P0326 Fault Code

Long Description

Fault code P0326 is logged when the engine control unit (ECU) has detected a malfunction with the bank 1 knock sensor. This is the single sensor fault code for engines with only one cylinder bank.

This occurs when the reference voltage from the knock sensor is outside of the predetermined allowable range. This can also occur if the knock sensor is not sending a signal at all.

Knock sensors are installed in a vehicle to detect unwanted vibrations in the engine. These typically occur due to improper or incorrect combustion or other unbalancing forces.

Knocking can cause a host of issues within the engine, as well as can indicate a number of other issues. This makes the knock sensor an important precautionary sensor to have on any engine.

Most modern cars have knock sensors, so nearly any car can suffer this fault code. Manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai are some of the most commonly associated with this code in particular.

Other Signs of This Problem

There can be a number of fairly noticeable symptoms when it comes to an issue with the knock sensor in a vehicle.

The most obvious of these signs is the presence of the Check Engine light on the dashboard – along with this P0326 fault code appearing on an OBD2 reader to diagnose it.

The vehicle will also likely demonstrate reduced performance in several ways. These can include a loss of power, spark knock, and slow acceleration.

Spark knock is the sound an engine makes when the spark is too far advanced in terms of timing. This only applies to petrol engines. Diesel engines have diesel knock.

There may also be additional knock sensor codes logged. These can range from P0324 up to P0329 for the bank 1 sensor. If the engine is V-shaped, bank 2 codes range from P0330 to P0334.

What Could Be The Problem?

Because the sensor is likely at fault, most of the potential causes will be related to it and its circuit. However, it is possible that there are other issues within the engine.

A faulty sensor is one of the most likely causes of this fault code.

Additionally, the sensor circuit components could also be at fault. These can be things like frayed or damaged wires or loose connections.

If there are other knock sensor codes logged, it is possible that there is an additional error stemming from the engine itself.

In rare circumstances, the ECU may be at fault. This can be due to a faulty ECU or one that is running on outdated software.

Fixes

Fixes should focus on the knock sensor circuit. This means they will likely all be electrical in nature.

The first step is to check the wiring in the circuit. Any damaged or frayed wires need to be fixed or replaced. Additionally, damaged or loose connections should be fixed as well, potentially fixing this P0326 fault code.

The knock sensor itself then needs to be checked. If it is faulty in any way, it should be replaced.

If there are no issues found with the circuit itself or the engine, the ECU should be checked for updates. Additionally, if it is determined that the ECU is faulty, it should be replaced.

Seriousness

Fault code P0326 represents a low error in terms of seriousness. There are no concerning issues with the vehicle, especially as driveability will most likely be unchanged.

However, a faulty knock sensor can mean a real knock in the engine will be undetected, which can cause serious problems.

It is a good idea to have this problem fixed as soon as possible, ideally within a few weeks.