know the -1.4 - 2.8 is norm! DAM is good and so is the STI!! 🤙

[@Smeedia]

Anytime my friend!

[@tubeyuber803]

Thanks for the info! Love the vids. Keep em’ coming. Just bought and installed accessport and intake 2 days ago. These were some of my questions. Thanks again👍

[@Smeedia]

Glad the videos are helping and your enjoying the content!

[@ThatSubieDude]

By far the most informative and straight to the point channel. Love it, save your time cause Smeedia is the best 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@Smeedia]

Appreciate the support my guy 🙌 only the discussion posts are stright to the point though 😅 installs and others I tend to have a little more free reign on what I add lol

[@ThatSubieDude]

Smeedia either way, every video you put up my phone goes off and I’m watchin lol 💪🏼💙

[@Smeedia]

@@ThatSubieDude appreciate the support my guy 😁

[@Syerolis]

Great information . I had serious issues with cobbs big sf intake and the accessport on my 2021 wrx . It drove me insane seeing my dam drop and feedback knock fluctuate all over . My af learning was my biggest problem by far tho going -35 to +25 all the time . I realized the intake was the issue . The relocation of the maf sensor made my car lose its mind with all the turbulence going on in that intake . I removed the big sf and installed the stock air intake and sure enough my car regained life . My dam is always at 1 . My feedback knock is 0 and my af learning 1 numbers are either -1 to +3 . Insane how that part created so many problems .

[@wayde187]

So if dam is solid at 1 amd it runs like a champ are my crazy knock readings probably a bad sensor?

[@B19D91]

Getting Cobb AP, Cobb catback, Cobb Redline Intake, pro tune on my 21 WRX soon. Would the redline do better than the Big SF, since the intake filter is completely sealed off?

[@joestasi8329]

The cobb sf gave my car fits too. My tuner recommended a grimmspeed or stock.

[@chancastillo7909]

Always great content, very much appreciated! I have a '15 WRX and noticed probably within the past year that when I put e85 in the tank (whether it's 60 or 80 final %), I tend to get -2.81 knock learn and DAM drops. It tends to happen when I hit 4PSI of boost, so I just end up staying out of boost when that happens. It wasn't like that before. I've swapped my spark plugs and ignition coils out so next I will need to do either compression tests or check for vacuum leaks, probably both. When I reflash the tune, the car tends to ignite, then die shortly after about 4-6 times before it finally idles properly. I do have 112k miles on the vehicle so hopefully with those two tests, I'll be able to pinpoint the problem.

[@Kai_Keller02]

Ever figure it out?

[@chancastillo7909]

​@@Kai_Keller02Unfortunately, I sold the VA and moved to the VB. I miss it though...

[@Matttttyboy]

I was worried for a second... my DAM has only been at 1 thank god. I was getting a negative feedback knock, but was worried for a sec. Thanks again for the informative video and a sense of relief!

[@Smeedia]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@speedxtc9236]

@@Smeedia so it normal that the feedback knock goes negative as long as your DAM is at 1.0

[@fprkendogg8713]

I wanna hug this guy

[@nicolasdelao4195]

Just an idea for a sticker. "Risk it for the Biscuit! Great content as always.

[@john-danielmartin8753]

Facts

[@Smeedia]

I like the idea 😅 I mayyyyy make this one lol

[@john-danielmartin8753]

@@Smeedia you should bro

[@Smeedia]

teespring.com/new-risk-it-biscuit?tsmac=store&tsmic=smeedias-store&pid=794&cid=103544&fbclid=IwAR0eFFsT5IpEYOJWbh3YeZFu-G2VJN9BiJvTyGFYNM-y7_aqyDX6E9Ejp6A May or May not have done it lmao

[@mikecrean919]

Between Your What to Monitor on your Accessport Video and this one, Thank you. Had a Fine Knock Learn of -5.62 followed by a .35, no Feedback Knock and at the time i wasn't monitoring DAM. Called up the DAM and it was .875. Was Running the MAPerformance Stage 1 93 tune, went in and changed it to the 91 Tune and all went back to normal, no Fine Knock Learn, DAM at 1. Clearly i got some less then 93 gas, so i'm running it off (staying out of boost as much as possible) and then a new tank of 93 (from a different place) and hopefully the numbers stay where they should be. Then I can switch back to the 93 Tune. Anxiety yes, but also doing things to get thru mishaps without doing damage.

[@Smeedia]

Bad gas is thr number 1 reason i see feedback knock and DAM change. OTS Maps will be a little more prone to changes and variance but shouldent cause anything crazy detrimental 🙏

[@brandonrespress2113]

Did all your numbers stay the same? This is happening to me rn where I’m getting a FKL of .35 but the FBK reading is the normal -1.41 or 0. DAM dropped from 1 to .875 and now it’s at .750. I’m on the MAPerformance stage 1+ tune with just the intake and no other mods

[@codyhendrickson7735]

This is perfect timing for this video to come out 🙌 I've been having some frequent knocks from -1.4 to -2.8. It was making me not want to drive the Subie until I can get it checked out for any major issues. I guess it's fine since my DAM has never moved from 1.000 🤷‍♂️

[@Smeedia]

Wouldent even worry about it 😁

[@jerseyman1O]

All cars knock and -1.4 always happens I stopped caring years ago lol

[@codyhendrickson7735]

@@jerseyman1O Good to know! I've only owned my STI for 4 months so I'm still in the over paranoid phase lol

[@dougdavis8482]

dont forget when your heater or ac is on you'll get the famous -1.4 and -2.8 about every min or so it's the pump clicking on

[@codyhendrickson7735]

@@dougdavis8482 Good to know! I have been using the AC for the first time since I got the car. That explains the more frequent knocks lol

[@Mountain_Soldier]

Just found this channel, great content, subscribed 🔥🤙🏻

[@Smeedia]

Eyyyyy, appreciate the support 😁

[@tbone11x]

My DAM has always dropped when I'm just cruising at highway speeds in 6th gear. Around 2500 rpm and no boost for extended periods and what makes it rise back to 1 is extended periods of time with minor positive boost, 0-4 psi. Also oddly enough my wrx is picky on gas stations, DAM always drops when I use chevron and shell fuel regardless of where in the state/area I go to.

[@mrbeans2425]

YEs in order to return MAF to 1.00 you need to have it in Positive Boost between 5-10psi, and let it build back up. My car is also SUPER picky on gas! All my local stations have SHIT so i have to drive a bit to get decent fuel.

[@greaserv8]

Ouuuu! I'm not ready for an anxiety port. Lol

[@Smeedia]

Lol worth ittttt

[@I_Love_Spyware]

You've helped my anxiety slightly thank you dam stays 1.000 but some FBK of -2.80 on occasion and occasional fkl of -1.75

[@Smeedia]

Nothing out of the norm for values 🙏😁

[@monsteroftheeast1683]

Vids are on point🤙

[@Smeedia]

Thank you! Trying to answer questions where I can 🔥

[@bruceholinight7978]

Nicely done as usual brother , I can't use the Cobb on my JDM Ej 207 , but a pro-tune is always better . I'd like to see a review of stand alone ecu's , there's more all the time ! I buy my fuel here in Canada at the airport 100 octane right from the pump !

[@Smeedia]

I'll look into some ECUs and see what I can find 😁

[@bruceholinight7978]

@@Smeedia I finished building my ej207 Sti last summer and still don't have a tune because there are no reputable tuners in my area so I'm looking at a stand alone .I have 5 different ecu's the only one that runs my car is a version 8 JDM ecu , that's why I run 100 octane till I sort it out !

[@STSbrah]

Thanks for this video. I'd see dam drops on occasion at wot. It would fix itself but on the dyno my tuners wideband indicated after a few pulls my fuel pump would get tired and lean out the tune. I replaced the fuel pump and filter and now seems to run fine (watching with my own wideband)

[@Smeedia]

What fuel pump were you using before?

[@STSbrah]

@@Smeedia it was stock, on just a stage 2 type setup. My tuner was guessing it was never replaced on my car due to the milage/how it looked at 133k miles

[@elbandidosti]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@adamswartz7670]

Well done Tanner

[@Smeedia]

Thanks my dude 🙌

[@jpoltv9708]

I finally got the accestport etc snow finally started to go away here in Alaska, so i started to drive a lil bit more faster and going on cruises and did a couple pulls here in Alaska we only get 90 so i got a royal purple octane booster recently, first time using it got a missifre cylinder 1 and 3 also a code pppffff car fell weird but it when back to normal when on cruising awesome everything good eventually i almost ran out of gas fulled the tank with $40 and i forgot to put the octane booster in when to a car meet everything good at one point randomly the car started knocking but only when driving it i was able to drive home slow etc and next day dropped car at dealership now waiting for tomorrow to hear what they have to say. it knocks only when i drive not standing still, is a wrx 09 impreza with a rebuild engine sti short block already tune, and on the accestport i was using stage 1 91octane since i am still waiting on the intake, what do you think about this.

[@zachwhomadethis]

Cruising from LA to Oakland in a 2014 WRX with cruise control and A/C i would get a random -7.0 feedback knock log as well as a relatively common -2.8 and -1.4. With the A/C off i will sometimes see a -3.5 and -1.4. I’m on a stag

[@stillbloodyl2835]

Nobody: Literally Nobody My Subaru: KNOCK KNOCK💩

[@ethanstadler283]

Great video!

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🙌😁

[@ethanstadler283]

Smeedia of course! I always get nervous when the leggy starts showing feedback knock or when DAM drops to .825. This video is reassuring and informative af!

[@PaulPereira1982]

Thanks bud awesome vid!. :)

[@Smeedia]

Anytime and appreciate the support!

[@Not_very_grey]

Also I would mention that ots tunes can give you knock and dam drop if your car doesn’t like it

[@Smeedia]

Another solid point to add in!

[@trish8914]

Mine is on stage 0 and the DAM drops every day lol :/

[@marcn1777]

Weird suggestion but after watching this video, you should make a video where you’re just driving and comment on what you’re thinking about as you’re driving while watching all of the gauges, air condition, heat, when you’ll know it’s the right time to hit boost etc POV style maybe?

[@Smeedia]

Easy one to do! I can definitely knock that one out 😁

[@BluPrynt78]

Yesssss, being waiting for a similar vid. Definitely want to see what your AP is doing on your routine drives! 👍🏽

[@BoostedFA]

Yes definitely the anxiety port. 🙃

[@Kichizo_DJ]

had this problem a few months ago dam drops with acceptable to zero knock... Octane booster is like the one thing that helped me. even after getting a retune the octane booster really helps. i only use haft a can of royal purple each tank fill about 7-8gals. My shims on the heads are what is probably starting to go bad... hope that helps anyone that has dam drops with acceptable to zero knock.

[@Smeedia]

Appreciate the added info!

[@Kichizo_DJ]

Smeedia I actually wish I saw this when I was having the issues lol it would have calmed my ocd down lol 😂 but I am getting a fmic in the mail tomorrow 😆 give myself something to do if Hawaii gets shut down :(

[@Alexander-rn7mw]

First KZbin that came up when I got my first fine knock

[@Smeedia]

🙏🙏🙏

[@sban1985]

nice! can you talk about AFR, AF correction/learnings as well

[@Smeedia]

I can make a video on that 😁

[@mfdoomify]

Crazy how I see this vid after seeing some action happening with my dam and fbk. so recently I had fueled up my car and all a sudden my fbk will fluctuate between 2.66-4.22 (it mostly stays at 0 though) and my dam went from 16 to 15 and has stayed at 15 for the past day now. I drive a 04 wrx and I don't really drive hard (barely go pass 4k rpm) and I only have a stage 1 ots tune that's been working perfectly fine with me. I'm hoping that it's just the fuel that I got, I only go to chevron stations and use 91. Hopefully on my next fill up this goes back to normal.

[@Smeedia]

Hoping it goes back to normal! I've had bad gas do similar before 😖

[@pcarobsessed9778]

Hey bro, i recently bought cobb ac v3 for my 17 sti. Do you plug in 24/7? Or leave the obd2 plugged in and take out ac when in/out of the car? Thing is I would love to see the 6 screen all the time. Please advise! 😁

[@Smeedia]

I leave mine in 24/7 without issue 😁

[@JuanRamirez-cd4io]

I just added a tomei catless downpipe, replacing my catted downpipe on my 2006 sti , I bought the acessport as well to tune it with ots stage 2, my DAM is at 0.000 / 0.00 and my feedback knock is at -4 and spikes up more , I’m not to sure if I should be worried , it has an intake as well.

[@delaneyschafer2110]

How much does heat affect the dam readings you figure? My dam has been dropping as low as .358 these last few days. It's also been excessively hot for the last week or so. I've read somewhere that outside heat can make the dam drop. Also, how long does it take the accessport to relearn your driving habits after you change tunes? I got scared and reflashed the tune a number of times over the last week, and someone said it hasn't had time to relearn my driving habits, that's why my dam is dropping. I'm too new to this to know what's going on lol

[@uskeeze2131]

I just got an AP a week ago and have noticed a little bit of knock here and there. With the AC on its kind of frequent. It hit -3.82 once on the way home today but hit -1.41 like 9 times during a 40min drive. Earlier with the AC off I had my fine knock learn hit -1.41 which kind of got me nervous. When the AC is off it only really knocks when I push it a little bit. Like when the turbo kicks in. I have a Perrin “no tune needed” intake which I feel like is fucking with the system so I’m considering just getting the Cobb intake and going to the Stage 1+ tune. Or getting a pro tune? I only have the Perrin intake and an axle back so idk if that’s worth it.

[@SubiSkank]

I’ve got a 19sti. Been on Cobb stage1+ SF 93oct for about 3 weeks. All has been good. Until today. I picked up some bad gas or so i think a couple days ago so I added some VP Racing Octanium Unleaded. FBK would jump around from -1.4 All the way to -11.75 for a brief second but return to 0.00 FKL has went up to -8.XX and my DAM sat at 0.188 for more than 30miles. I ran the tank out to the dummy light and put in 93oct from a different gas station and after 60miles the DAM was still at 0.188. I hope like hell this might be from a dirty MAF. I reflashed to 91oct when I parked the car and won’t know if it’s helped until I head back home in a few days. I’m def a bit worried lol car has 31,327miles. Bought new with 6miles and stay on top of maintenance.

[@Smeedia]

Try resetting ECU learning in a few days if it does not go back to normal, re learn the car and see what happens if it drops again then start looking for issues

[@SubiSkank]

Smeedia I switched from the 93oct Map to the 91oct Map which reset the ECU and the monitored values. Unfortunately though I reset them when I parked my car at work and it’ll be 5 days until I get back in the car to drive. I’ve got 153 mile trip back home so I pray those 153 miles show normal readings. I’ve got new plugs at home and a compression test if it comes down to that. I’ve also got some MAF cleaner. Car didn’t throw any CEL.

[@antoniomendoza9607]

I have a WRX 2013 with a short block rebuild. I am seeing my knock feedback counter on CYL 2 increasing a lot. I replaced coils and spark plugs, I did noticed that it only does under light load mostly when cruising. DAM is 1 all the time and I did noticed sometimes is pulling time to -11.2, idles great and power seems normal. do you have an idea what can I check next?

[@Jonatha8a12]

Nice lighting!

[@Smeedia]

Thank you!

[@Grinny_OCE]

Had -4.9 FBK and FKL with DAM Drop on Stage 0 (Down to 0.4xx [start 0.688]) (Stock + catch cans). Happening soon after getter an injector clean done (Ride was SOO MUCH smoother) and new Sparks. (Mostly in cruise, low throttle) But very soon after cleaning the throttle body. I wouldn't too much if the DAM wasn't dropping. New spark, oil, clean throttle body and intake. No notable noise difference at idle, getting these readings that are dropping DAM. *Very new to working on cars, let alone a FA20DIT xD Just about to get e-tune with CAI install

[@Smeedia]

Reset Learning and allow the ECU to figure itself out. Probably got confused gling from dirty to clean 😅🙏

[@Grinny_OCE]

@@Smeedia sadly didn't work, idle relearn and reset after done clean.

[@blobeyeordie]

Had the DAM drop from 1 to .875 and saw FKL of -1.40(no feedback tho) the other day getting onto the freeway at only 3psi in 3rd and 4th gear(30 ish % percent throttle). It appears to be "learning" and the FKL is slowy creeping to 0 albeit in very small increments of about .04 or sometimes a bit more, and it will increase or decrease slightly. Seems dependent on RPM as certain RPMs with yield higher or lower values. No CEL or stored codes and AF learning values are within + or - 5, and its not running lean under load, no leaks as well. Its an 05 STI and am still learning the car, but Ive never had this happen when I owned my 02 WRX for about 7 years driving in rush hour traffic in 100+ degree AZ heat around this time. If knock did pop up, it quickly zerod out, but DAM never dropped, never had CEL or stored codes either. I am/was also running the Cobb ACN91 stage 2 normal wastegate map but with catless downpipes on both cars. Otherwise theyre are stock aside from a Perrin Turbo inlet and afta maf hose. Sadly tuners probably wont touch them even if theyre registered where we were not required to test emissions nowadays. I hope it will eventually learn, zero out and DAM will go back to 1...Any thoughts? Ive been obsessing over it lol

[@emanuelhdez1468]

I just "finished" my car project. I'm having some feedback knock -2.11 or -4.22. No Dam drop. The only thing that you mention that could be my issue is the tune. Im running on a tune for break in the engine.

[@silicum8333]

Im not sure if you will ever see this but I had my recently go to -11 on FBK and -7 on FKL but DAM stays at 1. Any thoughts? Man if you do reply, I appreciate your time and knowledge.

[@fa_flatout_818]

My Dam has not left 1. But some times on a cold start I’ll get some high readings on the feed back knock in 1st gear, -7.3 or -11.8. After the car warms up a little I will only get the -1.4. MAP stage 1 + tune with the MAP intake rev 3 19wrx

[@Smeedia]

Interesring, that would worry me. Little if it happened every single time... some OTS Maps like that can cause some knock since they are generic maps

[@fa_flatout_818]

Yea, I’m not worried about it. Car only has 4k on it. And it only happens under no load, never under load and never when the car warms up a bit. My 14sti had some knock issues every time I drove it. That only had 30k.

[@lukeb4657]

I've been getting fbk constantly under about 7% throttle every time I drive going up to a peak of -3.52 and yesterday my dam dropped as well to .750 I reflashed my ecu (running SF intake and just put on a boomba bpv) on just sf map and the dam was fine until tonight it dropped for only like 2 minutes while driving to .875. Makes me not want to drive my subie any e-tuners you recommend?

[@Smeedia]

Could be bad fuel but OTS Maps can always give skewed results. I would hit up drunk man tuning first e tuner that comes to mind but there are some other good ones out there as well

[@brianbronson2093]

Love the video! Quick question, I have a 2020 sti 8k miles just recently put a AP and knock was close to non existent and dam was at 1. A week ago took it on a drive through the canyons and noticed some knock. It did go as high as 4.20 once but it stayed close 1.20-2.18 most of the time. dam dropped to .812. I did mix fuel brands right before the canyon run(both still 91). Now it’s been a week and knock is normal with high being 1.20, but my dam is still at .812. Should I be worried? Thanks! Forgot to mention car is stock.

[@Smeedia]

What tune did you upload to the car? 🙏

[@brianbronson2093]

@@Smeedia it was stage 1 91 ACN

[@meekin30643]

I have DAM drop to .875 consistent for 2 tanks of fuel from the same station I’ve always used. I only read feedback knock when the compressor kicks on and off -1.4 I think BUT I read -6.88 on fine Knock Learn from 2400-2700 RPM in every gear but 1st and 2nd when accelerating gently (20-30%) acceleration. I’ve ran the same pro tune for 9 months with no issues until this last week. I do notice any difference in the car other than it feels a little sluggish.

[@stephensuarez3417]

Thank you for this, I’m throwing the -2.8 I was freaking out

[@Smeedia]

No need to worry 🙏🙏🙏

[@CarlosReyes0hlre]

My 12’ sti hit -6.65 today 😅

[@BuckingFeast]

DAM just dropped for the first time to 0.812 on a 2nd gear highway pull, guess I should get a protune asap

[@Smeedia]

I would suggest that, will definitely help keep DAM where it needs to be 🔥😁

[@alexisfernandez6797]

@smeedia car dropped to 12 dam then went up to 15 and stayed there. Also fine knock learn also was at -4.22 but also went into positive .35 never seen it go into positive. Are these number bad? 04 wrx with 205k miles on original motor

[@andrewpaige9152]

Im getting Knock sensor error on 2004 Blob eye Impreza GG GX non turbo at random times and goes away then randomly comes on again and goes away and Subaru wants $280 just for the part, is it the sensor or the car its bone stock only air box was removes with a more easier breathable hose that accesses cold air but then light came on before this mod and the car runs better with it? Any suggestions or should i replace the part? It is just my run around car and when i decide to take my dog to the beach and have to use it for very mild off road as it has LOW range and High range gear lever which is handy for the sand. Also still loving the channel! If you have PO Box and need any JDM parts let us know as its so easy to source here in Australia and your dollar value is worth double also with Process west parts as its Aussie made but expensive in my dollar. Saving for some Mishimotto stuff for my Sexy Rexy and getting the plates SIKMRX

[@Smeedia]

If it doesn't bother you I wouldent worry about it, but if it were my car I would swap it out anyway. Cant stand when the car throws Codes 😅 and I'll keep that in mind if I'm ever trying to source anything 😁😁😁

[@stetsonpack4983]

Hey man great video! Just wanted to get your take on my situation! I’ve got an 06 Wrx with about 215k miles with stage 2 OTS tune very random feedback knock DAM never drops only once have I ever seen it drop, however almost every drive I’m seeing numbers between the common -1.28-4.8 and -7 somewhat frequently even on the freeway at constant speeds? Anything you would recommend to troubleshoot besides an etune? Thanks again man for the great video breakdown!

[@Smeedia]

Chdck for bolts onto of the knock sensor or loose heat Sheild's in the engine bay. That can set off the sensor at times too

[@Hbryry]

@@Smeedia this happens to me too. Same year and dam never drops but feedback goes down randomly -1-4 sometimes. Mainly on fwy speeds. Weird how the ACN tune also feels worse than the regular 91 octane for stage 1

[@Smeedia]

My 05 does it as well, phantom knock or ghost knock for me

[@TypeRking76]

Did you ever figure it out? Today when i got home i seen a -7 for min but all values were 0.00. Just got the car a week ago and today was my first real drive. Put it 7 gallons of 93 for the first time as well. I seen -2.8 then when i finally got home seen it hit -7.

[@sopadesopita]

INSANE knock numbers and DAM to 0 … this is going to be fun

[@abe3123]

Just put in a cobb downpipe flashed the stage 2 OTS map from cobb, dam has dropped to .938 since and I'll get feedback knock learn up to .39 when on throttle. Gas is good, spark plugs were changed recently

[@Smeedia]

Give the map about 2 days to learn and it should go up 🙏

[@abe3123]

@@Smeedia that's the other thing I've had the tune and dp on since 7/26

[@jessemoulds9051]

Hey Smeedia I appreciate the info it's very useful although I do have one concern not sure if it's something to worry about but when watching feedback knock and fine knock learn I do get a consistent reading of -1.40 to -2.80 for knock feed back same for learn but today the learn feedback went up to -3.15 and that's consistent with going over 10psi I'm sure it's not much to worry about but it's strange to me that these numbers are consistent on every drive. I have a 2020 sti with 4600 miles and tomei exhaust just running the stage 0 v400 ots map from cobb. is there anything to be worried about?

[@Smeedia]

Nothing to worry about you'll see knock values here and there. Only really need to worry when DAM drops and knock goes crazy

[@jessemoulds9051]

Yeah I previously installed cobb air intake and was running stage 1+ sf before I could get it pro tuned I had ringland failure since then I’ve been a bit on the edge with it but thanks for the reply love the videos keep doing what you’re doing 💯💯

[@xaviormckittrick9394]

@@Smeediawhatdo you do than? I got that issue right now. I got FBK at 80 and my DAM going as low as 0.2 should I be concerned?

[@dilligas112]

Question, have a 2017 wrx with cobb big sf intake tomei catback an running the correct map from accessport I get a -2.8 fine knock learn when I get to around 4k rpm, feedback hit 1.41 for a couple seconds but never went higher dam still at 1 but recently whenever I get into around 4k rpm I always get the -2.8 fkl, any idea what to even start looking at?

[@Smeedia]

Those are all normal values, I wouldent stress it. 🙏🙏🙏 as long as DAM is staying at 1 your in the clear

[@josez3326]

I had my 13 STI Tuned recently and it was running good and everything. But now I’m getting high feedback numbers and fkl , sometimes the dam drops to .7 or .8 but goes up again. And sometimes it stays at 1. Only in boost though … Stage 2+ e-tuned

[@willc3195]

My dam is constantly at 0.00 and my feedback knock occasionally goes down to -1.4 is that something I need to worry about? Thanks

[@greaserv8]

How often do you detail your engine bay? Your engine bay is clean!

[@Smeedia]

Never 🤣 the rain just washed dust out

[@greaserv8]

@@Smeedia Mine doesnt look that clean 🤷‍♂️. We will see if I move to Centralia since its closer to you, maybe the rain is cleaner the closer you get to the sound.

[@huntercooper5161]

Hey there, I commented on one of your other videos about what I should do with my car because I had both cats clogged up. I ended up getting a Cobb SF intake with an airbox, a turbo XF 3 inch catted downpipe, and I’m running a stage 2+93 octane off-the-shelf tune. (2011 wrx) I got a reading of -4.2 feedback knock along with -2.8 fine knock learn, and .7 DAM. I reset the ECU, did a few pulls, and all I got was the same feedback knock but my DAM did not move FROM 1.000. Is my car okay? Should I be concerned? What should I do?

[@Smeedia]

Drive the car normal for a bit to let the ECU learn parameters a bit.

[@cullen5419]

Hey man, so I recently put a cobb sf intake with box and I’m running the stage 1+ 91 octane and a catback. I noticed my feedback knock was hitting 1.4 under WOT and sometimes higher. I noticed my DAM dropped to 0.75. Am I screwed or is it bad gas

[@Smeedia]

Your not screwed, could be bad gas could also be the tune not wanting to communicated well with the car

[@iamsimongates]

question I have a 2020 wrx base model with Cobb cold air intake and the box with a invidia exhaust. Have a brand new motor with just over 1,000 miles on it. I put everything back on and on my way home I got a feedback knock of -2.81 and it seemed like it was only doing it at lower RPMS like going from a stop. Any concern? DAM is still at 1.000 and fine knock didn’t move either and is at 0.00 please help

[@iamsimongates]

And i have OTS tune which is the bigSF performance 91v tune is that the right tune for the mods that I have?

[@dylankendig8596]

2011 wrx stage 1+ with the Cobb intake, 91 octane tune but running 93 in car. Dam stays at 1 and fine knock learn stays at 0. Feed back knock just about every time I drive it goes above 2.8 (usually around 5-8) and has went to 11. No code for the knock sensor being bad or faulty. Thoughts?

[@Smeedia]

Sounds like ghost knock, if the FKL and DAM don't move i would think loose heat sheild or road noise might be setting it off. On the other end it could just be the the car does not like the OTS Tune either

[@cwreck1814]

What do you think of ots tunes? Dam is dropping significantly with an ots stage 2+ tune. Should I consider a pro tune for a more individualized tune? Also, when you added your downpipe with the stock fuel system, did you have tune on the car at that point?

[@Smeedia]

Imo they're temporary tunes, I'd highly suggest an Etune at minimum 🔥 I had a base tune

[@Milkpower2125]

@@Smeedia what are the best mods for an etune? Im ots stage 1 with cob redline wanna get an etune asap but should I install any other mods to make the best out of it?

[@Smeedia]

STI?

[@Milkpower2125]

@@Smeedia 2019 limited STI yes! also forgot to mention I have an iag aos

[@Smeedia]

Snag a boost controller and a fuel pump at minimum, ideally if you can afford it a downpipe and injectors too 🙏

[@noahscars1457]

What if my fine knock learn is spiking to .35 instead of going down?

[@jeffreyxing7177]

This video has been very helpful! I'm going through a weird issue with my 2021 WRX right now though, where I see -2.11 fine knock learn consistently at 0-5 psi of boost but no feedback knock, and yet my DAM still drops. I'm on a stage 1 e-tune and my only performance mod is a Cobb BigSF intake. This has been happening for the last couple days regardless of the time of day or ambient temperature, so I know it's not related to the stock intercooler heat soak. I'm also pretty low mileage at 28k miles, and I got my spark plugs changed at 20k miles, so I think something else is going on. Any help would be appreciated!

[@travc7286]

If you (or anyone else) haven't already, GET RID of the Big SF. I had the same bog/timing, kock and dam problems for 6 months, no leaks and tried everything to get it to run right. Even had A/F learning 1 as high as +34 at idle. That intake was a flat out disaster ( too much turbulence in the intake tube) and even cobb knows it because they discontinued it for the "new" SF intake. I had luckily made a warranty claim of poor craftsmanship just before the end of my one year warranty period. They were not eager but eventually after some hemming and hawing agreed to warranty it with a new SF intake free of charge, (good on Cobb for taking accountability). Slapped that bad boy on there and numbers were better but still not great and still got DAM drop. Got a Drunkmann tune a few days later and MONEY. Perfect A/F learn, no more knock and no DAM drop. Long story short, BIG Sf goes in the dumpster > New SF intake or other brand > Dmann tune. Its like i got a new car!

[@jeffreyxing7177]

@@travc7286 Thank you for specifying!!! I went to my shop and they said Cobb tried to hide the mistake of the BigSF by releasing the revised SF intake just 2 years after the BigSF. Every single customer they've had with the BigSF had the same issues as me. I'm getting it replaced early next year for sure.

[@Ed50482]

one of the FEW real ones round here in the subie community lol 👀👀

[@Smeedia]

🙏🙌🙏🙌🙏🙌🙏

[@Mr-singh788]

Hi I got wrx sti 2016 It has dam dropped down to 812 and my fine learn knock number is going up when am driving no engine light on what can be the cause?

[@youngrussian7189]

Hey Smeedia, big fan of your channel. I have a question. I have an 05 STI and I’ve been seeing some knock on my AP. So sometimes my Feedback jumps from -2 to -4 and sometimes to -6. My Fine knock jumps from -.35 to -1.40, and -1.70. Sometimes it stays on while driving. My DAM always stays at 1.000 and it has never dropped. I just got a tune from Dominic at Tier One. I use 93 and it might be crappy 93. Do you have any advice for me?

[@Smeedia]

If your DAM is staying at 1 I qouldent overly worry, try a diffrent fuel station and see what results you get back as well. FKL is in normal range

[@youngrussian7189]

Smeedia will do! Thank you!

[@TypeRking76]

Did it ever fix up for you?

[@youngrussian7189]

@@TypeRking76 not quite, had to talk to my tuner and have him adjust some things on the map. After he did that it fixed the problem

[@marlonmejia3031]

Smeedia I’m lost in figure out this 05 wrx got a -11.14 feedback knock but I’m not hearing any knocking or noise to the motor. My DAM is been at 0. Not sure what my issue is… lose of power? Boost issues?. I did swap the motor from a 02 WRX with 100,000. I did swap a stage 4 act clutch into the 05 WRX for my Dragway Track gains. But these dam and knock reads are scary causing power loss…

[@xmyko9122]

My car sometimes at idle likes to jerk a little bit, I put fuel system cleaner inside and it seemed to help. Could this be dirty intake valves?

[@Smeedia]

Possibly if it is a FAw0 WRX tou can have carbon build up on your valves that would need to be walnut blasted

[@w0lfGG]

Just got my 2018 wrx. Have a DAM of .5 to .750. I havent put fresh gas myself, just whatever the dealer may have put it. Im getting FBK of -1.41, -2.81, and occasionally -4.22. But im also getting FKL of -3.5 to 1.05. Is my car screwed? :( i only take it to work, on the highway, and around town. Stock tune, stock parts.

[@87ssstans]

Love the video! Subscribed! I noticed my feedback knock was above -2.8 once but my DAM stayed at 1 and feedback knock learn at 0. Should i be worried? I am on Cobb OTS stage 1 93 octane.

[@Smeedia]

I wouldent overly worry, if you see dam drop and feedback knock increase then you should start looking into things. Ots maps generally give more feedback than protunes or ETunes. Also apprediate the support 🙌

[@87ssstans]

@@Smeedia phew lol my 2018 wrx only has 13,000 km on the engine brand new, eases my mind with your response. Yeah the feedback knock learn and DAM never changed, only the Feedback knock value went to -7 that one time i was driving for an hour and a half for a trip lol. i did a few pulls maybe i was snapping the clutch out too fast and cased the knock? I will always support the Subbie fam!

[@Smeedia]

The knock snesor is pretty sensitive and will pick up a lot that also might not be knock

[@87ssstans]

@@Smeedia that's true, I guess I should be worried if I get feedback knock and my dam goes down at same time? Thanks for the response!

[@Smeedia]

That is correct 😁

[@logangreer3629]

Any chance a bumpy road can cause knock readings?

[@Tjw2005slobalt]

Sorry to comment on a old video. I recently installed the iAG v3 AOS on my 20 sti and I’ve noticed that the supplied bottom oil drain hose clamp has come undone and is leaking a little oil. Could this cause the -11.7° feedback knock and 0.000 DAM I am seeing? May I add the car has less than 20k miles and the only mods are ETS mid-pipe, faction fab axle back, Cobb SF intake, Cobb AP w/s1+ ots, and the iAG AOS. 😬😬 I’ll be doing a compression test, wish me luck 😢😅

[@DJPT100]

How about having a 2.5 built engine forg, piston, titani, valves, spring ext. But you have a wrx ecu could that cost miss reads?

[@Smeedia]

What ECU is on the car? It shouldn't cause mis readings as long as calibration and everything are set up properly

[@ogholiday]

Thanks for the info. I drive a 04 wrx sti. Cobb intake, cobb turbo back exhaust and Cobb accesport. I have DAM readings of .575. Feedback Knock seems to be fine at 0 and fine knock learn at .71. Car seems to be running fine. I'm running stage 2 with 93 octane fuel. Thoughts on the low DAM number?

[@Smeedia]

Thr low damn number is the car reducing ignition tables. I would try resetting ECU learning and let it relearn to get damn back to 1. If it drops again I'd start hunting for why

[@ogholiday]

@@Smeedia Thanks. I actually did that and the DAM is back at 1. Everything seems to be good!

[@coldbrewshawty]

My 2016 wrx just started going to like -5.9 when I have the ac on (I live in FL it’s hot) but mostly stays around -4.9 but fluctuates all the way to 0. My DAM never changes from 1.000. Is this okay?

[@Smeedia]

I wouldent stress it, A/C can cause that

[@CHASEtheDRIVE.]

How about occasional -4.20 that learns away almost instantly Dam never drops... happened while cruising. Any thoughts?

[@Smeedia]

Nothing to stress 🙏🙏🙏

[@leland5519]

Do you know by chance if I should be worried about low FBK & FKL with forged pistons? I think I got a bad tank of gas last week and my DAM dropped to 0.875 so I reset the ECU after getting new gas and my DAM now seems to be fine but I've been paranoid about my FBK and FKL ever since that DAM drop. I've been keeping an eye on the numbers and I've been getting down to -2.00 kind of randomly (none of which happen during WOT though). My engine has weisco forged pistons so I'm wondering if I should even worry about those knock numbers or not. TIA!

[@Smeedia]

Totally normal values for knock, nothing to worry about 🙏 if you see anything higher -4.20 and dam drop then you should worry

[@leland5519]

@@Smeedia appreciate you! Hopefully I don’t see that combo any time soon 🙏🏼

[@saluddin3622]

Hello please help me! I got a 2020 wrx. I went stage 1 + with Grimmspeed intake! The tuner made a special tune for me. The dam goes does to 0.935. The fine knock learn sometimes is -1.41 to -2.8 sometimes just cruising. Is the dam ok? Please advise me. Should I have the tuner dyno tune it? Please let me know

[@Smeedia]

Nothing detrimental or to worry about, never hurts to take a long and email it to your tuner to see if any changes can be made.

[@islandirie3683]

my 21 wrx showed too rich cuz it died out i reset the accessport and reflashed for stage1+bigsf intake it shows no codes is that pretty much a fix? Please help just worried

[@gerardoluevano3167]

Hope you reply I have a 2013 stibut got the engine rebuilt bottom end with forged internals and turbo back and intake with a pro tune but I get -7 sometimes on feedback but fine knock is 0 and damn stays at 1 I shouldn’t worry right ?

[@Smeedia]

Leight weight flywheel on the car?

[@CostaDoinBusiness]

I know this as old video. but my Subaru has an occasional what sounds like knock. but im not seeing any feedback knock at all. and DAM is steady at 1. the sound is intermittent and doesn't increase with RPM. TF any helpers?

[@mr.p2371]

I had DAM drop on stock tune during a cruise in the highway, i.e. not running it hard. So I installed a MAPerformance intake and ots stage 1+ and DAM stays at 1 but I get -7 sometimes in feedback knock and fine knock learn. Car runs just fine always on 93 Shell though. I have no idea why it does that. Bad sensor?

[@Smeedia]

Nature of an OTS Tune, because they're so generic you'll see some knock with them. Generally nothing too harmful

[@TheLancer042]

My DAM is at 0.312 but my feedback knock is at 0.00. I did put new fuel in the car. I usually go to Shell. Is this a problem? Or is this sort of normal or nothing to worry too much about? The DAM used to be at 1.000

[@DIMILifts]

Is -2.8 feedback knock in boost a worry?only ever happened once while i was checking for something and decided to do launch control at 4500rpm

[@Smeedia]

Normal value and nothing to stress 🙏

[@rays_wrx21]

Hey so I recently had a OTS Cobb stage 1 tune on 91 I fueled up at Costco and I was pulling on the freeway and I noticed my damn dropped to the .750s and now it’s permanently at .688 but when going to long drive the damn jumps back up to 1.00 but as soon as the car is turned off it’s back to 0.688 and I uninstalled the mod map and I’m running a stage 0 map just to have the access port installed on the car mind your it’s a brand new 2021 wrx

[@Smeedia]

Reset ECU learning, let the car idle for 20 minutes after that. Drive the car normally without too much boost. Then full up at a diffrent fuel station

[@Jonathan-yk4du]

What if I get a slight DAM drop without knock? Happened last night on my drive home, dropped to .875 eventually recovering to .938 before I got home, then today finally recovered fully to 1.000. Just refueled so bad gas? I used Kirkland 93 octane which I’ve never had issues with before and I’m pro tuned.

[@Smeedia]

Possibly bad gas, I'd try a diffrent fuel station for a bit. Also could have just been a hiccup with the car

[@Puhhh_C]

If your running on E85, can you still get bad fuel? And does fine knock learn lower your boost? I’m protuned for 22psi but I getting fine knock learn (-1.4) on the high rpm range which only lets me go 19.5psi, does fine knock learn lower boost?

[@Smeedia]

Depends on your turn, if its not a fled tune then yes. You can get less than ideal E85.

[@X3mSean]

I’m running stage 1+ Cobb and in the process of going back an forth with ambottuning to get me a tune set up. Sometime I get 1.4-2.4 feedback knock. Dam stays at 1.00

[@Smeedia]

Thats normal for knock, but hopefully you get it wrapped up soon!

[@MrNater1313]

I have a 2004 forester with a EJ257 with Cobb AP and several different mods all bolt one. It has been tuned and gone thru. I recently my DAM dropped to .875. My fine knock learn is going up too .75 under acceleration. Then I randomly get a knock feed back that goes up to -12.00. But runs fine sounds fine. Any input would be very much appreciated

[@Smeedia]

Go to any new fuel stations recently? I would pull cyl roughness to see what each cylinder is doing under acceleration as well

[@MrPiGGyOnCrAcK]

Love you ;)

[@Smeedia]

🔥😁🙌

[@mlivesay88]

I’ve been having weird readings on my DAM. Since we live in the same area, do you have any recommendations for quality gas around here?

[@Smeedia]

Normally I stick with Shell 🙏

[@mlivesay88]

@@Smeedia right on. ive been trying different gas stations but i dont think ive tried shell yet. i also only get gas about once a month so its been a loooooong process. XD

[@lucian7182]

Need some help, was doing wot data logs for my newest tune revision. 21 sti, Looking at the logs, I had -1 feedback from 3385 rpm - 3922 rpm, Dam dropped at 4k rpm to .75 by 4300 rpm it rose to .87 and by 4600 it was back to 1. I’m stumped 🤔 . Did a second wot pull 5 min later and dam stayed at 1 .

[@562whisperloc]

I have a question. So i have a 02 wrx stage 2 dp, catback and intake. My dam reading is at 16 which is ideal but my feedback knock is consistently at 4.42 throught the whole rev range. Could that be a sign of a bad knock sensor? Kind of freaking out about it because im not hearing any crazy noises and my car drives perfectly fine

[@Smeedia]

Could be ghost knock, false knock or the knock sensor is picking up on a loose hesr shield or road noise

[@562whisperloc]

Smeedia thanks for the reply appreciate that. I reflashed the ecu and so far its been at a steady 2.1 and hasnt jumped up after doing a few pulls.