Yet another Knock Sensor Thread - 2002 S/C

[Nerfball6]

In another thread Dejablue wrote the following about an X that was dying and running rough, and had a bad KS code ...

Originally Posted by dejablue

the k/s has nothing to do with your problem . i would start simple fuel filter and then fuel pump.

So what are the symptoms of a bad knock sensor?

Recently my '02 X S/C has been sporadically running rough at Idle and actually died on me pulling into a parking lot on a steep grade. I had a hard time getting it restarted. I've also noticed poor gas mileage.

I took it to Auto Zone for a diagnostic today and it came back with the P0328 Knock Sensor code (no check engine light came on). Should I start by replacing the KS (man it's not cheap) or look into other things first (like the fuel filter mentioned)?

Edit, I did research the other threads on this thing but am just more confused.

So, what besides the knock sensor going bad could cause this code (without the check engine light going on)? What else could cause the symptoms I've mentioned? What should I try before replacing the sensor?

So far I've read:
• disconnect battery for a few hours and see if it goes away.
• replace air filter
• replace pcv valve
• replace fuel filter
• replace spark plugs/general tune-up
• replace fuel sending unit
• replace fuel pump
• replace distributor

Can All these things create a P0328 Knock Sensor code, and/or cause my vehicles symptoms?

I pretty much have no tools or place to work on it on my own, so I need to have a mechanic do anything other than really simple stuff that takes wrenches and screwdrivers.

I'm pissed. And have to say I'm wondering if I made the right choice buying this thing. I had no major problems with my 94 pathfinder (that I bought new and is still running) which is why I bought Nissan again, but after owning this X for two weeks I've dropped a bunch of cash already into repairs. And now this. Potentially another $800.00 or so. WTF. (edit: Sorry, I needed to vent my frustration)

[Nerfball6]

So, let me recap in case my above post is too convoluted ...
(and yes, I did search and read through a bunch of other threads on KS's, but it seemed to go all over the place and only ended up getting me more confused on what to do) ...

The symptoms:

• Rough, sputtering idle which gets worse as the vehicle sits at a stop light (acts like it's going to die, I have to pump the gas pedal to keep it going)
• Died (cut right out) on a steep grade as I was pulling into a parking lot.
• symptoms seem intermittent with no rhyme or reason to when it does this.
• Gas mileage seems unusually poor.
• P0328 Knock Sensor Code (circuit high input) - this code actually showed up twice during the same reading, the second said "pending". there were no other codes that appeared.
• Engine service light was NOT on.

Does this indeed sound like the symptoms of a bad Knock Sensor?
Or something else that is causing the KS to give me that code?

-- What is my best course of action?
-- What things should I try before dropping $800.00 to replace the knock sensor?
-- Are all the things I listed above (fuel filter, fuel sending unit, etc) worth trying first? Any others? or am I just throwing good money after bad if I do them? Is there any way to know?

Your help is greatly appreciated!!!!!

[dejablue]

the k/s will not cause any of things on your list.a bad k/s with a s/c will cut your boost back and lower your gas mileage. there is something else wrong .first lets clean map sensor its in side the air horn unplug the wiring plug take the 2 clamps off remove the air horn get a can of map sensor cleaner 5dl auto zone dont touch the sensor spray on heavy let it dry reinstall. next find the ground wire valve cover to fender ground on the pass side remove the bolt on the fender replace with stainless steel bolt and washers .let see how it runs before we move on also lets see if cylenut can add some more input to the proble im sure we can get it running like new again so dont give up .

[F150Boss86]

Deja is correct, you should not be seeing thoughs symptoms with just a KS. I cant judge much on what is wrong, but after you get the problem fixed, I can help with the KS issue. I did the relocation and cost about $80.00 Dont kick yourself too hard yet, About 8 months ago I was pretty upset with my X and the $ that had to go into it. With the help of this site, I got everything done for a fraction of the price and am now very happy with the X. Good luck!

[Nerfball6]

Thanks Dejablue!!!

Originally Posted by dejablue

the k/s will not cause any of things on your list.a bad k/s with a s/c will cut your boost back and lower your gas mileage. there is something else wrong.

This sounds like really good news to me. I'm hopeful.

Originally Posted by dejablue

first lets clean map sensor, its inside the air horn. Unplug the wiring plug, take the 2 clamps off, remove the air horn, get a can of map sensor cleaner 5dl auto zone, dont touch the sensor, spray on heavy, let it dry, reinstall.
next find the ground wire valve cover to fender ground on the pass side, remove the bolt on the fender replace with stainless steel bolt and washers. let see how it runs before we move on also lets see if cylenut can add some more input to the proble im sure we can get it running like new again so dont give up.

I'll try to do this today ... it's actually warming up to 25 degrees today.
Thanks again!!! I really, really appreciate it!

[Nerfball6]

Originally Posted by F150Boss86

Deja is correct, you should not be seeing thoughs symptoms with just a KS. I cant judge much on what is wrong, but after you get the problem fixed, I can help with the KS issue. I did the relocation and cost about $80.00 Dont kick yourself too hard yet, About 8 months ago I was pretty upset with my X and the $ that had to go into it. With the help of this site, I got everything done for a fraction of the price and am now very happy with the X. Good luck!

Thanks F150Boss86!!! I appreciate that! It's been really frustrating, but I am sure glad I found and joined this site. Great people and a fantastic resource!!!

[Nerfball6]

OK, I pulled the MAF sensor, or at least I hope I did. Is this the correct part?




The sensor appears to have a black plastic "tube" sticking up. There is a small wire on one side towards the base, and one on the inside that I can see looking down it. I'm assuming those are the actual sensors. Do I spray down inside the tube and from the side? I have not touched the plastic tube at all.

Thanks!

[BigDog107]

yep thats it! give it a good cleaning.

[Nerfball6]

Cool! Thanks Mac!!

OK, now here's a question, could having too much engine oil cause the symptoms I've described? I seem to remember reading that somewhere here.

I just checked it and it appears to be filled to where it's over the dipstick end and up onto the cable of the dipstick. The engine is cold and I checked it twice after wiping it off first. ?????

Edit: There hasn't been any noticeable blue smoke from the exhaust

-Dave

[dejablue]

yes it could change the oil and but 3,5 qts only.