My car needs a new knock sensor according to my ECU code 0304, and I have seen quite a few knock sensors on ebay for pretty reasonable price ranges, however there seems to be two different model numbers of knock sensor and both apparently are compatible and OEM for our cars.

I see the OEM A82, or the A100.

The ebay ad for the A100 one claimed that it is an updated sensor from nissan and that dealers charge 170ish or so from it.

I was just wondering, does anyone know the differences between the A82 and the A100?

I assume they are both OEM just one is updated or something? What benefits might be had from the updated one? Longevity? I thought knock sensors were all pretty much the same and a simple down to earth design.



EDIT: Here are some examples:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAXIM...spagenameZWDVW

A82




http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAXIM...spagenameZWDVW

A100 they claim "this is the updated sensor"

 

they both look OEM legit. Id prolly go with the A100 since its cheaper and IIRC nissan did update their knock sensors.

 

Awesome! Thanks, I will probably go with the a100 then.

 

Ok I just bought a knock sensor off ebay OEM A82. Now I'm starting to think I should have gotten the A100. I search on the forums and there really isn't any thread explaining the difference between the two and which one is better. Hopefully the gurus here can reply and let us newbies know which one is better and why the difference. My guess is A82 is Nissan OEM and A100 is non-oem, but I'm just guessing.

 

The pics of the second one aren't the sensor used on '00 and newer cars, which is almost the same sensor except that it is made out a new nasty composite plastic that doesn't crack or melt like the old ones, only thing is you must also use the subharness from the new ones, as it is different on the side that plugs into the sensor. I have a collection of 10+ bad knock sensors, they are ALL old style, when I get a de-k or 3.5 for swap purposes the knock sensors sell pretty fast @ 90 shipped

 

Can anyone tell me how to locate the knock sensor, or point me to a diagram/picture?

 

^^^ under the UIM on the front of the engine, sortta tucked in a bit. Have fun pulling it! Tis a beotch!

 

it's not at all hard... remove the upper portion of the air box and the air intake tube. use two or three rachet extensions and a swival socket attachement. you can pull it with no problems.

 

I got the a100, plugged right into the harness on my 97 no problems at all and it works great. Looks like it might be made out of a more durable plastic or something too. My old one was split down the middle and I could see right into it!

 

Ahhhh ... I like it! Thinking outside the box! lol I'll have to remember that little trick. Thanks!

 

That's the only way I got mine when I did it. I tried with a wrench and just got bloody hands. I can't see it even possible without a universal joint and tons of extensions lol.

 

http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/507

This shows you how and where.
I will be trying this today, as soon as it stops raining. But I just spent $200 from Nissan for the part. Wish I would have read this thread first.

Then it's on to the EVAP codes.

 

Well, I spent all of 20 minutes changing the part. BTW, my car feels like it is on steroids now.

What I used:
1-xeon flashlight
1-12" extension
1-12mm socket
1-3/8" universal.
And my flexible retrieving tool. Looks like a snake, and when you squeeze the top, claws come out of the other end, and grab things you drop.

I had to move one plug, and I was able to do the job.

I had to try after a mechanic mentioned it could take 6 hours to change it. That would be half of what I paid for the entire car.

 

i did the Same thing and mine was in the Same condition. oh and btw im gonna look into the update on the KS's

 

I just bought the A100 Knock Sensor from Ebay. Can't wait for it to come!

 

i got the A100 and its nice...lol it feels new again...the thing is though that i only had 105k on the car...i think thats a little...but the new knock sensor makes a big diffrence....and the way i installed it was take the UIM and LIM off...

 

I recently did the ks on my 95 & 96 max's. No problem, pop out the air intake and 20 min later it's done.

The 1999 I30t cali spec is the one that's the challenge. I just got another ks (from ebay <$50 shipped). I am going to see if I can remove enough crap to get a socket in there. If not, it's off to the mechanic, and I am out $300.

Wish me luck!

 

uuummm...good luck. lol...but seriously, try to do it yourself...$300 dont lay on the floor

 

I got A82 for my 95 max from eBay too. Put it in and then cleared the ODB code with the scanner. it seems to be working fine. The KS error code did not come back.

 

Ok, I just did it today and posted my method. Hope it'll help some other org'er out there.

 

What a joke this statement is.. I had to comment on this. I have a friend that works for Nissan and he replaced my knock sensor for free. It literally took him 5 minutes to change, he used a tool with the claws that come out like you said with the swivel socket and extension. Im sure he has changed tons of them because he did it so easily. Its a shame that dealers charge so much to replace it.