Could the transmission not working right affect the knock sensor?

Yes, a malfunctioning transmission can potentially affect the knock sensor's performance. The knock sensor is designed to detect engine vibrations caused by knocking or pre-ignition, and if the transmission is not shifting properly, it can lead to abnormal engine load and vibrations. These changes in engine dynamics may confuse the sensor or lead to incorrect readings, potentially causing it to trigger false knock detections or fail to detect actual knocking.