P0332: Knock sensor 2 circuit low input (bank 2)
The ECU sees a signal that is too low from the bank 2 knock sensor. Almost always a wire, the connector or the sensor itself is at fault.
| Code | P0332 |
|---|---|
| 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 P0332 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. Low input means the ECU is reading a voltage below what is possible, almost always from an electrical problem.
Most common causes
- Sensor connector unplugged or corroded
- Broken wire or wire shorting to earth
- Sensor loose on 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 P0332?
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
If the car was recently in for work with the intake manifold removed, mention it: it is common for this sensor’s connector to be left poorly seated after such jobs.
How to read and clear P0332 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 P0332 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
- P032D The knock sensor 3 (bank 2) gives a higher signal than normal
- P032E The knock sensor 3 (bank 2) fails now and then
- P0330 Knock sensor 2 circuit fault (bank 2)
- P0331 The knock sensor 2 (bank 2) gives readings outside the normal range
- 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
- P0335 Crankshaft position sensor A circuit fault
- P0336 Crankshaft position sensor A signal out of range
- P0300 Random or multiple cylinder misfire
- P0301 Misfire detected in cylinder 1
- P0302 Misfire detected in cylinder 2
- P0303 Misfire detected in cylinder 3
What does code P0332 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. Low input means the ECU is reading a voltage below what is possible, almost always from an electrical problem.
Can you drive with P0332?
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 P0332?
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, P0332 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.
