GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Firebird 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0327 Knock Sensor (KS) Circuit

Object Number: 22824 Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Ignition Control, Knock Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The knock sensors are used to detect engine detonation, allowing the PCM to retard Ignition Control (IC) spark timing based on the KS signal being received. The knock sensors produce an AC signal which rides on a 5 volts DC signal supplied by the PCM. The signal amplitude and frequency is dependent upon the amount of knock being experienced.

The PCM determines whether the knock sensors and related wiring are operating properly by monitoring the voltage level on the noise channel. The noise channel allows the PCM to diagnose the KS system by allowing the PCM to learn the amount of normal engine mechanical noise present. Normal engine noise varies depending on engine speed and load. When the PCM determines that an abnormally low noise channel voltage level is being experienced, a DTC P0327 will set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • No active TP sensor, VSS or ECT sensor DTCs are set.
    • The engine has been running for at least 10 seconds.
    • The engine coolant temperature is greater than 65°C (149°F).
    • Throttle angle is greater than 1.5%.
    • Engine speed is between 2500 RPM and 2900 RPM.
    • System voltage is greater than 9 volts.
    • The difference between KS Minimum Learned Noise and KS Noise Channel voltage level is less than 0.4 volt.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will not illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Fail Records data only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Information function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

    • Poor connection at the PCM - Inspect harness connectors for the following conditions:
       - Backed out terminals.
       - Improper mating.
       - Broken locks.
       - Improperly formed or damaged terminals.
       - Poor terminal to wire connection.
    • Misrouted harness. Inspect the knock sensor harness to ensure that it is not routed too close to high voltage wires such as spark plug leads.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. Ensures that the fault is present.

    2.

  2. Checks for a false knock signal caused by a faulty knock sensor.

    3.

  3. Ensures that the knock sensors are capable of producing a correct AC signal.

    4.

  4. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Important: If an engine knock can be heard, repair the engine mechanical problem before proceeding with this diagnostic. Refer to Engine Noise Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical .

  1. Operate the engine within conditions specified in Conditions for Setting the DTC.
  2. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0327 until the DTC P0327 test runs
  3. Turn the ignition ON, engine not running.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0327 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data for DTC P0327.
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0327 until the

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0327 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

4
  1. Turn ON the ignition switch, engine not running.
  2. Disconnect both knock sensor electrical connectors.
  3. Using a J 39200 Digital Multimeter, measure voltage between the KS signal circuit at each knock sensor and ground.

Does the Digital Multimeter indicate voltage at the specified value for both knock sensors?

5V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5
  1. Connect the Digital Multimeter to measure voltage between the Bank 1 knock sensor terminal and engine ground.
  2. Select AC volts scale on the Digital Multimeter.
  3. Engine idling, observe the Digital Multimeter display.
  4. Repeat the above test for the Bank 2 knock sensor.

Is any signal indicated on the Digital Multimeter for either knock sensor?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6
  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. digital multimeter still connected to measure voltage between the Bank 2 knock sensor terminal and engine ground.
  3. Tap on the engine lift bracket while observing the digital multimeter.
  4. Repeat the above test for the Bank 1 knock sensor.

Is a signal indicated on the digital multimeter for both knock sensors while tapping on the engine lift bracket?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7
  1. Check the KS signal circuits for incorrect routing near secondary wires or for a poor terminal connections at the knock sensors.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

8
  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Check the KS signal circuits between the PCM and the knock sensor connectors for the following conditions:
    5. • An open.
    • A short to voltage.
    • A short to ground.
  5. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

9

Replace the affected knock sensor. Refer to Knock Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

10
  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Check the KS signal circuit for a poor terminal connection at the PCM.
  4. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

11
  1. Replace the KS module. Refer to Knock Sensor Module Replacement .
  2. Operate the engine within conditions specified in Conditions for Setting the DTC.
  3. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0327 until the DTC P0327 test runs.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0327 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the PCM.

Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13
  1. Review and record Fail Records data
  2. Clear DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle within Fail Records conditions.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0327 until the DTC P0327 test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0327 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK