AutoCodesGeneric – P0328

P0328 Code - Knock Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1

Quick Answer

The Knock Sensor 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, also known as spark knock. Common causes include Faulty Knock Sensor Bank 1, Knock Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection, Knock Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means
P0328 indicates Knock Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Knock Sensor Bank 1, Knock Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection, Knock Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted.
Severity
Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?
The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.
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Code Popularity 74,975
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2022
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Code P0328 Description

The Knock Sensor 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, also known as spark knock. The knock sensor system uses one or two flat response 2-wire sensors. The sensor uses piezo-electric crystal technology that produces an AC voltage signal of varying amplitude and frequency based on the engine vibration or noise level. The amplitude and frequency are dependent upon the level of knock that the knock sensor detects. The ECM receives the knock sensor signal through two isolated signal circuits for each knock sensor.
The control module learns a minimum noise level, or background noise, at idle from the knock sensor and uses calibrated values for the rest of the RPM range. The control module uses the minimum noise level to calculate a noise channel. A normal knock sensor signal will ride within the noise channel. As engine speed and load change, the noise channel upper and lower parameters will change to accommodate the normal knock sensor signal, keeping the signal within the channel. In order to determine which cylinders are knocking, the control module only uses knock sensor signal information when each cylinder is near the Top Dead Center (TDC) of the firing stroke. If a knock is present, the signal will range outside of the noise channel.
If the control module has determined that a knock is present, it will retard the ignition timing to attempt to eliminate the knock. The control module will always try to work back to a zero-compensation level, or no spark retard. An abnormal knock sensor signal will stay outside of the noise channel or will not be present. knock sensor diagnostics are calibrated to detect faults with the knock sensor circuitry inside the control module, the knock sensor wiring, or the knock sensor voltage output. Some diagnostics are also calibrated to detect constant noise from an outside influence such as a loose/damaged component or excessive engine mechanical noise.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the signal from the Knock Sensor Bank 1 is short to voltage for greater than 5s.
OBDII Code P0328 - Knock Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0328 Code - Knock Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0328?

  • Faulty Knock Sensor Bank 1
  • Knock Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Knock Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0328?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0328 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0328 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0328 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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Information for Specific Makes

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0328 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0328 (Knock Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1)?

- Common symptoms include decreased engine performance, engine pinging or knocking noises, and illuminated Check Engine light.

2. What causes the OBDII code P0328 to trigger?

- The code is typically triggered by a faulty knock sensor, wiring issues in the knock sensor circuit, or high voltage in the knock sensor circuit on Bank 1.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0328?

- Diagnosing the code involves testing the knock sensor, inspecting the wiring harness for damage, checking for loose connections, and verifying the knock sensor signal.

4. Can a faulty knock sensor affect vehicle performance?

- Yes, a faulty knock sensor can lead to reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and potential engine damage if left unresolved.

5. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P0328 present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with the code active, as it can lead to engine issues and may cause further damage over time.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0328 on my vehicle?

- Repairing the code involves replacing the faulty knock sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, and clearing the code with an OBDII scanner.

7. Are there any preventative measures to avoid OBDII code P0328 from occurring?

- Regular maintenance checks, prompt repair of any engine issues, and using high-quality fuel can help prevent the occurrence of the code.

8. Can extreme weather conditions affect the knock sensor and trigger OBDII code P0328?

- Yes, extreme temperatures or moisture can potentially affect the knock sensor and contribute to triggering the code.

9. Is it possible for a DIY enthusiast to fix OBDII code P0328 at home?

- Depending on their skill level and access to tools, DIY enthusiasts may be able to replace the knock sensor and address wiring issues at home.

10. Will resetting the OBDII system clear the code P0328 permanently?

- Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0328 OBDII Code

  • Would this cause a vehicle to not start? I have a nissan Frontier and I get a p0328 reading on the computer. It will not start. I thought it could be the battery before I checked the computer reading and with replacing the battery the vehicle still will not start.

  • There are many thing that can cause the problem, but definitely not the knock sensor. Is the engine cranking? if there is not cranking then the problem could be the starter motor. If it is cranking then the problem could be a fuel pump.

  • I have a 2007 Chevy Equinox and Im getting the P0328 reading. Could these still be the possible causes?
    - Faulty knock sensor
    - Knock sensor circuit poor electrical connection
    - Knock sensor harness is open or shorted
    - Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
    This just started the other day. The vehical is running file, just the check engine light came on and this is the reading I received.

  • More thank likely the problem is the knock sensor itself.

  • I have a 2004 Nissan Murano, am getting P0328 code. Please where is the Knock Sensor located.

  • The knock sensor on your 2004 Nissan Murano is under the intake manifold

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    Click here to enlarge image

  • We're is the knock sensor on my 2004 Xterra? And would it have anything to do with it how rich or lean the car runs.

    • On your 2004 Nissan Xterra, the knock sensor is located under the intake manifold, right in the center of the engine valley (between the cylinder banks). It’s a bit tricky to reach—it usually requires removing the intake manifold to access and replace it.

      Does it affect how rich or lean the engine runs?

      Not directly—but indirectly, yes.

      The knock sensor’s job is to detect engine knock (pinging) and send a signal to the ECU, which will then adjust ignition timing to prevent engine damage.

      If the sensor is faulty (as suggested by code P0328 – Knock Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1), the ECU may go into a safe mode, reducing performance and sometimes altering fuel timing or enrichment slightly as a precaution. That can cause:

      • Poor fuel economy
      • Richer-than-normal air/fuel mixture
      • Reduced power

      It won’t directly control fuel mixture like the oxygen sensors or MAF sensor do, but it can still influence how the engine runs overall.

      What you can do:

      • If you're getting P0328, the knock sensor might be disconnected, damaged, or have a wiring issue.
      • Check the wiring harness and connector before diving into a replacement—it’s a big job due to the sensor’s location.

      Let us know if you want steps on how to test or replace it!

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