Check engine light - P0325

[Steves72]

This is a 2000 OBW. The check engine light has been coming on (and going out) for the past month or so. When the light comes on the engine usually acts as though it has no power for anywhere from a moment up to around 2 minutes and then runs fine again. Having pulled the code I know that the code is related to the knock sensor. I suspect that the PCM takes all the timing out of the engine for those brief moments.

 

The light usually goes back out within a day or two of it coming on but I have had the same code turn the light back on four times so far.

 

Question: Should I replace the knock sensor? Or, do I need to look at something else?

[four-fleet-feet]

It's probably the knock sensor, or the wiring going to it. Unless you've been rodentized, it's usually the sensor itself. They crack. I just had to do mine - although Dragon's a 97 Imp and I've heard the OBWs are harder to do, it's still doable. Do a search on this site and you'll get lots of suggestions and pix to help you.

 

One thing I strongly recommend you do is get a Subaru OEM sensor. The aftermarket ones don't hold up; why do this twice? Anyway, go to a dealer with your VIN and find out which knock sensor you need, since there are several ones for most model years. Once you have that part number, you can either order it online or get it from your dealer, if you don't want to wait.

 

On my Imp I needed a 12mm socket, a handle, a wobble extension, and a size converter (hey, don't shoot me 'bout the names - the socket/wobble and handle were different sizes). I also needed some 91% alcohol and an old toothbrush to clean up where the old sensor was. On my car it was about a 10 minute job. Would have been shorter, but I had to disconnect a brake booster line for clearance and had to take time out to find a pair of pliers.

 

If you decide you don't want to do it, get quotes on part AND labor at the dealer; many dealers will quote this outrageous price if you already have the part (so they won't have to do it).

 

Hey, if this back-injured female with two partially-unusable hands can do it, anyone can.

[Cougar]

The code you gave is for the knock sensor circuit. This means the circuit to the sensor needs to be checked. Most likely there is a loose connection to the sensor.