P0331

1,400DTC P0331

Circuit Description

The knock sensor (KS) system enables the engine control module (ECM) to control the ignition timing for the best possible performance while protecting the engine from potentially damaging levels of detonation. The KS produces an AC signal that varies at all engine speeds and loads. The ECM makes adjustments to the spark timing based on the amplitude and frequency of the KS signal. The ECM receives the KS signal through a signal circuit. The KS ground is supplied by the ECM through a low reference circuit. The ECM uses the KS to calculate the amount of normal engine noise (a noise channel) for a wide range of engine speeds and loads. The ECM compares the actual KS signal to the learned noise channel. When the ECM detects a KS signal that varies outside of the noise channel, the ECM will retard the spark timing until the knock goes away. If the knock is such that the vehicle operates on large amounts of spark retard and the ECM is unable to eliminate the knock, this DTC will set. DTC P0326 refers to the bank 1 sensor. DTC P0331 refers to the bank 2 sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

^ DTCs P0315, P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0345, P0346, P0365, P0366, P0390, P0391 are not set.
^ The engine speed is more than 1,400 RPM.
^ The engine load meets or exceeds a calibrated specification.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

^ The KS signal indicates an engine knock is present.
^ The ECM commanded spark retard at a given engine load, and speed is more than the calibrated value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

^ The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
^ The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

^ The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
^ A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
^ A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
^ Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.