So I had the P0325 code (knock sensor 1 circuit malfunction) and after searching this forum, I noticed a lot of other people had questions about how to change it and no one really ever answered it. Since I’m doing it I figured I’d take the extra five minutes to take pics and write this. I got my new sensor from Advance for $130. Toyota wanted $180 plus tax but couldn’t have it shipped to them until Wednesday and I needed it now.
Tools Required:
· Socket wrench
· Short extension
· 27 mm deep socket (you
can not fit a crescent wrench in there, I tried. Go buy the socket.)
· Safety glasses (it’s cruddy under there and you’re looking up and I hate shit falling in my eyes)
· Gloves (optional)
· Light
· Pliers will help with the removal of the connector if it’s being stubborn
Time Required: 20 minutes
1) Jack the car up and put it on
jack stands and chock the rear wheels. Use ramps if you want, but last time I used those I burned the crap out of my clutch and would rather not do that again. Shake the car once it’s on the jack stands to make sure it’s on securely. You would rather have it fall when you’re NOT under it…just sayin’.
2) Lay some carpet or something down on the ground especially if you’ve got a gravel or dirt driveway. I used some old linoleum my dad was throwing out. It’s not that comfy, but better than rocks poking you.
3) Crawl under the car, pretty far at that. Your face should be just past the flex pipe to be able to see. Locate the sensor by looking at the backside of the engine, on the right side of the exhaust pipe and above the axle, right below the intake manifold. You’ll see it like this:
4) Some of you bigger guys might need to make some extra room for yourself by letting the exhaust hang/push it to the side and removing this black support bar. I’m skinny and somewhat of a contortionist and so this was not necessary for me.
5) Reach your arm up there and unclip the connector. If you can’t pinch the clip down (it’s either stuck or your hand’s too big), use your hand dandy needle nose pliers to help you out.
6) Put the socket and extension on your ratchet and get it situated on the sensor. It’s a weird angle and seems to angle almost up, so you have to kinda play with it a bit to get it on there.
7) Use all your might and bust that sucker loose. Mine was loose from the get go, so I tightened it hoping that’s why I was throwing a code, but of course I was wrong. So now after tightening and torquing it, I had to take it off. These things get pretty tight. I remember during my swap I had to use a 4 foot lead pipe to get enough leverage to get this off the old block…that’s how tight it was.
8) Compare your old sensor to your new sensor. You
can test the old one
if you have an oscilloscope…but most of us don’t. The service manual says you can test for continuity but this is wrong. If they’re both the same, you’re in business. If not, you’ve got a problem.
9) Hand start the sensor into the block. Once it’s in correctly and not stripping threads, tighten it down. Torque it to 32 ft/lbs.
10) Reconnect the connector. If you removed anything else to get to it, put it back on.
11) Disconnect the battery to clear the P0325 code and reconnect it. Start the car. You should notice there is no longer a check engine light! Drive it around the block. If it doesn’t come back on, you did well. If it DOES come back, you’ve got a bigger problem.
Also, if you screw up something or hurt yourself…that’s your fault. Neither myself nor TN are responsible for any injury, damage, or even death caused by this DIY.
EDIT: A year later I finally got rid of my PO325 code. Some points to note:
1) Use ONLY Toyota knock sensor. Denso is the brand they use, and can be bought at Carquest or Worldpac. Do not get Advance, AutoZone, OReilly or any other brand. Denso only.
2) You can also reach the sensor from the top, if you're skinny. You have to put your left arm behind the AC lines against the firewall, behind the intake and under to feel it. Again, you MUST be skinny.
3) These are basically microphones and CAN BLOW. If you blow your engine, or have a knocking engine, expect to replace this guy. That's what blew mine...
DIY: Replacing a 5SFE knock sensor
Must have gotten clipped somewhere along the line.
1991 Toyota MR2
1996 Toyota Camry
Linear Mode
