Howdy!! I have a 2005 TL. I got CEL code P0325 = knock sensor. I have read lots of posts that points to either sensor, or wiring. Actually, some of the techs indicate the sensor rarely goes, more likely the harness from mice. And I have (had??...i caught 2 in traps ) mice in my shop so this is very possible. I am going to order both the sensor and wire to be safe because getting to the sensor looks like ugly job with intake manifold removal.

I am wondering if i need to spend 4 times the price on an OEM sensor, or if there are any issues with the cheaper after market sensors? Or a recommended decent brand of after-market sensor? I cheaped out on my Toyota Camry "fuel ratio" sensor and went through 3 of them before proper OEM Denso sensor did the trick. The Camry was in an easy spot so i didn't mind rolling the dice on after-market. In the case of my TL, seems like a lot of labor to get to the knock sensor so i will splurge if people have had issues with China brands.

Also, does intake manifold gasket need to be replaced, or anything else while in there? The videos and links I've seen for knock sensor location are difficult to actually see the sensor. Any great How-To links for this job? the ones i found aren't very good. Thanks!!

 

Did this twice because the first time a mouse chewed threw the wire, 2nd time...not sure, wiring may have just come loose from the plug, but replaced the 1st aftermarket sensor with an OEM one since it's such a pain to do. I just looked through my orders and also saw that the price difference between a 'Standard Motor' knock sensor and the OEM sensor on amazon is $20 vs $39. Look up 30530-P8F-A01; Amazon for some reason will say the part won't fit on your TL but in the Q & A the seller does answer that it will indeed fit in an Acura TL. If $17 isn't too much of a stretch for you, I'd just go OEM for a trusted brand.

Intake manifold gasket is metal, shouldn't really need replacing unless it was messed up. Just make sure to follow the tightening patterns. I've also heard some people have gotten around not removing the intake manifold, and instead just removed the power steering pump and squeezed into the little work space there. Haven't tried it myself though. Good luck!

 

How is access to replace sensor once intake is removed? i think i will do both just to be safe. i ordered an OEM wire harness and knock sensor from Ebay for $40. I agree, wasn't worth cheaping out on this job. thnx for the reply. OR...can wiring harness ONLY be done without removing intake? I am wondering if actual sensor is shot, or just that delicious rodent-flavored wiring harness is gnawed.

 

If the sensor has never been touched before (most likely scenario) what will happen more often than not is that when you try to disconnect the wiring harness, you'll probably end up breaking part of the sensor clip for the wiring as well since it's so brittle. You'll need a size 24 deep socket to loosen the knock sensor, along with an extension. It'll take some finagling but it can be done; I used an impact socket and I had to wiggle it a bit to get it into the hole. Then you'll need some long needle nose pliers to actually pick out the sensor after it's been loosened, and to install the new sensor.

 

great info, thnx Jimmyfu! I have about 115,000 miles on mine so I could be in the brittle zone. Might as well gitR-alldone.

 

DOH on me!! I should have posted my final repair. So I bought the sensor and wiring harness, took to my mechanic buddy. YEP, the wiring harness was chewed clean in half with several other nibble marks on it. There was a good stash of cat food in there too (we have an outside farm cat, so his food is easy for rodents to poach). I took pics and my wife was grossed out thinking mice were living in her car.

Since he was already in that deep and i had new sensor, i replaced it too. Doubting knock sensor was faulty. I kept the old sensor. Can i check resistance or continuity to confirm it is working?

what kind of thinking goes into the idea to make rodent-tastey components on a vehicle? That sounds like a granola-bar special...something I'd expect from a Subaru owner!!