4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.

Engine light on (Knock sensor) 97 Max

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-22-2016, 11:08 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Engine light on (Knock sensor) 97 Max

Anyone ever had this issue? If so how much did it caught to fix the problem because as far as I know you have to remove the top half of the motor to get to it.
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-22-2016, 11:50 AM
  #2  
JvG
Senior Member
 
JvG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 2,979
Look at the Stickies, or use the search function. This has been discussed many times.

The sensor can be replaced without taking the upper intake manifold off.

Part of the repair involves reaching into a narrow place with sharp edges. Someone with long skinny fingers would have a less difficult time with this. A woman or a child for example.
JvG is offline  
Old 02-22-2016, 01:22 PM
  #3  
Member
 
jerrod99_se-l's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 249
Originally Posted by JvG
Look at the Stickies, or use the search function. This has been discussed many times.

The sensor can be replaced without taking the upper intake manifold off.

Part of the repair involves reaching into a narrow place with sharp edges. Someone with long skinny fingers would have a less difficult time with this. A woman or a child for example.
I did mine not too long ago...got my KS off ebay for 5 bucks...i used a 12 point socket a swivel and about 18 inches of extensions...i grabbed the wiring and pull it out...plugged the new one up and wiggled my hand into the valley to start the bolt...there are definitely some sharp edges in there...i dont have small hands...its a real PIA but it can be done...took me 20 min
jerrod99_se-l is offline  
Old 02-22-2016, 01:51 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
I guess I'll just have to suck it up, by the tools and do it myself. Thanks guys
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-22-2016, 07:32 PM
  #5  
Member
 
Half Assed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: The Sunshine State
Posts: 132
not hard, search youtube for a tutorial.
Half Assed is offline  
Old 02-22-2016, 10:39 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
bumpypickle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Chicago,IL
Posts: 518
Really not hard at all. Bothersome though, I did notice a small increase in performance/gas mileage.
bumpypickle is offline  
Old 02-22-2016, 11:20 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
DennisMik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 10,649
The knock sensor does not cause the check engine light to turn on. If the check engine light is on, there is another code present.

The knock sensor code likes to show up with just about every other code. You will find it referred to as a ghost code because it is not valid most of the time. Fix the other problem and the knock sensor code will go away.

Unless the plastic shell of the knock sensor is cracked, you have a 95+ percent chance that the knock sensor is good.
DennisMik is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 07:30 AM
  #8  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by DennisMik
The knock sensor does not cause the check engine light to turn on. If the check engine light is on, there is another code present.

The knock sensor code likes to show up with just about every other code. You will find it referred to as a ghost code because it is not valid most of the time. Fix the other problem and the knock sensor code will go away.

Unless the plastic shell of the knock sensor is cracked, you have a 95+ percent chance that the knock sensor is good.
I normally take my car to autozone for a diagnostic. As usual with their device they can't pin point the problem
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 07:55 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
bumpypickle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Chicago,IL
Posts: 518
Originally Posted by ShunDoe
I normally take my car to autozone for a diagnostic. As usual with their device they can't pin point the problem
You can check the CEL yourself through the ecu near your gas pedal. There is a write up in the stickies and a video by pmohr on Youtube.

If you have a good camera or phone zoom in and see if you can find a Crack in the sensor.

Last edited by bumpypickle; 02-23-2016 at 08:03 AM.
bumpypickle is offline  
Old 02-23-2016, 08:26 AM
  #10  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
I'll check that out thanks
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-24-2016, 05:00 AM
  #11  
Junior Member
 
RadjaThat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Warwick, RI
Posts: 28
98 SE Knocksensor

I was reading this thread and was thinking about my own issue with a knocksensor. My CEL is on for one and p1446 and it says no DTC. Is it true that the knocksensor is just a ghost code and will disappear when I fix whatever issue I have throwing the CEL?
RadjaThat is offline  
Old 02-24-2016, 06:11 AM
  #12  
Member
 
M in KC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 292
Yes
M in KC is offline  
Old 02-24-2016, 05:36 PM
  #13  
Member
 
Half Assed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: The Sunshine State
Posts: 132
Originally Posted by ShunDoe
I normally take my car to autozone for a diagnostic. As usual with their device they can't pin point the problem
Half Assed is offline  
Old 02-24-2016, 06:16 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
max ride 41's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: in my max, pa. :p
Posts: 6,804
that cause their scanners suck. my 25.00 amazon scanner is more accurate then theirs.
max ride 41 is offline  
Old 02-24-2016, 07:53 PM
  #15  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by max ride 41
that cause their scanners suck. my 25.00 amazon scanner is more accurate then theirs.
What scanner is that, I need it
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-25-2016, 03:19 AM
  #16  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
max ride 41's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: in my max, pa. :p
Posts: 6,804
it's even cheaper now, here you go
Amazon.com: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive Amazon.com: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive
max ride 41 is offline  
Old 02-25-2016, 04:23 PM
  #17  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
You're a big help man. I'm ordering mike today!
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-25-2016, 04:47 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
max ride 41's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: in my max, pa. :p
Posts: 6,804
who's mike???
max ride 41 is offline  
Old 02-25-2016, 05:00 PM
  #19  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by max ride 41
who's mike???
Dammit autocorrect
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-25-2016, 10:28 PM
  #20  
Junior Member
 
DuckSauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
I'm having a knock sensor issue myself. My 98' Max is showing 2 codes; One for knock sensor and the other for Intake Air Temp Sensor. picked up both parts and replacing them in the morning. I hope that turns the CEL.
DuckSauce is offline  
Old 02-26-2016, 09:38 PM
  #21  
Junior Member
 
DuckSauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
Originally Posted by max ride 41
I need this in my life! Nobody would clear my codes after changing the KS this morning.
DuckSauce is offline  
Old 02-27-2016, 02:03 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
bumpypickle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Chicago,IL
Posts: 518
Originally Posted by DuckSauce
I need this in my life! Nobody would clear my codes after changing the KS this morning.
You can check and clear the codes yourself without a scan tool through the ecu. My 9yo sister even did it for me.
bumpypickle is offline  
Old 02-27-2016, 03:51 AM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
CS_AR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central AR
Posts: 3,041
Originally Posted by max ride 41
I've had one like this for years. It works on all OBDII cars so it has paid for itself many times.

Actually I paid $49 for mine at Harbor Freight -- so this is a deal.

Note that I've seen members with broken ECU screw mounts. So I would rather read codes and perform a reset electronically.

The Knock Sensor (KS) code usually accompanies other codes. I would find and fix the non-KS code then reset and see if the KS code clears up.

If you do decide to replace the KS, I use a 10" 1/4 drive ratchet extension with a 1/4 inch drive universal joint to reach under the intake to remove the KS. My 3/8 drive will not make a sharp enough turn to remove the KS.

Here's a link to KS removal instructions. Once you get into removing the old KS, you will quickly figure out the tools that are required.

http://web.archive.org/web/200806170...ca/mvp.php/507

1/4 inch drive u-joint



1/4 inch drive extension


Last edited by CS_AR; 02-27-2016 at 04:11 AM.
CS_AR is offline  
Old 02-27-2016, 11:30 PM
  #24  
Junior Member
 
DuckSauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
Originally Posted by bumpypickle
You can check and clear the codes yourself without a scan tool through the ecu. My 9yo sister even did it for me.
I tried it but the SES light is still on. Im going back to Autozone and checking the cides again. If its throwing the same 2 codes i will have to test the wires to make sure the sensirs are getting power. I dislike dealing with electrical issues... That and my rear passenger window motor just went out.. I feel like this car is starting to fall apart.
DuckSauce is offline  
Old 02-28-2016, 07:24 AM
  #25  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by CS_AR
I've had one like this for years. It works on all OBDII cars so it has paid for itself many times.

Actually I paid $49 for mine at Harbor Freight -- so this is a deal.

Note that I've seen members with broken ECU screw mounts. So I would rather read codes and perform a reset electronically.

The Knock Sensor (KS) code usually accompanies other codes. I would find and fix the non-KS code then reset and see if the KS code clears up.

If you do decide to replace the KS, I use a 10" 1/4 drive ratchet extension with a 1/4 inch drive universal joint to reach under the intake to remove the KS. My 3/8 drive will not make a sharp enough turn to remove the KS.

Here's a link to KS removal instructions. Once you get into removing the old KS, you will quickly figure out the tools that are required.

http://web.archive.org/web/200806170...ca/mvp.php/507

1/4 inch drive u-joint



1/4 inch drive extension

So I got my Autel in yesterday and connected it. Come to find out there was a knock sensor code and a O2 sensor code. I had actually had both O2's done about 8 months ago and the code was still showing up until yesterday. I erased that code but the knock sensor code is still showing so I just order a knock sensor off Amazon for $10 along with a set of swivel joints for $9 so that I can do it myself.
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-28-2016, 12:53 PM
  #26  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
I'm getting code "P0325" and code "P0325 P". What's the difference between the 2?
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 02-28-2016, 04:29 PM
  #27  
Junior Member
 
DuckSauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
I used this for the knock sensor.



This baby made an easy job of the knock sensor. I bought it years ago to do the 2 plugs sgainst the firewall on a tahoe had. <br/>
DuckSauce is offline  
Old 03-02-2016, 04:40 PM
  #28  
Junior Member
 
DuckSauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
Alright! The Max just passed inspection!
DuckSauce is offline  
Old 03-02-2016, 05:34 PM
  #29  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by DuckSauce
Alright! The Max just passed inspection!
That's all I need to do for mine to pass inspection lol
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 09:55 AM
  #30  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Finally replaced my knock sensor. I was able to take it out of the little valley but wasn't able to put it back so I had to relocate it to the top of the manifold. Took about 15 mins. Funny thing is, I've been having this knock sensor problem for 2-3 years and never knew it wouldn't only take 15 mins to fix smh lol. I left a picture of where I relocated the knock sensor and also where I got the longer 10mm bolt from.
Attached Thumbnails Engine light on (Knock sensor) 97 Max-photo282.jpg   Engine light on (Knock sensor) 97 Max-photo215.jpg  
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 11:32 AM
  #31  
Rit
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Rit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 585
KS New location

Are you sure that it will still work accurately in that location ? If so, why would anyone ever screw around trying to remove/replace it from its original location. It would be much easier to just unclip the lead, and then then install a new one in your location.

Just wondering...
Rit is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 12:00 PM
  #32  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by Rit
Are you sure that it will still work accurately in that location ? If so, why would anyone ever screw around trying to remove/replace it from its original location. It would be much easier to just unclip the lead, and then then install a new one in your location.

Just wondering...
I'm pretty confident it will work just as good in this location. Only thing different is that instead of it being mounted under the manifold it on top so I would think it would be able to detect any knocking. But I've been driving it for about 50 miles since I replaced it, before i turn the car back on I do a engine diagnostic and so far nothing as come up, I'll be testing it twice a day to make sure it doesn't malfunction
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 12:10 PM
  #33  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Here's my video
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 04:01 PM
  #34  
Junior Member
 
DuckSauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
Well... The jack pot code just came on... Looks like ill be having fun tracking down the problem. At least it happened the day after inspection!
DuckSauce is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 04:57 PM
  #35  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by DuckSauce
Well... The jack pot code just came on... Looks like ill be having fun tracking down the problem. At least it happened the day after inspection!
Knock sensor ?
ShunDoe is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 05:21 PM
  #36  
Junior Member
 
DuckSauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 24
Not this time, I got code 0111. It has never came up before. Im hoping its only a loose connection. Maybe a loose vacuum line from when i did the KS and IATS the other day.
DuckSauce is offline  
Old 03-03-2016, 10:48 PM
  #37  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
max ride 41's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: in my max, pa. :p
Posts: 6,804
honestly i don't think it will work as well sitting up there. nissan designers made it that way for a reason, it's at the heart of the motor where it can detect any major knocking or pinging. i'm wondering how long before it'll malfuntion or if it's functioning properly now.
max ride 41 is offline  
Old 03-04-2016, 04:56 AM
  #38  
Senior Member
 
CS_AR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central AR
Posts: 3,041
Originally Posted by ShunDoe
Finally replaced my knock sensor. I was able to take it out of the little valley but wasn't able to put it back so I had to relocate it to the top of the manifold. Took about 15 mins. Funny thing is, I've been having this knock sensor problem for 2-3 years and never knew it wouldn't only take 15 mins to fix smh lol. I left a picture of where I relocated the knock sensor and also where I got the longer 10mm bolt from.
I've seen people do that on the VH45DE (Q45) V8 Nissan engine because removing the upper intake manifold to get down into "death valley" is at least a two day job. If a VH45DE (OBDII) model detects a bad knock sensor, it goes into "limp mode" and severely limits speed and performance until the issue has been resolved.

A few years back I found a Q45 in the junk yard where this had happened and snapped a picture. In this case, somebody needed to pass the wiring test.

Name:  Q45_1996_KS_02.jpg
Views: 2455
Size:  125.5 KB

Here's a picture of "death valley" where two knock live at the bottom on a VH45DE.

Name:  UP_003.jpg
Views: 5072
Size:  117.4 KB

Last edited by CS_AR; 03-04-2016 at 05:01 AM.
CS_AR is offline  
Old 03-04-2016, 06:38 AM
  #39  
Rit
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Rit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 585
Originally Posted by max ride 41
honestly i don't think it will work as well sitting up there. nissan designers made it that way for a reason, it's at the heart of the motor where it can detect any major knocking or pinging. i'm wondering how long before it'll malfuntion or if it's functioning properly now.
It wouldn't be all that hard to test. You could put in some low octane fuel, and then accelerate fast with the engine to see if you can hear any knocking or pinging. If you do, then I would move it back to its original location.
Rit is offline  
Old 03-04-2016, 01:50 PM
  #40  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ShunDoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 43
Went to get an inspection on the max today and failed. The guy said its because the computer is saying that the catalysts, O2, and 2 other things I can't think of come up as (Not Ready). They told me that came from me disconnecting the battery when I replaced the knock sensor. Now my question is, how long do I have to drive it before all of those things will register as ready because after I replaced the KS I drove it to and from work yesterday which is a good 30-35 miles and it still wasn't ready.
ShunDoe is offline  


Quick Reply: Engine light on (Knock sensor) 97 Max



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:38 AM.