1990 Legacy L Knock Sensor

[mcopeland]

1990 Legacy L gotta luv watching the check engine light flash fun!! Code 22, improper knock sensor voltage. I got a new one. One mechanic told me that because it is a two wire device (not dependent on ground) I could just plug it in and not bolt it down. Is this correct? That did not seem to work. I spent two days doing the battery dance and playing with the diag connectors. I notice that the torque spec is quite specific at 16 ft/lb.

Question: does the voltage change as the sensor is "squeezed"?

Question 2: I remember a pic (can't find it again) of the "right" orientation. IIRC the manual calls for a 45 degree offset for the output wire. I plan on running it 45 degrees pointed toward the left fender, kinda pointing directly at the driver's seat. Any other opinions?

I DO plan to put anti seize on the bolt threads, steel vs. aluminum etc. 

 

Thanx,

Mike

[wtdash]

HI,

MUST be bolted down. Don't go back to that mechanic, IMHO.

 

The orientation probably matters, but I don't know for sure. Should be lots-o-pics online showing it.

 

Also, if the CEL doesn't go off/Code go away, there may be a break in the wiring to the KS>.>>>>common enough.

 

Do a search on KS WIre repair and some (me included) have used MIC (rophone) cable as a suitable replacement.

 

TD

[mcopeland]

I hope it's not the wire. The old one had a big crack in it. Hopefully, the code will clear after I get it bolted down. That is a PITA to get to!!

[mcopeland]

Gosh!! Actually bolting it down cleared the CEL!! whodathunk it???  

Thanx for the replies!!