P0326 Knock sensor 1 range/performance, bank 1: the knock sensor signal is outside what the engine computer expects

Knock sensor 1 signal out of range (bank 1)

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P0326 usually means the knock sensor signal looks wrong, not that the engine is knocking. Several makers fixed it with software or a new sensor. The computer may retard timing as a precaution, which can cost some power, so get it checked at your next convenience unless you hear knocking.

It gets more serious if:

  • Stop: The check engine light starts flashing. That means misfire heavy enough to overheat and damage the catalytic converter; avoid further driving and get it checked.
  • Inspect soon: You hear pinging or knocking under load, or the car feels noticeably down on power. The engine may not be protected against knock while the sensor is unreliable.

Source: how we rate severity

P0326 in short

P0326 means the bank 1 knock sensor signal is outside the range the engine computer expects. It is often the sensor, its connector or engine software rather than actual knock: Kia, Honda and GM have bulletins. The engine usually runs normally, so have it checked, sooner if you hear pinging.

A knock sensor is a small microphone bolted to the engine block that listens for detonation so the computer can retard ignition timing. P0326 sets when the sensor 1 signal sits outside its expected range for the conditions.

Kia replaced the sensor on 2009 Rio 1.6L engines and reprogrammed 2012-2014 Rio and Soul models; Honda updated 2016 Civic software because the computer misread the sensor; GM points to connector problems on Colorado and Canyon.

While the signal is not trusted, the computer may keep timing retarded, which can cost a little power or economy.

Most likely causes

  1. Engine computer software misreading the sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Kia reprogrammed 2012-2014 Rio and Soul for P0326; Honda updated 2016 Civic software because the PCM misread knock sensor signals; GM recalibrated 2006 Cobalt, HHR and Ion.
    What would change this
    Rises on a vehicle covered by a software bulletin; a dealer can check the calibration.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  2. Failed knock sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Kia replaces the knock sensor on 2009 Rio 1.6L engines setting P0326 or P0327, and the sensor is a common general cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the signal is flat or erratic with good wiring.
    How to test the knock sensor

  3. Poor connector or damaged wiring

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM preliminary information points to a knock sensor connection concern at connector X160 on 2023-2024 Colorado and Canyon, and loose connections on 2015 models.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code is intermittent or the connector is corroded or loose.

  4. Sensor not torqued correctly, or real mechanical noise

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A loose sensor or genuine engine noise can push the signal out of range; less common than software or sensor faults.
    What would change this
    Rises if the engine makes a knocking noise or the sensor was recently disturbed.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes and ask a dealer to check the VIN for software updates or service actions.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

  2. Find the knock sensor connector (often under the intake manifold) and check it is latched and free of corrosion; inspect the harness.

    Use cautionTool: flashlight, service information

    Warning:On many engines the sensor sits under the intake manifold; do not remove the manifold yourself.

  3. Have a shop check the sensor signal with a scope or tap test and verify its mounting torque.

    Best left to a shopTool: oscilloscope, torque wrench

    Warning:Reaching the sensor may need intake removal; follow service information.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Slightly reduced power or fuel economy
  • Hesitation under acceleration
  • Pinging or knocking under load Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer to check the VIN for knock sensor or engine computer software bulletins before buying parts.

  2. Use the fuel octane listed in your owner's manual while the code is being diagnosed.

Parts and cost context

  • Knock sensor:Several makers fixed P0326 with software alone. Where a new sensor is needed it often sits under the intake manifold, so labour can exceed the part; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Kia

  • 2012–2014 · Soul

    Supported by vehicle data

    Kia reprogrammed the ECM for P0326 on many 2012-2014 Soul and Rio models. Ask a dealer to check the VIN before replacing the sensor.

  • 2009 · Rio

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2009 Rio 1.6L Kia replaces the knock sensor for P0326/P0327.

  • TSB-056Status unverified

    Knock sensor replacement for P0326/P0327 (SA017)

    2009rio · 1.6L Alpha · NHTSA 10033670

    Replace the knock sensor on the 1.6L Alpha engine.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSBENG150Status unverified

    ECM upgrade for P0326/P0441 (SA194)

    2014rio, soul · NHTSA 10089612

    Reprogram the ECM for vehicles in stated production windows.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSBENG146R1Status unverified

    ECM upgrade for several codes including P0326

    2012–2014rio, soul · NHTSA 10089747

    ECM reprogram; VIN range applies.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Honda

  • A16-018Status unverified

    PCM misreads knock sensor signals and sets P0326

    2016civic · NHTSA 10106674

    Update the PGM-FI software.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0325Knock sensor 1 circuit fault (bank 1 or single sensor)

    Same system Common general cause

    P0325 is the circuit-level fault for the same knock sensor 1; P0326 is the range/performance version.

  • P0332Knock sensor 2 circuit voltage low (bank 2)

    Other bank Supported by vehicle data

    P0332 is a knock sensor 2 circuit code; GM bulletins list knock sensor 2 codes alongside P0326 on Colorado and Canyon.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P0326 questions

Does P0326 mean my engine is knocking?

Usually not. It means the sensor signal is outside the expected range. Kia, Honda and GM fixed many cases with software or a new sensor. If you actually hear pinging, use the right fuel and have it checked sooner.

Sources and review

  1. P0326 Code: Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1) — CarParts.com ,
  2. Kia TSBENG150 (SA194): ECM upgrade for P0326/P0441, 2014 Rio/Soul — Kia Motors America
  3. Honda A16-018: PCM misreads knock sensor signals and sets P0326, 2016 Civic — American Honda Motor Co.
  4. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  5. 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
  6. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  7. Saturn 03T02: hesitation and/or lack of power with P0326, 2000-2002 S-Series — General Motors
  8. How to diagnose a faulty knock sensor — Delphi Technologies Aftermarket
  9. Kia TSBENG146 R1: ECM upgrade for several codes including P0326, 2012-2014 Rio/Soul — Kia Motors America
  10. GM 3634A: P0326, install new ECM calibration, 2006 Cobalt/HHR/Ion — General Motors
  11. Kia TSB-056 (SA017): knock sensor replacement for P0326/P0327, 2009 Rio 1.6L Alpha — Kia Motors America
  12. GM PIP5985: possible knock sensor connection concern at connector X160, P0326/P0331, 2023-2024 Colorado/Canyon — General Motors
  13. GM PIP5273: P0326 or P0331 in history, check for a loose connection at the body control module, 2015 Colorado/Canyon — General Motors
  14. What Causes a Knock Sensor Code? 11 Common Causes — Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice (Rick Muscoplat) ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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