P0331

Code

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

Knock sensor 2 circuit range/performance

Brand: LAND ROVER

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 18 EN: 34 RU: 19

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Page language: EN

Causes

Faulty knock sensor 2 (mechanical/piezo element degraded)
Open or shorted wiring harness to knock sensor 2
Corroded/loose connector or poor pin contact
Oil contamination or mechanical damage to sensor
Poor engine block/ECM ground
ECM input circuit fault or software/calibration issue

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
Reduced engine performance or torque management (timing retard)
Possible increased fuel consumption
Engine may run normally at idle but lose power under load
Occasional or consistent knock/detonation flags in live data (if present)

What to check

Read codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool; note conditions when code set
Monitor live data for knock sensor 2 signal while cranking and under load
Visually inspect sensor location, wiring harness, and connectors for damage or oil
Check connector pins for corrosion, bent pins, or poor fit
Perform continuity and resistance checks on wiring between sensor and ECU
Backprobe sensor with oscilloscope or multimeter (AC coupling) while cranking/under load

Signal parameters

Knock sensors are passive piezo devices: no steady DC voltage; generate AC pulses when impacted
Typical knock signal amplitude under knock events: ~0.1–2.0 V AC (varies by design and engine)
Signal frequency content typically in the kHz range (commonly 5–15 kHz) during knock
At idle or no knock: little to no AC activity; during induced knock/load a clear burst should appear
Open-circuit or short to battery/ground will produce out-of-range/no signal

Diagnostic algorithm

Verify code: Use scan tool to confirm P0331 and note freeze-frame (RPM, load, temp). Clear codes and attempt to reproduce.
Visual inspection: With ignition off, inspect knock sensor 2, mounting, harness routing, and connector for oil, damage or looseness. Repair obvious issues.
Wiggle test: With connector attached, start engine and monitor live knock sensor 2 data while gently wiggling harness to find intermittent faults.
Connector/terminal check: Disconnect sensor; inspect terminals for corrosion or pushed-out pins. Clean or repair connector as needed.
Wiring continuity: With ignition off, check continuity between sensor pin and ECM input pin; check for shorts to ground or battery. Repair any opens/shorts.
Sensor output test: Backprobe the sensor circuit and use an oscilloscope while inducing light knock (under load or safe percussion on block per service manual) to observe AC pulses. Multimeter AC may show pulses but oscilloscope is preferred.
Resistance/check specification: Measure sensor resistance only if manufacturer specifies a value; compare to spec. If out of spec, replace sensor.
Grounds and power: Verify engine and ECU ground bolts are clean and tight; poor grounding can cause false readings.
Swap/test: If available, swap with a known-good identical sensor or install a replacement sensor to see if the code resolves.
ECU check: If wiring and sensor verify good and code persists, test/replace ECU only after verifying software and bench diagnostics per factory procedure.
Final verification: Clear codes and road-test under the same conditions recorded in freeze-frame to confirm repair. Re-scan for pending codes.

Likely causes

Damaged or oil-fouled knock sensor 2
Broken wire, chafed insulation, or short to ground/voltage in the sensor circuit
Corroded connector or pushed-out terminal
Poor ground at engine or ECU mounting point
Intermittent connection caused by heat/vibration
ECM internal fault (less common)

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Knock sensor 2 circuit range/performance fault — ECM detected out-of-range, missing or erratic knock sensor 2 signal. May affect ignition timing control.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours

Repair manuals

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P0331 — Knock sensor 2 circuit range/performance