Knock Sensors and harness DIY

[oakraider09]

Ok thanks I kind of freaked out when they came out differently than yours

 

[BlackRustBucket]

No problem, just has seals on top n bottom that they pop into

 

[oakraider09]

No problem, just has seals on top n bottom that they pop into

OH YEAH! All thanks to ur help [MENTION=120313]BlackRustBucket[/MENTION] great post if ur ever in Albuquerque New Mexico I owe u dinner and few beers lol thanks again

 

[BlackRustBucket]

OH YEAH! All thanks to ur help [MENTION=120313]BlackRustBucket[/MENTION] great post if ur ever in Albuquerque New Mexico I owe u dinner and few beers lol thanks again

Haha way to go buddy, I'm excited it helped someone and it wasn't a waste of time! Lol and if I'm ever out there I'll have to take you up on that! Thanks for the update man.

 

[Jfrench]

Having knock sensor issues so my second time in I took some pics to try and make a DIY for replacing these components. I may have missed a detail here or there but hopefully this can help someone see what's involved in this job. I took a picture of almost every step. I wrote as a step by step in order procedure.

Dear BlackRustBucket,

Thanks for this DIY. Just finished this job and CEL vanquished. 4Runner is going strong again.

 

[Jfrench]

Few more relevant pics...last one is injector o-rings (OEM Toyota)

 

[BlackRustBucket]

Awesome man, thanks for sharing and good pics. I'm glad to hear it's still helping people.

 

[Brilliant]

thanks for this, got the code, ordered the parts, waiting to do the DIY.

 

[Rock_Rat]

thanks for this, got the code, ordered the parts, waiting to do the DIY.

OEM ONLY on the sensors and the sub harness assembly.

 

[BlackRustBucket]

thanks for this, got the code, ordered the parts, waiting to do the DIY.

No prob, I stillll have to go back in to get the valve covers off to do those rear cam seals/plugs. Just been parking in my driveway slanted nose down to keep the oil from the back of the valve covers haha. If you do those let me know how it goes.

 

[Brilliant]

OEM ONLY on the sensors and the sub harness assembly.

yup, learned my lesson on ebay 'oem' injectors.

No prob, I stillll have to go back in to get the valve covers off to do those rear cam seals/plugs. Just been parking in my driveway slanted nose down to keep the oil from the back of the valve covers haha. If you do those let me know how it goes.

I did the VCs when I did the SC, wasnt that bad as I recall.

 

[Lira3689]

I replaced both with Matsushita and now both knock sensors need replace again

Did you end up changing out the Matsushita for Denso the second time? The last we talked the code came back on. Also, did you replace the sub-harness? The wires on that harness become very brittle due to the heat and are usually the culprit in most KS issues. I hope all the info I gave you was helpful. You did a good job on this write up. I'm glad you took the time to document and share. If you can, take a photo of the Matsushita sensors and compare them to the Denso's like I did a while back with the NAPA brand. Here's the old photo...

Now I know I been searching and looking why my sensors didn't work, when they both new by Matsushita. , so I spent 400 bucks and now spend 400 more to replaced them with Densos , I even replace the harness, just to play it safe, why do they sell this if there not even working. I will try again when I get my taxes.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Now I know I been searching and looking why my sensors didn't work, when they both new by Matsushita. , so I spent 400 bucks and now spend 400 more to replaced them with Densos , I even replace the harness, just to play it safe, why do they sell this if there not even working. I will try again when I get my taxes.

Sorry you have to go through this painful and costly experience. I also learned the hard way, however, NAPA was pretty kind to me and allowed me to get a refund after I showed them their sensors failed. Spending $400 for sensors is pretty high. I think you can get them much cheaper.

 

[BlackRustBucket]

Sorry you have to go through this painful and costly experience. I also learned the hard way, however, NAPA was pretty kind to me and allowed me to get a refund after I showed them their sensors failed. Spending $400 for sensors is pretty high. I think you can get them much cheaper.

I think maybe what he's saying, which I've been wondering the same thing, is that the Matsushita's are OEM as well right? That's what was originally in mine. That's why I purposely bought replacement Matsushita's thinking a like for like replacement would be better. I'm going to do the denso's one day but I wouldn't think I would have to switch over from the Matsushita's if they were originally installed. Maybe the age of the motor and electronics need a stronger signal from a better product like the denso's after awhile?

 

[Rock_Rat]

I think maybe what he's saying, which I've been wondering the same thing, is that the Matsushita's are OEM as well right? That's what was originally in mine. That's why I purposely bought replacement Matsushita's thinking a like for like replacement would be better. I'm going to do the denso's one day but I wouldn't think I would have to switch over from the Matsushita's if they were originally installed. Maybe the age of the motor and electronics need a stronger signal from a better product like the denso's after awhile?

Ah yes. Think you're right on that. Definitely not sure why they make such a big difference on our motors. I assume they're (Matsushita's) manufactured at a different factory and possibly some components are outsourced and built in an environment that has less restrictive quality control oversight procedures. Feel sorry for the OP, he only has one post and it's bad knock sensors.

 

[Lira3689]

I think maybe what he's saying, which I've been wondering the same thing, is that the Matsushita's are OEM as well right? That's what was originally in mine. That's why I purposely bought replacement Matsushita's thinking a like for like replacement would be better. I'm going to do the denso's one day but I wouldn't think I would have to switch over from the Matsushita's if they were originally installed. Maybe the age of the motor and electronics need a stronger signal from a better product like the denso's after awhile?

Yeah same here I have bought Matsushita because they were the original ones I have in the 4runner, but they are no bueno for it now. Many people in this forum have recommended Denso product especially for Toyota's so I learn my lesson better to spend a few more bucks than being cheep and spending double. Waiting on Rock Auto for my refund my money if you have not tried buying from Rock Auto I will recommend starting now cheaper and same brands that you see at auto zone or oryleys.

 

[jaunty]

Going to do some easy troubleshooting before though, I'm going to ringout the harness back to the ECM and make sure that's good as well as hook a scope up the the ECM terminals and see what's going on while running.

Did you ever get around to this?
I might give it a shot to see if I can diagnose my knock sensors, or at least make sure there is a signal at the ECM.

Is there a good location for oscope lead placement on the ECM?

Thanks much

 

[BlackRustBucket]

Ah yes. Think you're right on that. Definitely not sure why they make such a big difference on our motors. I assume they're (Matsushita's) manufactured at a different factory and possibly some components are outsourced and built in an environment that has less restrictive quality control oversight procedures. Feel sorry for the OP, he only has one post and it's bad knock sensors.

I agree, must of made an account just for that. Hope he finds a better deal as well

 

[BlackRustBucket]

Yeah same here I have bought Matsushita because they were the original ones I have in the 4runner, but they are no bueno for it now. Many people in this forum have recommended Denso product especially for Toyota's so I learn my lesson better to spend a few more bucks than being cheep and spending double. Waiting on Rock Auto for my refund my money if you have not tried buying from Rock Auto I will recommend starting now cheaper and same brands that you see at auto zone or oryleys.

Interesting! I'm not the only one then. And thanks for the heads up on rock auto. I'll be looking soon. Have you checked partsgeek? They're also a good source I've learned

 

[BlackRustBucket]

Did you ever get around to this?
I might give it a shot to see if I can diagnose my knock sensors, or at least make sure there is a signal at the ECM.

Is there a good location for oscope lead placement on the ECM?

Thanks much

I did, and if I remember correctly I had good continuity on both leads but I'd like to check that again next time. Also, I remember seeing a normal signal on one sensor but the other was not. Can't remember if it was just erratic or weak but it was no good. I don't remember having any issues getting on the terminals either after taking the glove box off I think I had to do. I used the manual in the site directory for the trouble shooting and terminal numbers. I can send them to you if you'd like.