Trouble Code P0332: Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2)
If you get an error code P0332, there’s something wrong with the knock sensor. Knock sensors are essential to keeping your vehicle in top condition. These parts monitor engine activity for “knocking,” which is less-than optimal explosions in the fuel/air mixture. Knocking doesn’t provide enough power to the engine and can have drastic consequences if not addressed. You may be wondering, “How do I fix trouble code P0332?” Let’s take a look at the important information you should know before opening the hood.
What Are the Symptoms?
If you have an error code P0332 problem, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Lack of power
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine pings during acceleration
- Increased engine heat
- Higher emissions
- Check Engine light is on
Occasionally, drivers only experience the Check Engine light without any additional symptoms. However, most people notice at least one other symptom.
What Does the Code Mean?
So what does the code P0332 mean? The knock sensor sends readings to the Power Control Module, which in turn corrects the issue contributing to knocking. When a code P0332 problem occurs, the knock sensor is sending out readings that are too low, which interfere with the PCM’s ability to resolve the issue.
This results in higher levels of NOx gas, which is released into the atmosphere. This is a huge environmental problem, as NOx can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems as well as cause acid rain. If you’ve got a P0332 error, you won’t be able to pass state inspections.
What Causes This Error?
This particular error can have a variety of causes:
- Malfunctioning cooling system
- Defective knock sensor connections or circuit
- Defective exhaust gas recirculation system
- Defective knock sensor
- Lean air/fuel ratio
How Serious Is It?
A trouble code P0332 is one of the most serious errors you can get. To prevent further knocking, you shouldn’t be driving the vehicle or running the engine. If you need to transport the vehicle, prepare for a tow.
When your engine is working properly, calculated explosions are continuously going off inside the cylinders. Knocking, however, means that the power of the explosions is outside the ideal range. This has a major impact on the engine, which isn’t built to endure those circumstances. In fact, knocking significantly decreases the engine’s lifetime. The longer knocking occurs, the quicker you’re going to need a new engine.
What Are the Possible Solutions?
There are two main causes for this error code: an issue with the sensor or a mechanical problem. To resolve the trouble, you have to figure out which it is.
First, think about your vehicle’s symptoms. Many times, code P0332 is accompanied by other drivability codes that may be part of the problem. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by diagnosing these issues first.
However, there’s a chance you may have a faulty sensor. If you don’t have any other drivability codes, go ahead and examine the knock sensor, sensor harness and accompanying circuitry. Look for any obvious signs of damage, corrosion or disconnection. If you don’t see anything, you should test the circuits to ensure the sensor is receiving enough power. Replace any components that are compromised.
What if the knock sensor and surrounding system are fine? Then you may have a coolant problem. To determine if this is so, you need to recreate the code setting conditions by taking a short test drive. This should allow you to test the coolant temperature readings. If they’re higher than the recommended range, the cooling system may be your culprit. Although an OBD-II scanner error code P0332 problem is serious, you can still resolve it yourself. With careful examination, you can protect your engine from potential damage.
