P032C

Code

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

Knock sensor 3 - low circuit (bank 1)

Brand: LAND ROVER

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 17 EN: 24 RU: 17

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or shorted wiring in knock sensor 3 circuit
Poor or corroded connector or terminal at sensor or ECU
Failed knock sensor (internal short or loss of sensitivity)
Faulty engine control module (ECM) input circuit
Water/contamination or physical damage to the sensor
Broken or missing sensor mounting bolt / poor mechanical coupling

Symptoms

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Engine may run with reduced power or enter limp mode
Poor drivability: hesitation, reduced throttle response
Detonation/pinging or advance/retard of ignition timing
Increased fuel consumption or rough idle (intermittent)

What to check

Read freeze frame and live data: note conditions when code set
Visually inspect sensor 3, connector, and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or oil/water ingress
Check connector pins for corrosion, bent pins, or poor contact and secure locking tab
Backprobe the sensor signal and ground with a multimeter/oscilloscope while cranking and running
Perform continuity check between sensor connector and ECU pin; check for shorts to ground or battery
Wiggle test harness while monitoring live signal to reproduce fault

Signal parameters

Passive (piezo) knock sensor: typically no DC supply; produces AC pulses when knock occurs — amplitudes often in the 0.1–1.5 Vpp range depending on engine and sensor
Active/accelerometer-style sensors: may use reference voltage; expected signal typically a varying 0.1–4.5 V waveform — consult service manual
With a working sensor you should see transient pulses on an oscilloscope during combustion events or when lightly tapping the block near the sensor
DC resistance is not reliable for many knock sensors (piezo devices are high impedance); use an oscilloscope or scan-tool knock parameter where possible

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve DTC and freeze-frame data; note engine speed, load, temperature when fault occurred.
Visually inspect sensor 3 and wiring on Bank 1 for damage, oil, or corrosion. Repair any obvious issues.
Clear the code and attempt to reproduce. If intermittent, perform wiggle tests while monitoring live knock signal or knock-related data on scan tool.
Backprobe the sensor connector with engine running. Using an oscilloscope, observe the sensor signal while lightly tapping the block near the sensor to confirm response. If no response, proceed.
Check continuity between the sensor pin and the ECM pin. Verify there are no shorts to ground or battery voltage and that resistance/continuity is acceptable per service manual.
Inspect and test the connector pins for corrosion; clean or replace connector as needed. Ensure sensor mounting bolt is torqued to spec for good mechanical coupling.
If wiring and connector are good but no signal: replace the knock sensor. After replacement, clear codes and test drive to confirm repair.
If new sensor does not restore signal, suspect ECM input fault and confirm wiring/grounds again; if wiring is confirmed good, consider ECU diagnostic/repair per manufacturer procedures.
Throughout, rule out actual engine mechanical knock (incorrect timing, low octane fuel, pre-ignition) as a cause of knock sensor readings.

Likely causes

Connector corrosion or pin pushed out at sensor
Sensor wiring chafed and shorting to ground or engine block
Failed knock sensor (open/low output)
Loose or missing sensor mounting bolt preventing proper sensing

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Knock sensor 3 circuit low (Bank 1) — low or absent signal detected from knock sensor input. Check sensor, connector, wiring, and ECM input.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 3.0 hours

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P032C — Knock sensor 3 - low circuit (bank 1)