[casualDIYer]

I’m getting the occasional fault on knock sensor #2 according to my NT510 scanner. Looks like the knock sensor may fail in the near future. To replace it, take off DME, easy enough, then intake manifold (how do I detach the wire bundle under it?) then, according to some instructions, remove the starter motor. Really? Do I have to take off the starter just to swap out the sensor?

Anybody know for sure?

Thanks

[sspade]

The knock sensor monitoring cylinder 1 and 2 can be replaced by simply removing the throttle valve assembly.

The knock sensor monitoring cylinder 3 and 4 requires removing the intake plenum and then starter motor to access. As far as I can tell, this sensor is located behind the starter which is why it must be removed. No way to access the sensor otherwise.

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by sspade

The knock sensor monitoring cylinder 1 and 2 can be replaced by simply removing the throttle valve assembly.

The knock sensor monitoring cylinder 3 and 4 requires removing the intake plenum and then starter motor to access. As far as I can tell, this sensor is located behind the starter which is why it must be removed. No way to access the sensor otherwise.

Yeah, that turned out to be true. So after diving in to remove the intake and starter motor, the actual problem was a poorly spliced connector wire. When the car was new the Crankshaft Position Sensor was found to be faulty and was replaced under warranty. Little did I know Fumbles the Mechanic worked on my car and managed to slice the connecting wire to the knock sensor. He repaired the positive side with a wire splice, which is correct, then soldered the negative side, which is incorrect. No doubt, he ran out of wire splices and decided to go ghetto repair. It's a lease. It's headed to some middle eastern desert for target practice in 4 years.

Wire fixed properly and sensor replaced since I already bought the part and didn't have time to take it back.

[Billfitz]

A soldered repair is better than using a crimp connector, but you have to seal the joint with heat shrink tubing to prevent corrosion or short circuiting. For added protection I usually do two layers. I had to do this on a bunch of wires that a mouse lunched on.