Knock sensor replacement help.

ErikTande · Mar 14, 2014

I was doing some maintenance last night, and I decided to take a shot at replacing the knock sensor.

I failed. Miserably.

How the hell can you do that without taking off the intake manifold? My battery is relocated, so it was easy to get my hand on it from the passenger side. I can't see it, but I can feel it. I cut a big 24mm wrench in half so I could get it back there, but by then my arm is at a weird angle and I can't get any leverage to turn it.

I read to try spraying it with PB Blaster, but I can barely get my hand back there, I sure as hell can't get my hand AND a spray can back there.

I also read some posts saying go at it from the bottom, but I think those people are smoking crack. I couldn't see or reach it from ANYWHERE underneath the car.

Then there is the issue of unplugging the other end of the sensor. Again, I can't see it, I can only get one hand back there and feel it, so I really have no idea what to squeeze or where the tab is to release it. So even if I did get the sensor unscrewed, I probably wouldn't be able to unplug the connector without breaking it or yanking out the wires.

Any advice? Or am I just too incompetent for this job? :idontknow:

phr0st · Mar 14, 2014

Remove the starter and use the smallest crescent wrench that will still open enough to get on the sensor. You can also use channel locks as a quick way to get it off. You won't have enough room to turn anything unless you remove the starter. Also make sure that you don't tighten it much more than hand tight or you'll have phantom knock out the wazoo!

1sick_gst · Mar 14, 2014

To be honest, their really isn't any easy way of replacing the knock sensor. It can be replaced without the intake manifold being removed tho(skinny arms). Being that you are AWD, going from the bottom would be a pain and near impossible. If you can't get it by simply reaching around, over, under, take off the manifold man...that's the only option honestly.

ErikTande · Mar 14, 2014

phr0st said:
Remove the starter and use the smallest crescent wrench that will still open enough to get on the sensor. You can also use channel locks as a quick way to get it off. You won't have enough room to turn anything unless you remove the starter. Also make sure that you don't tighten it much more than hand tight or you'll have phantom knock out the wazoo!

Ah, I didn't realize that, thanks :thumb:

Now to find a starter removal tutorial... *EDIT* Got it. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-electrical-wiring/309555-starter-swap-install.html

phr0st · Mar 14, 2014

ErikTande said:
Ah, I didn't realize that, thanks Now to find a starter removal tutorial... *EDIT* Got it. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-electrical-wiring/309555-starter-swap-install.html

A how-to for 2 bolts, one nut, and a spade connector? LOL

curt-s · Mar 14, 2014

I turned the wheel to get a little more access, and reached up with a crescent wrench and removed/retorqued it.. it was a bit frustrating, but it's definitely possible without removing a single thing (and I have the IM bracket still)

It didn't do a damn thing for PK, even with a nylon washer, but it's still possible to do.

901gtsi · Mar 14, 2014

No need to remove the starter. just remove the 3 bolts from the bracket/brace thing that holds the vacuum lines under the intake manifold and lay it too the side then you can fit a adjustable wrench in there from the top. Works perfect for me every time.

EDIT: sorry disregard what i said if you have a/c still the way i explained probably wont work.

my dreamt dsm · Mar 14, 2014

But how do you turn it. The wire is still connected to the sensor. I need something like an o2 sensor open type socket, yet big enough.

GRAVEDIGGER · Mar 17, 2014

I have always done it from the top on the drivers side with a stubby/short 24mm wrench. I like that side, because it lets you push down on the wrench instead of pulling up on it like you have to do if you go from the passenger side. None of the ones I have done have had a/c though either, so don't know what you're dealing with for sure Erik.

jjw205 · Jul 21, 2016

I know this is an old thread, but I just did mine in about 30 minutes. Take battery out, take starter out, and it's pretty easy access. I used a pair of Channel-Locks (I know...) to break the old one free, and to tighten the new one down snug. Not as bad as I thought it would be.

2gmitsueclipse · Jul 21, 2016

After having difficulty swapping mine out, I borrowed the simple concept of an o2 sensor socket. I sacrificed one of my sockets to create the "Knock Socket":

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jjw205 · Jul 21, 2016

^^That was my next choice! Didn't have a 24mm(?) socket handy or it would have been cut up just like that!!

pauleyman · Jul 21, 2016

I did the same. Removed the manifold bracket too. Didn't notch the socket that deep but worked fine.

Meark · Dec 30, 2016

Just did mine. Best way I found is to go from underneath, all you have to do is take off a bracket and the knock sensor is right there. Then I did like y'all and cut a slit in a socket (I had to use a 1-1/16), but I used a air ratchet (didn't have enough room for a wrench) and it came off easy.

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Knock sensor replacement help.

ErikTande

phr0st

1sick_gst

ErikTande

phr0st

curt-s

901gtsi

my dreamt dsm

GRAVEDIGGER

jjw205

2gmitsueclipse

jjw205

pauleyman

Meark

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