P0330: Knock sensor 2 circuit fault (bank 2)
Electrical fault in the second knock sensor, on bank 2. Usually the connector, damaged wiring or the sensor itself.
| Code | P0330 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P03xx, Ignition and misfires |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0330 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. V engines have one sensor on each side, and bank 2 is the side opposite cylinder 1. This code points to a fault in that sensor’s electrical circuit.
Most common causes
- Loose, dirty or corroded sensor connector
- Broken or chafed wire (often routed under the intake manifold)
- Sensor not tightened properly to the block
- 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 P0330?
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.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Check whether the sensor 1 code (P0325) is also stored: if both appear together, suspect shared wiring or a common connector before two failed sensors.
How to read and clear P0330 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 P0330 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P032B The knock sensor 3 (bank 2) gives readings outside the normal range
- P032C The knock sensor 3 (bank 2) gives a lower signal than normal
- P032D The knock sensor 3 (bank 2) gives a higher signal than normal
- P032E The knock sensor 3 (bank 2) fails now and then
- P0331 The knock sensor 2 (bank 2) gives readings outside the normal range
- P0332 Knock sensor 2 circuit low input (bank 2)
- P0333 The knock sensor 2 (bank 2) gives a higher signal than normal
- P0334 The knock sensor 2 circuit input (bank 2) fails now and then
- P0300 Random or multiple cylinder misfire
- P0301 Misfire detected in cylinder 1
- P0302 Misfire detected in cylinder 2
- P0303 Misfire detected in cylinder 3
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Knock and pre-ignition.
What does code P0330 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. V engines have one sensor on each side, and bank 2 is the side opposite cylinder 1. This code points to a fault in that sensor’s electrical circuit.
Can you drive with P0330?
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 P0330?
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, P0330 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
