GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure Bank 1

Caution: Hot engine coolant may cause severe burns. Although the cooling system has been drained, coolant still remains in the engine water jacket. This coolant will drain with the removal of the knock sensor.

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

Caution: Provide additional support when a vehicle is on a hoist:

   • Before removing parts, support the opposite end. This helps prevent the vehicle from slipping off.
   • Before removing major components, chain the vehicle frame to the hoist pads at the same end as the removal. This helps avoid a tip-off.
Failure to follow these precautions could cause vehicle damage, serious personal injury, or death.


    Object Number: 389111  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Cooling and Radiator.

    Raise the vehicle.

  3. Disconnect the knock sensor wiring harness connector from the knock sensor.

  4. Object Number: 389301  Size: SH
  5. Remove the knock sensor (2) from the engine block (1).

Installation Procedure Bank 1

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Important: Do not apply thread sealant to sensor threads. The sensor is coated at factory and applying additional sealant will affect the sensor's ability to detect detonation.


    Object Number: 389301  Size: SH
  1. Install the knock sensor (2) into the engine block (1).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the knock sensor to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).


    Object Number: 389111  Size: SH
  3. Connect the knock sensor electrical connector (2) to the knock sensor (1).
  4. Lower the vehicle.
  5. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  6. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.

Removal Procedure Bank 2

Caution: Hot engine coolant may cause severe burns. Although the cooling system has been drained, coolant still remains in the engine water jacket. This coolant will drain with the removal of the knock sensor.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.

  2. Object Number: 381311  Size: SH
  3. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  4. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the bolts from the splash shield.
  6. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  7. Remove the bolts (2) from the knock sensor heat shield (1) located under the freeze plug (or block heater if equipped).
  8. Disconnect the knock sensor wiring harness connector (3) from the knock sensor (4).

  9. Object Number: 389301  Size: SH
  10. Remove the knock sensor (2) from the engine block (1).

Installation Procedure Bank 2

Important: Do Not apply thread sealant to sensor threads. The sensor is coated at factory and applying additional sealant will affect the sensor's ability to detect detonation.


    Object Number: 389301  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  1. Install the knock sensor (2) into the engine block (1).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the knock sensor to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).

  3. Install the knock sensor heat shield.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  5. Connect the knock sensor electrical connector to the knock sensor.
  6. Install the splash shield.
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  9. Check the coolant level.
  10. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.