I had put off installing the knock sensor because I had heard it was a real mission.. well with the below its really quite simple and pain free

My knocksensor had a big crack in it, but it still registered the 560ohms when testing.. so testing won't always show if its dead or not .. just check the codes or pull it to see

I used the method in the 4th Gen FAQ.. had the knock sensor out in about 20mins and not a single cut

I used this setup of extensions:
1/2 socketdrive + 1/2to3/8 + 10"3/8 extension + 3/8to1/4 + 1/4 swivel + 1/4 12mm



I found the grabber tool the easier way to position the bolt and knocksensor apon replacement. You will still need a magent pickup tool incase you drop th e bolt in an awkward spot like I did in a bit of a valley.

 

Thank you for the pix of your tools. I gotta change mine soon and still need a set of 1/4 sockets & extension.

 

Thats pretty quick, but definatly not record time. Rome changed mine in like 10 minutes. Do you feel an instant increase in power or not? People say it takes time, but i felt it on my first drive about 10 min after putting the new sensor in. The car pulled harder with 3 people in it than it did when it was only me with a broken KS. Amazing results, but my KS goes retarded sometimes and loses all power again, and then comes back.

 

I changed it on my brothers in 6 mintues

 

wanna try mine?

 

Bring it on. . .

 

Yep, that grabber tool and magnetic pickup is the way to go. I didn't have to reach into the valley of death at all.

 

I had used no grabber tool. Just a 1' extention and universal joint. I was suprised how fast and easy it was, my brother reached in one time, came back with a bloody hand.

Magnetic tool would help with that big botl

 

my sisters small hands fit real nice inside of there, other wise i would still be working on that KS.

 

we used some electrical tape on mine, stuck it inside the socket

 

Is that sarcasm Thought I'd put pic of tools as none of the other instructions do and it helps you to visualise the process more. I used 3/8 extensions as I had them and they are more handy to have if you need to buy extensions

Bit getto though, the tape might stop the KS being earth properly or the tape could melt making a bad ground

But how long did it take to change yours the first time

My record time, was ahh a personal one, it wasn't such the PITA people say.

Results, Felt the power return straight away, and did NOT need to reset
the ECU, scanned the codes with consult and got the 55(no errors) straight away... Nailed it hard round the block and up some hills, rescanned, an NO CODES .. wheels break loose easy.. and I'm Auto

 

coming to nopi?

:cough redsectionA cough:

 

It's so easy on the 3.5. 2 minutes.

 

I wish, gotta spend what money will get on changing my axle out and putting a new control arm on.

Sure rub in the fact you have the 3.5 under your hood

 

I thought the knock sensor didn't throw codes? Would a bad knock sensor cause any hesitation?

 

lt didnt but its stored in the ecu so you could scan for codes and pull a 0304.

 

it doesnt show unless you check for codes, if it's bad it wont turn the check engine light on.

 

No sarcasm at all. I was testing some of my tools earlier and thats when I found out that none of my 3/8" univeral joints would work in there so I need those 1/4 joints

 

it doesn't throw the CEL, but it does throw a code.

 

What exactly are the symptons of a bad knock sensor? Would a faulty k.s. cause a car to pulsate (looses and quickly regain power) at a steady speed of 60 MPH? This is the problem that I'm currently having. It also stalls (randomly) at stops.

 

My standard answer for this is the ECTS (Engine Coolant temp sensor).. check the stickies

 

A loss in power, acceleration takes longer, but maybe more noticable gas economy dropping signifigantly.

 

230 to a tank, mine is dead.

 

Damn! I'd say its dead alright. Sure an o2 sensor isnt out also? Luckiy gas prices are dropping around here.

You have the new KS already?

 

I think Joe does them in 8 minutes. I can't even get my hands in that area so I had to call him to do it on mine.

 

I surprisingly got my big assss hands in there, wasnt easy. Mainly I had a light shines in the KS area and dangled my universal joint off my 1' extension and seated it on the ks. I'm still shocked I did it so quick.

 

I swear Turbo95Max changed mine in less than 5 min.