I've replaced my KS twice over the many years I've owned my Max and the 2nd KS recently pooped out on me. I'm sick of changing out the KS and I wanted to try the resistor trick. So I picked up some 470k ohm resistors from Radio Shack today. I plugged in the resistor to the knock sensor connector and wrapped some electrical tape around it.

I cleared the ECU (got the 0505 code) drove it around for a while. I could tell there was an increase in power and response. Then, after driving for a while, it felt like there was slight drop in power again. I checked for codes again and sure enough the 0304 code popped up again.

The resistor is still plugged in snugly and wrapped in tape. So what's the deal?

- Maybe the ground wire that is screwed in by the intake manifold is corroded or dirty?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

There is many resistors labeled 470k or close to it at radio shack. Are you sure you got the correct one? What part # did you get?

 

I got the 470K ohm 1/2W 5% Carbon Film Resistor. Model: 271-1133

Here's the link:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

Is this the right one?

 

Yes thats the right resistor.

Did you install the resistor before the sub-harness and not where the ks would have been installed?

If you did i would check that ground.

 

I have the same problem. Other codes can trigger the KS one. Is that the only code that came up?

 

maybe the harness is bad ? or did u clan the ground wire connector bolts ?

 

Thanks for you replies guys. Here's where I plugged in the resistor.

O }-------------{ [ }----

O = knock sensor (underneath intake manifold)
} = KS harness plug (red connector)
--------- = KS harness wire
{ = plug opposite end of KS harness (male connector)
[ = 470k ohm resistor (plugged into female subharness)
} = subharness plug (female connector)

Did I do this correctly?

Also, 0304 is the only code that I get...nothing else.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

r u using 91 octane ? just had to make sure

 

Yes, have always used 91.

 

I'm not sure if you typed that correctly but the resistor should be pluged into a male plug. Do you have a picture?

 

I'll try cleaning the grounds again. Can someone confirm that I plugged in the resistor correctly based on my diagram above? Thanks again for all your input!

 

You should do the Knock Sensor Relocation trick. Some guy with a Sentra I believe just drilled and tape a hole into his fire wall and kept it there and says that they're hasn't been a problem since. Search the forum for it.

 

So it should be ks,sub-harness which has a female end. Take all that off the car. Your left with a male end this is where you install the resistor.

 

Typo, you're right.

That male end you refer to has two holes where the female end of the KS harness (which has 2 metal prongs inside) was connected to right?

I connected the resistor into the male end with the two holes.

I wish I could take a picture, but my wife has the car right now. She's gonna be out of town for a couple days.

I believe I installed the resistor as you described fanaticrockford.

Let me redo my diagram:

O }------------{ [ }---

O = knock sensor
} = red connector
------- = KS harness wire
{ = end plug of KS harness wire (female end with two metal prongs inside)
[ = 470k ohm resistor (plugged into male connector with two holes)
} = male connector (with two holes)

Correct?

 

yea its correct now clear ur codes and ull should be fine.... unless the harness has a break in it somewhere

 

Yea, I cleared the codes (got the 0505 code) and drove it around for a while. I was pretty sure I could feel the power difference. Drove it around for 15-20 minutes. Parked it and rechecked the codes....still clear 0505.

Drove it later in the day.....then noticed a slight drop in power again. Checked for codes and that damned 0304 code showed up again.

Maybe the grounds are dirty? I'm gonna try cleaning them again when my wife comes home.

If you have any other thoughts, all are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

BTW, I crimped the ends of the resistor (like a u) a couple times so that it would make a snug fit in the male connector with the two holes.

 

I put in a 1/4 watt one and no codes were thrown- should I increase it to 1/2?
gas mileage is about 10L/100Km

 

Do you have a volt/ohm meter? If not buy one. Check to make sure that the resistor is in fact 470 k or try one of the other resistors.

If it's fine you will need to check to make sure none of the wires have any breaks.
Donate and download the fsm from here.
http://phatg20.net/index.php
Depending on the year it will be on page ec-146 or there about for directions on how to test the wires.

 

Problem may be that you just crimped the resistor around the ends of the connector. You should really solder it, otherwise it will rattle around and eventually it will make the ECU pick it up a malfunction.

 

how much would it cost to get the KS replaced by a shop? just looking for an estimate and overprice so i dont pay someone 3k to do it :P

 

Search. Hourly rate varies shop by shop, so there's no way to tell.

 

its pretty simple to do yourself...it took me about 30 mins the first time and everytime after that ive been able to do it in about 15 minutes.

shops will charge you crazy amounts be the FSM requires the mechanic to remove the Intake Manifold... so about $300 to $600 depending on where you are and how they go about doing it

 

the colour code is the proper way to read resistors

 

Most people don't know how to read the color codes on resistors.

Besides, I believe he was referring to the few 470kΩ resistors they have, 1/4w, 1/2w, etc.

 

they teach it in the first week of electronics class here in canada - at least back when i was in school

 

Useful for those that have gone through an electronics class, but worthless for most people (who have not).

 

Well if you put it that way...cmon you never know when you are stuck on an island and need to hand build a radio out of parts of a toaster - those resistor reading skills could come in handy

weren't you supposed to become a mod like a year ago ?

 

Yea, I wish. I agree, electronics knowledge is nice to have and very useful, but most people don't see it like that.

 

alright, well nice talking to you - take it easy