I just scanned my car the other day and got DTC 43, which is the good ol knock sensor. I just ordered a new one from Jason on Monday and I'm awaiting it's arrival. My questions are 1) Do I need to use any gasket sealer on the threads since it seals a water jacket in the block? If yes, what type? 2) I read something in another post about not threading it in all the way because they strip out easy, is this the case or was this bad luck on this guys part. Thanks guys

Jon

 

The KS is recommended to NOT use sealant since it requires a good ground to operate properly. Torque it to 14Lb.Ft. While your there, turn the key on and disconnect the wire from the sensor and be sure you have 5 volts at the connector. Then measure the resistance of the terminal of the KS to ground. It should be between 3300 and 4500 ohms. Never seen a 43 caused by a bad sensor but maybe you're the first.

good luck

 

The knock sensor will come with some stuff already on the threads. That is all I used and there haven't been any problems since.

 

Did you guys drain the coolant when you changed it or should I not worry about it? Also I'm not that great when it comes to testing electrical wiring and so forth on cars yet, so I was wondering how exactly you test it? When you test it with the ignition on and the harnes disconnected, do you just place the red connector of the electrical tester inside the harness and thats it? Also how would I go about testing: "Then measure the resistance of the terminal of the KS to ground. It should be between 3300 and 4500 ohms." If someone could specify it to me I would greatly appreciate it. It probably sounds like a dumb question, but again I'm not that great with doing electrical work and no question is a dumb question (thats what they taught me in school)

Thanks,
Jon

 

Can anyone else answer my questions.

 

I thought taking out the knock sensor was just a simple swap in the PCM..?

 

You need to be familiar with using a meter for testing.

 

That is the knock module that is located in the PCM, the knock sensor is located on the passenger side of the motor towards the bottom.

 

Ah, I totally misread it, sorry man. That is what lack of sleep does to you.

 

When you pull out the knock sensor the coolant will drain then

 

I saw your page when I first did some searching for others who had expierenced this DTC code. I have have used my meter before on adjusting my TPS when I switched TB's, but I wasn't getting right readings when testing my KS. I figured I was just doing it incorrectly, but maybe I was doing it right. I think my new KS is coming again tomorrow, so i will let you guys know what happens. My car runs terrible at the mommet; wish me luck.

 

Yeah exactly, all over my face

 

well, you really don't think there is that much force pushing it out till you completely remove the sensor. Sorta like havin to **** for the first time after about 6 beers. You could drill a hole in the urinal after that....

 

Well put

 

I'm about to change a knock sensor myself. The new KS has red thread
sealant from the factory. I'm swapping a 97 KS for a 95 for my OBDI PCM.
Although I have not removed a KS with coolant in the engine I will try it
this time. The plan is to raise the car as high as possible in the front and
carefully remove the KS and have my other hand ready to plug a finger in
the hole as quick as possible. The trick will be to quickly get the new KS
into place and start threading. I'll keep some paper towels in the area for
the spillage and hopefully won't lose more than a cup.