Control method and device for an internal combustion engine

The method involves moving components between two positions, where each component transmits vibrations at a location of one of end positions of the component during operation of an internal combustion engine (M). A signal correlated with these vibrations is acquired. The signal is correlated with impact energy determined by an impact of the components against an abutment disposed in one of these end positions. An independent claim is also included for a control device for an internal combustion engine.