P0330: Fault in the knock sensor 2 circuit (bank 2)
Knock sensor 2 circuit malfunction (bank 2)
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
No source here rates how urgent a knock sensor circuit fault is, so the class is not verified. The computer may hold back ignition timing to protect the engine, which can cost power.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine pings or knocks, or hesitates and loses power, since real knock can damage an engine.
P0330 in short
P0330 means the engine computer found a fault in the knock sensor 2 circuit on bank 2. A failed sensor or damaged wiring and connector are the usual causes. You can usually drive for now, but pinging or lost power means get it checked soon, because the computer may reduce engine timing.
A knock sensor listens for the rattle of abnormal combustion and tells the computer to pull back ignition timing. P0330 means the circuit for knock sensor 2 on bank 2 is not working properly.
A failed sensor, a damaged wire or a bad connector are the likely causes. The computer is rarely at fault.
On some cars the check engine light is the only sign. On others the engine hesitates or pings.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Failed knock sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists a failed sensor first.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor shows no output when the engine block is tapped. Falls if it responds.
Cause 2: Damaged wiring or a bad connector in the sensor circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- The same reference lists wiring and connector faults next; the circuit continuity test targets this.
- What would change this
- Rises if the circuit is open or shorted. Falls if continuity is good.
Cause 3: Engine computer fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Listed as a rare cause after the sensor and wiring are cleared.
- What would change this
- Rises only after sensor and wiring pass. Falls otherwise.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Look at the knock sensor and its connector on bank 2 for damage or corrosion.
IfDamage or corrosion is found
It meansRepair or replace that part first.
Points to: Damaged wiring or a bad connector in the sensor circuit
IfLooks fine
It meansTest the sensor output.
Step 2: Have the sensor output checked on a meter while the engine block is tapped, and test continuity between the harness connector and the computer.
Warning:Tapping near a running engine exposes hands to belts, fans and hot parts; the sensor is often under the intake. Leave this to a shop.
IfNo output from the sensor
It meansSensor failure.
IfOutput is present but the circuit is open
It meansWiring.
Points to: Damaged wiring or a bad connector in the sensor circuit
IfBoth good
It meansComputer is possible.
Symptoms
- Check engine light, sometimes with no other change
- Hesitation or loss of power Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Pinging or knocking when accelerating Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off, check that the knock sensor connector is fully seated if you can see it.
Step 2: Use the fuel grade the owner's manual requires.
Parts and cost context
- Knock sensor:Test before replacing; some sensors sit under the intake so labor varies, get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P0330 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
Sources and review
- P0330 Knock Sensor 2 Circuit (Bank 2)
- On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list)
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10295335
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error