DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0326

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

Execution	Once per driving cycle
Sequence	None
Duration	5.0 seconds or more
DTC Type	Two drive cycles, MIL on
OBD Status	PASSED/FAILED/NOT COMPLETED (STILL TESTING)

Enable Conditions

Condition	Minimum	Maximum
Elapsed time after starting the engine	5.0 seconds	–
Engine speed [ENGINE SPEED]	1,850 rpm	–
No active DTCs set (prevents monitor from running)	P0327, P0328, P0335, P0339

[ ]: HDS Parameter

Malfunction Threshold

Either one of the conditions is met for at least 5.0 seconds:

	The knock sensor output signal strength is 80 or less at the engine speed [ENGINE SPEED] of 1,850 rpm.
	The knock sensor output signal strength is 120 or less at the engine speed [ENGINE SPEED] of 2,250 rpm.

Possible Cause

NOTE: 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 misinstalled
	Knock sensor failure

Confirmation Procedure

Operating Condition

1.	Start the engine. Hold the engine speed [ENGINE SPEED] at 3,000 rpm without load (CVT in P or N, M/T in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on.
2.	Drive the vehicle at an engine speed [ENGINE SPEED] 1,850 rpm or more for at least 5 seconds.

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

With the HDS

None.

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 12 volt battery.