Member
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 93
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 93
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Knock sensor failure vs actual engine knock
I have a 1997 3.4 auto and I had my engine completely resealed last month. While he was in there the tech pointed out that the knock sensors were original (and old, 220,000 miles) and suggested I replace the harness and sensors while the engine was apart because it's such a pain in the ass to do it again, and while you're in there you may as well. So I said sure. I bought some advance auto knock sensors and a toyota factory harness for him to install. All seemed pretty well for a few thousand miles, drove it from AZ to Colorado, I've been up and down the Colorado mountain passes with no issues.
Well the other day I overheated. This is unrelated except to say that while I was waiting for a tow I was bored and pulled codes. Lo and behold P0330 knock sensor 2 bank 2 circuit malfunction. This pisses me off for many reasons, but I have a shrink for that.
My question is if this is definitely a hardware failure of the sensor or harness, or if the engine could indeed be knocking somehow. I called a local shop and he said he'd put new sensors in for $400 in labor. Seems totally fair. I want to buy Toyota original sensors and bring them to him to install, but I don't want to buy the sensors and then have him figure out "oh dude your engine IS actually knocking and that's not a faulty sensor".
Engine seems to be running fine. Seems to maybe be down on power on the mountain passes but it's my understanding that is what a knock code will do, kill your power to try and save the engine.? But it's running smooth (other than overheating which I'm fairly certain is unrelated and had to do with a disintegrated radiator cap). Running nice and smooth. No knocking, no weird noises other than some belt squeal.
Is there any good way to tell the difference, or would an actual problem that sensor is catching be pretty obvious?
Basically I don't want to buy $400 worth of knock sensors from Toyota and then not need them. I am sure any dealership is going to hassle me about returning sensors or electronic equipment and I don't want to waste the money on two sensors that I don't need.
Thanks for reading!
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1997 SR5- Yukon Air Locker-ARB Compressor- Toytec/Eibach Springs- LC 7.5/8 - Tundra 5100's Front and Rear- Savage Skids- 255/85/16 St MAXX- LR UCA's-Tundra Brake Upgrade-Cree Curved Light Bar- 10Lb CO2
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