Got the dreaded code 52

[chester4Run]

So the CEL is on and off a bit over the past couple weeks and I had noticed (or imagined) that the vehicle was less responsive after the code appeared. I also noticed that the cruise control wouldn't engage after it started appearing...not sure yet whether that's coincidence or causal.

So my plan is attach another knock sensor to the lift hook and connect that instead of tearing the engine down to the block to get at the failed sensor and wiring harness. I found a few posts about this idea, some using the factory part and others using knock sensors from other vehicles. The factory part was pretty inexpensive, so I'm planning to go with that.

If anyone has personal experience with this, pointers, comments, and thoughts are welcome.

 

[RonJR]

There are some pretty good threads on this issue over on the yotatech forum. You might want to browse around over there. The engine hook fix gets mixed reviews - some say it works, others say it's worthless.

Generally the problem is with the wiring, not the sensor itself. Usually the grounding/shielding gets messed up and the signal gets lost in the electrical noise. When that happens the ECU throws the code and retards timing, since it can't sense knock anymore. That's why you feel a loss of power.

I've also read that some folks have success by replacing some capacitors on the ECU board that filter the knock signal. Not sure which ones those are, but there's a thread about that on yotatech as well.

Good luck. Code 52 can be an adventure.

 

[jellomellow]

So the CEL is on and off a bit over the past couple weeks and I had noticed (or imagined) that the vehicle was less responsive after the code appeared. I also noticed that the cruise control wouldn't engage after it started appearing...not sure yet whether that's coincidence or causal.

So my plan is attach another knock sensor to the lift hook and connect that instead of tearing the engine down to the block to get at the failed sensor and wiring harness. I found a few posts about this idea, some using the factory part and others using knock sensors from other vehicles. The factory part was pretty inexpensive, so I'm planning to go with that.

If anyone has personal experience with this, pointers, comments, and thoughts are welcome.

good luck man. I have had code 52 for a while now. I found my problem though. sensor wasn't even plugged in. theres not even a place to plug it in! the PO made his own harness I guess and never made a male end to the connection. but good luck man. could be multiple different things. sensor pigtail would be a good place to start

 

[chester4Run]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I had a strange electrical issue after this that seems to have been due to the battery failing in an odd way (post)

After replacing the battery, the code hasn't re-appeared. I replaced the alternator last night because I'm noticing about a .2V drop when the blinker turns on. That gained me better charging voltage (about 1/2v, now charging at 14.2v) but the .2v drop still happens with the flasher. The vehicle has an aftermarket hitch and wiring on it and the wiring didn't work last I checked, so that's my current suspicion. But I digress.

In short, it looks like a weak battery/electrical issues can contribute to this problem.