P0330 Knock Sensor, 15 min. Hack Repair...
07-17-16, 06:06 PM
#107
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This is for the people that don't want to pay big money to replace a bad knock sensor. I got the dreaded P0330 code saying the #2 knock sensor circuit was bad. I was driving 46 miles each way to work and had to stop and reset the light before I could there because she went in limp mode and I would lose overdrive. I just had to remove all of the same stuff to replace my leaking valve covers just a couple of months ago. I did not want to do that again. The ecu is looking for a small voltage between a set range to decide if that is normal and won't throw a code as long as it sees that voltage for each sensor. So I decided that since there are 2 sensors, and only one is bad right now, I will just feed both sensors from the good #1 bank sensor and the ecu will be happy. So i cut the wire feeding the #2 sensor and spliced it into the #1 sensor at the ECU. Anyway, it took me 15 mins and NO money to fix it. She drives as good as ever and no more CHECK ENGINE LITE. Im not telling anyone to do it, im just telling you what i did so you do what you will or won't. 
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07-17-16, 06:31 PM
#108
Moderator
as I understand knock sensor code iwould shows up when the engine is knocking. So how do we know if the code received is because of the bad knock sensor or bad wiring or because engine is knocking. Purpose of knock sensor is to detect knocking of engine. Everywhere in the net I see that if p0330 code is received then knock sensor needs to be replaced. However if the engine is having some issue, then how do we know.
Salim
07-17-16, 07:24 PM
#110
Moderator
Parts about 200 and 8hrs of labor. Please call Toyota/Lexus in your area for more accurate estimate. This thread has a hack ... for experimental use.
Salim
07-21-16, 09:36 PM
#111
I had this trouble code popped up after I filled up my gas tank. I used a scanner to reset the code. 250 miles later, the P0330 code popped up again. Can I get rid of this code by driving slow? Also, is it possible to not have the code appear again if I filled up my gas tank with a higher gasoline octane?
07-21-16, 10:00 PM
#112
Moderator
Check the full blow DIY on knock sensor replacement. It will tell you what to expect.
You will eventually be locked out of overdrive.
For starteres, buy a OBdII reader or disconnect battery to clear the code. If they keep coming back, you have to get the repair done. It is not something that you can wish away as most likely atleast one of the sensors or the harness has gone bad.
Salim
You will eventually be locked out of overdrive.
For starteres, buy a OBdII reader or disconnect battery to clear the code. If they keep coming back, you have to get the repair done. It is not something that you can wish away as most likely atleast one of the sensors or the harness has gone bad.
Salim
07-22-16, 11:06 AM
#114
I had this trouble code popped up after I filled up my gas tank. I used a scanner to reset the code. 250 miles later, the P0330 code popped up again. Can I get rid of this code by driving slow? Also, is it possible to not have the code appear again if I filled up my gas tank with a higher gasoline octane?
07-23-16, 12:06 PM
#115
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Harness Replacement
I had a replaced the two sensors (Knock1 and knock2) with those from an running one (Mechanic did), and still get the Check engine and VSC on, and code P0330
I didnt change the harness at the ECU? is it required,
Am thinking the wire shown in the hack for Knock sensor 2 (Black) maybe bad? Is there an easy way to repalce it? I have the complete harness of ECU (Bunch of wires) from a running Rx300 (from a source who sells the parts from old Lexus cars).
Appreciate any help , some pics or clear pointers can help me bargain with mechanic for the cost if not I myself to do it.
I didnt change the harness at the ECU? is it required,
Am thinking the wire shown in the hack for Knock sensor 2 (Black) maybe bad? Is there an easy way to repalce it? I have the complete harness of ECU (Bunch of wires) from a running Rx300 (from a source who sells the parts from old Lexus cars).
Appreciate any help , some pics or clear pointers can help me bargain with mechanic for the cost if not I myself to do it.
07-23-16, 12:45 PM
#116
Moderator
Hack deals with the wires leading to the ecu.
In the DIY, the harness that needs replacement is the connection that runs from the sensors to the difficult to separate connector.
Salim
In the DIY, the harness that needs replacement is the connection that runs from the sensors to the difficult to separate connector.
Salim
07-23-16, 05:34 PM
#118
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I would be interested in knowing if the bypass could be made at the connector coupling going to the actual knock sensor harness. There appears to be 4 connector points. I assume these are the 2 sensor lines to the 2 individual knock sensors + 2 grounds to shield those wires. QUESTION - can the connector heading back to the ECU be made to temporarily spoof the ECU to thinking that the knock sensors are OK? I wouldn't think shorting the 2 sensor lines would do it. Does it require some resistive, capacitive or inductive add-ins? Thanks in advance.
08-17-16, 07:22 PM
#119
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I want to do this. However in my harness there isn't a black and clearish white wire, they are both clearish white, 1 of them has red tape marking it, appears in same place as in your pic. red tape marked wire appears in same place as blk wire? Is there a way of verifying? I assume these clearish wires are the knock sensor ones as there are only 2 of this type of wire. Advice?
08-18-16, 05:08 AM
#120
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I finally said screw it and changed the knock sensors and harness. I'm glad I did, because I found a coolant leak from the thermostat housing. Apparently, it was leaking for a long time because the valley was filled with dried up coolant. The job was a real pain in the ***, but it feels good to have it done right.