Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2)
The P0332 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $150 - $600 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Reduced engine power
- Engine pinging under load
- Poor fuel economy
- Hesitation during hard acceleration
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Faulty knock sensor 2 producing weak signal Very High
- Short to ground in knock sensor 2 wiring High
- Corroded or loose sensor connector High
- Sensor installed with insufficient torque Moderate
- PCM input circuit fault Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Test knock sensor 2 output by tapping the engine block near bank 2 while monitoring voltage
-
Check for shorts to ground in the sensor signal wire with sensor disconnected
-
Inspect the connector for corrosion, oil contamination, or pushed-back pins
-
Verify the sensor is torqued to specification
-
Replace the knock sensor if output is consistently below threshold
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0332 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 5.3L Moderate DIY
Bank 2 knock sensor circuit low input. Same diagnosis as P0327/P0330 -- the sensor is under the intake manifold. Replace both knock sensors and the wiring harness (ACDelco 213-3521) since the manifold removal is the majority of the labor. Torque to 15 ft-lbs. GM TSB #16-NA-175. Use thread sealant on the sensor since it is near the coolant jacket.
Labor: 3-4 hours2002-2015 Nissan Pathfinder/Frontier 4.0L VQ40DE Moderate DIY
Bank 2 knock sensor low signal. The sensor is under the intake manifold on the VQ40DE. Replace both sensors together (Hitachi KNS0025). These fail from heat cycling and coolant contamination. While the manifold is off, inspect the intake gaskets and coolant crossover for leaks. Torque the sensor carefully -- over-torquing causes erratic readings.
Labor: 2-3 hours2004-2013 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban 5.3L/6.0L Moderate DIY
Bank 2 knock sensor low input on the older 5.3L/6.0L. The sensors and wiring harness are in the lifter valley under the intake manifold. Replace both sensors and the entire knock sensor harness (ACDelco 12601822). While the manifold is off, inspect the lifter valley for excessive oil sludge that may indicate oil change neglect.
Labor: 3-4 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0332?
You can drive short distances. The PCM will retard ignition timing on bank 2 as a precaution, which reduces power but protects the engine from potential knock damage.
Can oil contamination cause a low knock sensor signal?
Yes. Oil leaking onto the knock sensor connector can short the signal to ground or create a conductive path that weakens the signal, triggering a low circuit code.
Should I replace both knock sensors at the same time?
If the intake manifold must be removed to access the sensors, replacing both is recommended to save on labor costs. The sensors are inexpensive relative to the labor involved.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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