The knock sensor (KS) is a piezoelectric device that produces an AC voltage of different amplitude and frequency depending on the level of engine mechanical vibration. The KS system monitors the knock sensor in order to determine if detonation or spark knock is present. If the KS system determines that excessive knock is present, the engine control module (ECM) retards the spark timing based on the signal from the KS system. The knock sensor produces an AC signal when specific frequencies are detected. The ECM then retards the timing until knock is controlled.
In order to differentiate between normal engine noise and spark knock, the ECM samples the KS signal. The ECM samples the KS signal for a certain length of time under different engine speeds and loads during non-cylinder knock events. This sampling is used to determine a range of acceptable normal engine noise. If the ECM detects too much normal engine noise from a knock sensor, a knock sensor DTC sets.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:
• | DTC P0328 Knock Sensor (KS) Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 |
• | DTC P0333 Knock Sensor (KS) Circuit High Voltage Bank 2 |
• | Before the ECM can report DTC P0328 or P0333 failed, DTC P0324 must run and pass. |
• | The engine is operating. |
• | The engine speed is more than 2,000 RPM and steady. |
• | The ECM is controlling spark. |
• | The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is more than 60°C (140°F). |
• | The volumetric efficiency is steady. |
• | DTC P0328 and P0333 run continuously once the above conditions are met for more than 1 second. |
The ECM detects the knock sensor signal voltage is more than the maximum normal engine noise level.
• | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails. |
• | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records. |
• | The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 4 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
• | A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes. |
• | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic. |
• | Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool. |
• | Use the J 35616 Connector Test Adapter Kit for any test that requires probing the ECM harness connector or a component harness connector. |
• | The lower connector of the ECM is connector C1 and the upper connector of the ECM is connector C2. Refer to Engine Controls Component Views . |
• | The knock sensor must be torqued correctly. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . |
• | The mounting between the sensor and engine must be free of burrs, casting flash, and foreign material. |
• | The knock sensor is clear from hoses, brackets, and engine wiring. |
• | For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions . |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
This step verifies a condition is present.
This step is testing for Electromagnetic interference (EMI). If the KS circuits are routed close to high load circuits or components, this DTC may set.
This step is testing for a poor connection at the component and for an intermittent condition with the wiring.
This step is testing if the KS is installed correctly. A KS that is not fully seated may cause this DTC to set.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views | ||||||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||||||
Important: If you can hear an engine knock, repair the engine mechanical condition before proceeding with this diagnostic. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical-3.6L (LY7).
Does the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 | |||||||||
3 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||||
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 5 | |||||||||
Does the KS parameter change abruptly while moving the related harnesses? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 6 | |||||||||
Did you find and correct the condition? | 23 N·m (17 lb ft) | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 7 | |||||||||
7 |
Did the same KS DTC fail? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||||
8 | Did the opposite bank KS DTC fail? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 12 | ||||||||
9 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the KS. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 10 | ||||||||
10 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 14 | ||||||||
11 | Repair the appropriate KS circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||||||
12 | Repair the poor connection at the KS. Refer to Wiring Repairs and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||||||
13 | Replace the KS. Refer to the appropriate procedure: Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||||||
14 | Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- | ||||||||
15 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 16 | ||||||||
16 | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | -- | System OK |