Advanced Diagnostics

Advanced Diagnostics - DTC P0326: Knock Sensor Malfunction

General Description











A nonresonant type of knock sensor is used, and it is mounted on the cylinder block to detect engine knocking. Vibration from engine combustion causes the torus-shaped weight to compress the ceramic element in the nonresonant knock sensor, and converts it into electrical signals. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the ignition timing according to the electrical signal level. If the signal level from the knock sensor drops for a set time because of a poor connection at the knock sensor, or a bad sensor, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.

Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type, OBD Status






Enable Conditions






Malfunction Threshold
The knock sensor output signal strength is 305 or less at the engine speed 3,000 rpm for at least 5 seconds.

Confirmation Procedure

With the HDS
None.

With the Driving Pattern
1. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the radiator fan comes on.
2. Drive the vehicle at a engine speed 1,650 rpm or more for at least 5 seconds.

- Drive the vehicle in this manner only if the traffic regulations and ambient conditions allow.

Diagnosis Details

Conditions for setting the DTC
When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC and the freeze data are stored.

Conditions for clearing the DTC
The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, and the freeze data can be cleared with the scan tool Clear command or by disconnecting the battery.