One more bump...please?

 

99 versus 95, give and take. You get a newer car but you get some restrictions. It should keep it passing smog for a longer amount of time as opposed to a 95 that doesn't have the same emissions equipment. Eh, it still sucks though! :-P I love my '99.5 though.

 

I replaced my knock sensor yesterday. Nothing nice, but it could have been mcuh worse.

I unbolted the "swirl vaccum controller thing" and went at with a hanger, magnetic pickup, and a 12mm wobble socket.

 

i relocated my KS.. ..

 

This is a test.

 

Can someone please post a pic of this "swish valve" culprit in a 99 SE Cali spec. maxima using a close-up image please. PLEASE.

 

there's no such thing as a swish valve...

 

'Swirl Valve' I believe.

 

I taped a piece of wood about 1/2" by 18" to the sensor so I could manuver the sensor and start the bolt. After I got the bolt started I pulled the stick out.

 

any info on this knock sensor relocation???

 

i just tried to replace mine and after two hour of getting no where i just zip tied the bish to the battery tray. i'll try again this weekend. hopefully removing that swirl valve make a difference.

 

Looks like it's my turn. I've been getting the knock sensor code with my 99SE.

Is the "swirl control actuator" the part circled in red in this picture? If so, can I remove the two bolts holding it on and just push it out of the way while leaving the hoses connected? The local dealer tried to bully me into getting it fixed there (for $600 ), so I'm trying to find a cheaper way to get the knock sensor swapped out.

 

*bump* (since I don't have enough posts to PM 99Automagic)

 

Was there a cali spec version in 95? Or did it all start in 96?

I know this is about the 99.5, but I'm just curious.

 

I bought my sensor on ebay for $46 shipped and I replaced it in 40 minutes without removing anything. I used 12" extension, a socket and latex sugical gloves to protect my hands. My hands are are small so I had no problems reaching the sensor , but you can ask a kid or an adult with small hands to take the sensor out after you loosen the bolt.
The only thing that I disconnected was a green connector that prevented me from sliding my hand in.

Those instructions helped me:
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/507

 

i did the KS in both my 98's all i had to do was unplug 1 connector that was in the way and use an array of elbows and extensions and took off the bolt and put the new one back in, took me about 1 hour.

 

thats cause you did it on a 98 and not on a 99. the 99 cali specs are DIFFERENT. that last pic shows the swirl valve vaccum actuator. yes you can unbolt it and slide it about a half an inch toward the radiator for a bit more room. when my 99 was a cali spec i was able to do the knock sensor in my driveway in half an hour using about 16" of extensions a universal and short socket (12mm i think) now that im federal i could have done it in 10 minutes.

 

i am quite aware of that my car is a 98 and not a 99. all i am saying is im glad i do not have a 99 cali spec because replacing the KS is a PITA in any maxima. latex gloves helped untill my IM burned and sliced through one

 

thats why i changed mine to a fed spec

 

Thank you. I'll take it that I did circle the correct part in my picture. I'll have to try removing the 2 bolts and moving it forward a bit and see if I still want to swap the knock sensor myself.

Considering that I can get a new KS on ebay for less than $100 it certainly seems worth a shot...

 

i did it in 30 minutes with hand tools its not that bad.

 

Well, then I must be an idiot. The only thing that I could get on the front "swirl valve vaccum actuator" bolt was a 10mm offset wrench, which didn't have any room to move. My 3/8" ujoint was too big to get in there, so it looks like I need to pick up a 1/4" one.

 

Did anyone have a knock sensor ghost code 0304 after the replacement ?
I mean even if your CEL is off , did you check for ghost codes by turning the ecu selector ?

 

The 1/4" ujoint did the trick. I was actually able to see the bolt on the ks and will be grabbing one off ebay.

I also donated $$ to the forum today. It will be worth every penny when I replace my knock sensor for less than $100 instead of the $600 the stealer quoted me.

 

ummmm....maybe to meet much stricter standards would be my guess. Just think, LEV vs. ULEV vs. SULEV vs. ZEV

 

cleared my codes and i finally have the 0505 - no failure detected...

 

For how long do you have 0505 since you cleared the codes ? Did you chek it after a few months ?

I suspect that I didn't tighten enough the boult so thats why I have the code.

Also , after I replaced the sensor the car doesn't vibrate as much as before, but I still feel some vibration when the car stands with the shifter on D.

Does any have some vibration after KS replacement ?

 

I'm beginning to think that I will be better off paying to have this done. So far I'm at about one hour with no progress...

My new knock sensor arrived today and things got off to a great start when I dropped and lost one of the bolts that holds the swirl control actuator on. I also couldn't get my "uber wrench" near the knock sensor bolt. I can barely see it with just a flashlight and I can't see it at all when I'm trying to position my wrench in there.

 

1/4 swivel joint is the answer 3/8 is just too big

 

I finally had some time to do this today. It took me 3 fricken hours, but I got the knock sensor replaced. The worst part was trying to thread the bolt that holds the knock sensor back in place. I struggled with that, but a stick with some duct tape on it did the trick. I also found the bolt that I lost the last time I was poking around in there.

I backed the car out of the garage and let it run for a couple of minutes. I found that I still had code 0304, which I assumed would clear on its own (is it supposed to?).

Then I cleared the codes and drove my max pretty hard. It seemed to accelerate much better, but I didn't know if it was my imagination. I was happy when I got home since I still had code 0505. I will be checking the codes occasionally, and hope that 0304 doesn't show up again. The real test will be when I have to get an emissions inspection in November.

I would be very happy to never, ever have to replace a knock sensor again. This forum rocks!

Thanks guys,

Polarisdb

 

well all i have is auto tranny codes right now and no engine codes.....i swapped to 5spd but havent changed the computer yet.

 

when the ks is installed is it possible for the car to run crappy for a little while before driving properly?. or its suppose to drive properly right away.

 

Help, I am trying to replace my knock sensor on my 99 maxima. I have taken off everything on the intake side up to the throttle body and am looking near the swirl valve but cannot even see the old knock sensor. I know it is around there but I cant even see it much less replace it. Do you guys move the valve out of the way some and put your wrench down that area? I have a wrench with 2 6" extentions and a 1/4" swivel joint. I have to get this thing changed, I was quoted $150 but want to do this myself. Any help would be great, changing this thing is a beast.

 

Remove the two 10mm bolts (don't drop them) that hold the swirl valve in and move it to the left out of the way (tie it up)...looking in next to the swirl valve about half way under the lower manifold you will see the knock sensor (move the drop light around for the best location) It's held in by a 12mm bolt

 

Is there anyone in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that might me able to help me do this? I didn't know that the Cali spec was different and I was reading the FAQ for federal. Would anyone happened to have taken picture while doing this? I think pictures would help tremendously. I would really appreciate any help anyone can offer me. You can contact me at pavan87@yahoo.com or (817) 875-8475. PLEASE HELP ME!

 

I tried looking for the knock sensor but I can't find it at all.

 

pavan87,

The part with the red circle around it (the swirl valve) in the picture below is blocking your view of the knock sensor. Stand on the drivers side of the car and try removing the two bolts on the swirl valve and gently push it toward the front of the car. The knock sensor is in the cavity behind the swirl valve. Then you just have to follow the black wire that enters the cavity until you see where it connects to the knock sensor.

It also helps if you shine a bright shop light in there. I wasn't able to see my knock sensor until I used the light.

 

it is jus exacly what i am dealing with now. just ordered my new ks today. went outside to take a look at the ks. at first i couldnt find it at all so went back home and took the printed ks replacment how to with pics with me
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/507

with the printed pics it took me 15 mins to finally spot the darn ks, and i cant imagine how it is possible to replace it by fishing with a hanger or any type of extention.

congrats to those who've done it

 

man this is an easy job. it took me about 20-25 minutes to get the whole job done. make sure you search around before you go to "dealership" mine cost me about 63$ shipped. oh yeah my hands are no small hands. it just takes a little patience. dont forget to have a magnet rod so you can put the bolt back on. good luck
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2446817

 

Its not too hard i think it took me 20 min or so which half of it was cursing after cutting my hand all to hell. I agree with whoever said nissan welds razor blades under the plenum by the knock sensor. Also on a side note in b13 sentras, and nx's the edge of the fuel tank while replacing the pump use caution this is definately razor sharp and isnt fun with gas soaked hands. I am beginning to think nissan did this as a joke.
I used 2 open ended wrenches fit together to give a bit more tq when loosening the bolt. I have a 5sp 99se federal spec. I think i may have to change it again though, i just put one of my spares from an sr20 engine in, and apparently that one isnt working well.

Also wanted to ask if anyone else with a warpspeed y pipe gets a low cell count in front cat. coverter code. I have 3 brand new 02 sensors installed, and i have a high flow dynomax or magnaflow cat after the y pipe, and a 2.5in catback, also a popcharger.