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P0327: Knock sensor 1 circuit low input (bank 1 or single sensor)

The ECU sees a knock sensor signal that is too low. Almost always electrical: a broken or earthed wire, the connector or the sensor itself.

Code P0327 at a glance
CodeP0327
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP03xx, Ignition and misfires
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0327 means

The knock sensor is bolted to the engine block and works like a microphone: it picks up the vibration of knock (detonation, fuel burning at the wrong moment and hammering the pistons). When it hears it, the ECU retards the ignition to protect the engine. Low input means the ECU is reading a voltage below what is possible, almost always because of an electrical problem. It is sensor 1, on bank 1 or the only one.

Most common causes

  • Sensor connector unplugged or corroded
  • Broken wire or wire shorting to earth
  • Sensor loose on the block, so it barely picks up vibration
  • Failed knock sensor
  • ECU fault (rare)

Symptoms

  • Less power, especially under hard acceleration
  • Slightly higher fuel consumption
  • Engine warning light on
  • Sometimes no noticeable symptoms

Can you drive with P0327?

With care You can drive, as the ECU usually retards the ignition as a precaution, but the engine is less protected if real knock occurs. Avoid working it hard and get it checked soon.

How to check it

Clear the code and drive normally with some acceleration: if it returns straight away the fault is permanent (wire or sensor); if it takes days, suspect a poor contact at the connector.

How to read and clear P0327 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0327 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0327 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Audi, Fiat, Mazda, Opel / Vauxhall, Peugeot, Toyota. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0327 mean?

The knock sensor is bolted to the engine block and works like a microphone: it picks up the vibration of knock (detonation, fuel burning at the wrong moment and hammering the pistons). When it hears it, the ECU retards the ignition to protect the engine. Low input means the ECU is reading a voltage below what is possible, almost always because of an electrical problem. It is sensor 1, on bank 1 or the only one.

Can you drive with P0327?

You can drive, as the ECU usually retards the ignition as a precaution, but the engine is less protected if real knock occurs. Avoid working it hard and get it checked soon.

How do you clear P0327?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0327 comes back.