DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0326 (2.0L Engine) (2024 2025)
DTC P0326 : Knock Sensor Malfunction
General Description
The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the knock sensor for rationality faults. The knock sensor is attached to the cylinder block. The knock sensor transforms the structure borne vibrations into electrical signals which can be evaluated by the PCM. The knock sensor signal is evaluated according to intensity and spectral information of knocking and non-knocking combustions. The diagnostic strategy is identical for all cylinders. It starts by calculating a normalized reference level of knock control based on the knock sensor's signal. This reference signal represents the basic noise of the current cylinder being analyzed. The normalized reference level of knock control is continuously monitored against minimum rationality threshold. If the normalized reference level of knock control is a specified value for a specified time, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.
Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type
| Execution | Multiple |
| Sequence | None |
| Duration | 0.5 seconds or more |
| DTC Type | One drive cycle, MIL on |
Enable Conditions
| Condition | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Engine speed [Engine Speed] | 1, 920 rpm | - |
| Other | Condition in steady engine load and engine speed | |
[ ]: HDS Parameter
Malfunction Threshold
Either of the conditions is met for at least 30 counts:
- Normalized reference voltage of the knock sensor is less than 0.2002 V - 1.2012 V*.
- Normalized reference voltage of the knock sensor is greater than 50 V - 319.9951 V*.
*: Depends on engine speed
Possible Cause
The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
- Knock sensor loose connection or poor contact
- Excessively high engine noise
- Knock sensor failure
Confirmation Procedure
Operating Condition
- Start the engine. Hold the engine speed [Engine Speed] at 3, 000 rpm without load (in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on.
- Drive the vehicle at an engine speed [Engine Speed] 2, 000 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, the MIL comes on and a Pending DTC, a Confirmed DTC, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot are stored in the PCM memory.
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, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot can be cleared with the scan tool clear command.