2003 AWD Knock Sensor P0325 code

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zjowens
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 11:30 am

2003 AWD Knock Sensor P0325 code

Post by zjowens »

Hi All,
I got a P0325 code on by vibe yesterday that read Knock Sensor Fault Bank 1. I have read up a little bit on this and it looks like the first thing to do is check to see that I have 5 volts at the connector. If I do have 5 volts at the connector, I have seen to either do a resistance test across the sensor, or a voltage test on the sensor with a small pin sticking into the connector while it is connected. Anyone have any numbers or a test procedure for this? Also, this happen at 60mph and my normal rpm was about 2700 at this speed. It is pushing 3300 RPm now at 60mph. Does a faulty knock sensor not let the car go into overdrive? Any thoughst and help is appreciated. Thanks
Salsa Guy
Posts: 1775
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:46 pm
Location: Greater Tulsa Area

Re: 2003 AWD Knock Sensor P0325 code

Post by Salsa Guy »

The knock sensor will cause the timing to get retarded and the engine won't accelerate properly. You'll lose MPG and power. I'm not sure of the Overdrive function but make sure the OD is on. Sounds like you are on the right track to test it because those babies aren't cheap. Also test the wiring back to the ECU to make sure it's all good.

How many miles on the car? Also have you check the read diff seals and fluid. Not that it is has anything to do with your problem just it will prevent a major repair down the road.
05 Matrix XR 4WD and 03 Vibe GT
"If you want Government to solve your problems, then you are the problem!" BMSR
Trix MODS: SRI w/ AEM filter, Vibrant/Magnaflow Cat-back, Alutec Lightweight Crank Pulley
GT MODS: Cosmo SRI, DRL, Auto Stop
zjowens
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 11:30 am

Re: 2003 AWD Knock Sensor P0325 code

Post by zjowens »

135k miles on the car. The transmission and differential fluid was replaced two years ago. Did a transmission fluid check the day it happen and it was fine.
Salsa Guy
Posts: 1775
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:46 pm
Location: Greater Tulsa Area

Re: 2003 AWD Knock Sensor P0325 code

Post by Salsa Guy »

Replacing the fluids is fine but if your rear diff seals are seeping and all the fluid runs out it's a bad deal. It's a known issue on the 1st gen AWD/4WD Vibe/Matrix. Most replace the seals, about a $200 fix, if the rear diff goes it's a $2000+ repair. You won't believe how many newbies we get on here wondering about the rear end whine. When you hear that it's almost always to late.

A simple visual inspection with a flash light should be enough. If you see the seals damp then you have an issue.
05 Matrix XR 4WD and 03 Vibe GT
"If you want Government to solve your problems, then you are the problem!" BMSR
Trix MODS: SRI w/ AEM filter, Vibrant/Magnaflow Cat-back, Alutec Lightweight Crank Pulley
GT MODS: Cosmo SRI, DRL, Auto Stop
RDG25
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 06, 2015 3:43 am

Re: 2003 AWD Knock Sensor P0325 code

Post by RDG25 »

Hello I am new and still have my original 2003 FWD AutoT 112K. I have a knock sensor (KS) replacement to do for P0325 (also have P0446 & P0446PD), and while the intake manifold (IM) is off, I've seen recommended to also 1) replace the IM gasket, 2) the KS harness, if worn, and 3) bypass coolant hose. For the KS harness, is that even still available new anywhere (Vibe or Matrix)? And is there a bypass hose there and if so, been hard for me to identify what part # that is (Vibe or Matrix). Thanks for any suggestions/info.

UPDATE: 6/19/2015 - I had this done only to discover that the new knock sensor was bad. But only after the KS was installed. Bought the Denso KS on Amazon, very cheap but part was defective. After not clearing the code, the new part was tested for resistance and there was none. So I had to buy a much more expensive part locally at Advance Auto Parts since the manifold was off, but at least it worked and code cleared. Lesson is to test the new knock sensor (for too little or too much resistance) before taking off the intake manifold and installing. The KS harness needs to be treated with care since nobody I know of makes a new replacement. As far as the bypass hose, per Toyota parts man this is supposed to be a metal one.
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