A loud knock is usually associated with a rod bearing. The rod connects the crankshaft to the piston. If a rod bearing went out, possibly from an oil pump going bad, it would stall out the motor.
Need more information Like Year,Engine size and what it is in. That would let us help answer your question alot better.
No. It only senses engine vibration/knock.
does my 1996 pontiac ga stall out in park
Running out of gas, timing chain breaks.
A bad knock sensor would illuminate the check engine light and allow the engine to ping (spark knock). The engine doesn't shift, the transmission shifts.
No, it will not cause the engine to knock.
The thermostat control engine temperature. If it fails the engine can run hot or cold - that would happen long before over-heating caused the engine to stall.
If the knock sensor failed the CEL (Check Engine Light) would be illuminated and the engine may "ping" or "spark knock" under load. Serious "spark knock" can damage the engine if allowed to continue.
Why would it stall or almost stall in Reverse but not in Drive? How long since it's received a tune-up and thorough check-up? How is the compression?
No it will not.
clutch
It can be the idle control solonoid on the throtle body.