P0328

Universal

Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High Input (Bank 2 or Single Sensor)

Definition source: General OBD-II reference catalog
Definition verification: Not independently verified for display.
Time: Varies by diagnosis and vehicle | Diagnostic difficulty: Medium
Medium Severity

The knock sensor detects vibration associated with engine knock, and the engine computer monitors its signal to help control ignition timing. P0328 means the computer detected a high input in the Knock Sensor 1 circuit for Bank 2, or for a single-sensor setup. The code does not by itself prove the sensor has failed. Depending on the vehicle and how the system responds, you may notice a warning light, reduced power, or no obvious symptoms.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

Avoid hard acceleration until the issue is diagnosed, since a fault in knock detection may affect how the engine responds to knock. If you hear persistent loud knocking, notice severe loss of power, or see signs of overheating, stop driving when safe and arrange an inspection. Do not probe wiring or connectors without model-specific service information.

Common Symptoms

  • The check-engine light may be on because the engine computer detected a high input in the knock sensor circuit.
  • There may be no noticeable change in how the vehicle runs.
  • Reduced power or altered engine response may occur if the computer changes ignition timing or limits performance.
  • Engine knocking may be present if the engine is actually experiencing knock; the code alone does not establish that this is happening.

Common Causes

  • A fault within Knock Sensor 1 may produce an unexpectedly high circuit signal.
  • Damaged, pinched, or chafed wiring may affect the sensor signal or create an electrical short.
  • A loose, corroded, contaminated, or damaged connector may interfere with the circuit.
  • A fault elsewhere in the sensor circuit or engine computer may cause the high input.
  • Engine vibration or mechanical noise may affect the signal and should be distinguished from an electrical fault.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Check for other stored codes and note when the warning appeared; related codes or operating conditions can help guide diagnosis.
  2. With the engine off and cool, visually inspect accessible Knock Sensor 1 wiring and connectors for damage, looseness, corrosion, or contamination.
  3. Use service information for the exact model, year, and engine to identify the correct sensor and bank; do not assume its location or circuit layout.
  4. If inspection does not reveal an obvious issue, arrange scan-data and electrical testing rather than replacing the sensor based on the code alone.

When to Call a Professional

A technician can review stored codes and freeze-frame data, inspect the sensor circuit and connectors, and compare scan-tool knock data with the vehicle's service information. Testing should distinguish an electrical high-input fault from actual engine vibration or knock. Confirm the sensor identity, bank arrangement, and circuit checks for the specific model, year, and engine before replacing parts.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does P0328 mean the knock sensor must be replaced?

No. It reports a high input in the Knock Sensor 1 circuit for Bank 2 or a single-sensor setup. Wiring, connectors, other circuit faults, or engine vibration may also need investigation.

Does this code mean the engine is definitely knocking?

No. The code describes the circuit input detected by the engine computer. Actual engine knock or mechanical noise is one possibility to assess, not a conclusion from the code alone.

Can I keep driving with P0328?

Driving cautiously to arrange diagnosis may be possible if the vehicle runs normally, but avoid hard acceleration. Stop when safe if there is persistent loud knocking, severe power loss, or overheating.

How can I tell whether the problem is electrical or mechanical?

A technician can inspect the circuit and compare scan-tool data with the vehicle-specific service information while assessing whether engine noise or vibration could be influencing the signal.

Browse Available Code Guides

Previous and next available guides in database record order, across makes. Adjacent entries may share a code number and do not necessarily describe related faults.