For 1990-2009 cars
Engine Controls Components
Ignition Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

### Diagnosis

Use the following scan tool parameters when diagnosing this circuit.

• | KS Noise Channel - This is used to monitor the input signal from the knock sensor. This position should display YES when knock is being detected and NO when no knock is being detected.

• | KS Retard - This indicates how many degrees the PCM is retarding the spark timing.

• | KS Activity Counter. - This displays the varying AC signal from the knock sensor. The scan tool will display KS activity in counts. The KS activity counter indicates if the PCM is receiving the varying frequency output of the knock sensor. The counter increases with engine speed.

### Circuit Description

The Knock Sensor (KS) detects abnormal vibration (spark knocking) in the engine. The sensor is mounted in the engine block near the cylinders. The sensor produces an AC output voltage which increases with the severity of the knock. The amplitude and the frequency are dependent upon the knock level. The knock sensor sends this signal voltage to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM will retard the electronic spark timing based on the signal the PCM receives in order to reduce the spark knock.

### Diagnostic Aids

• | This table does not check for an open knock sensor signal circuit. If the knock sensor signal circuit is open, a DTC P0325 will be set.

• | While observing the knock signal on the scan tool, there should be an indication that knock is present whenever detonation can be heard. Detonation is most likely to occur under high engine load conditions.

### Test Description

Number(s) below refer to number(s) on the diagnostic table.

1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference. If a DTC P0325 is set, do not use this table.

2. With the engine idling, there should be not be a knock signal present because detonation is not likely under a no load condition.

3. If the engine has an internal problem which is creating a knock, the knock sensor may be responding to the mechanical noise.

4. Tapping on the engine near the sensor simulates a knock. This step determines if the sensor can respond to an engine noise.

5. The sensor will not produce any voltage unless a knock is present. Voltage present at the sensor indicates that the sensor is faulty.

6. This step will determine if the reason the knock sensor did not respond to the tapping was due to a faulty sensor, KS module or PCM.

7. If the knock sensor signal circuit is routed to close to ignition circuitry, the circuit may be picking up induced electrical noise causing a false knock signal.

8. Refer to Knock Sensor Module Replacement for KS module replacement.

9. Replacement PCM's must be reprogrammed. Refer to the latest Techline information for programming procedures.

#### Knock Sensor (KS) System Check

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
2 |

1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine idling.
2. Install a scan tool.

Is spark knock indicated?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3 | Listen for engine knock while increasing and decreasing the engine speed. Is an engine knock present? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 5
4 | Caution: Avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces while working around a running engine in order to prevent physical injury. Tap on the engine block near the knock sensor. Is spark knock indicated? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 6
5 |

1. With the engine OFF.
2. Disconnect the knock sensor electrical connector.
3. With a DVM connected to ground, probe the knock sensor terminal.

Is an AC voltage indicated?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6 |

1. With the engine OFF.
2. Disconnect the knock sensor electrical connector.
3. With a DVM connected to ground, probe the knock sensor terminal.
4. Tap on the engine block near the knock sensor.

Is an AC voltage indicated while tapping near the sensor?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

7 | Check the knock sensor signal circuit routing and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 10
8 | Repair the basic engine problem. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 13 | --
9 | Replace the knock sensor. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 13 | --
10 | Was the KS module replaced? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11
11 | Replace the KS module. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 13 | --
12 | Replace the PCM. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 13 | --
13 | Operate vehicle within the conditions under which the original symptom was noted. Does the system now operate properly? | -- | System OK Refer to Diagnostic Aids | Go to Step 2