Method to control auto-ignition in an internal combustion engine equipped with variable valve timing control

A method and control system to accomplish knock control on a multi-cylinder spark-ignition internal combustion engine equipped variable cam phasing system, comprising monitoring cam position, crankshaft position, and, engine knock signal, determining cam position relative to crankshaft position, and implementing either a global cylinder knock control strategy or an individual cylinder knock control strategy, based upon whether the determined cam position relative to crankshaft position is near a default position, the determined cam position indicates the variable cam phasing system is operating in a transient mode, or, the determined cam position relative to crankshaft position is substantially different from the default position.