P0327

DTC P0327 KS Sensor Circuit




Circuit Description
The powertrain control module (PCM) uses the knock sensor to detect engine detonation, allowing the PCM to retard ignition control (IC) spark timing based on the knock sensor (KS) signal being received. The knock sensor produces an AC signal so that under a no knock condition the signal on the KS circuit measures about 0.007 V AC. The signal amplitude and frequency are dependent upon the amount of knock being experienced.
The PCM monitors the KS signal and can diagnose the KS sensor and circuitry.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
- Engine running time is at least 10 seconds.
- The TP sensor is greater than 5%.
- The ECT sensor is greater than 60 °C (140 °F).
- Engine speed is between 2000 and 4000 RPM.
- The knock sensor signal voltage is less than 0.20 volts, or greater than 4.8 volts.
- All conditions are present for more than 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
- The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after the second consecutive trip in which the fault is detected.
- The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC was set as Freeze Frame and in the Failure Records data.
- The PCM will use a calculated spark retard value to minimize knock during conditions when knock is likely to occur. The calculated value will vary based on engine speed and load.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
- The PCM will turn the MIL OFF on the third consecutive trip cycle during which the diagnostic has been run and the fault condition is no longer present.
- A history DTC P0327 will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a fault.
- DTC P0327 can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids
Reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Steps 1 - 5:

Steps 6 - 9:

Steps 10 - 11:

Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Chart.
2. Ensures that the fault is present.