GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 475481  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
IAC Valve, MAF and Knock Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM contains integrated Knock Sensor (KS) diagnostic circuitry. Input signals from the knock sensors are used to detect engine detonation, allowing the PCM to retard Ignition Control (IC) spark timing based on the amplitude and frequency of the KS signal being received. The knock sensors produce an AC signal under all engine operating conditions. During engine operation, the PCM calculates the average voltage of each knock sensor's signal. If the knock sensor system is operating normally, the PCM should monitor KS signal voltages varying over 0.5 volt above and below the calculated average voltage. If the PCM detects a Knock Sensor 1 signal voltage within the calculated average voltage range, DTC P0327 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No TP sensor, VSS, CKP, MAF, or ECT DTCs are set.
    • The engine speed is between 1000-4000 rpm.
    • The throttle angle is more than 3 percent.
    • The engine load is more than 20 percent.
    • The engine coolant temperature is more than 75°C (167°F).
    • The maximum spark retard is less than 15 degrees.
    • The system voltage is more than 9 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects a knock sensor 1 signal voltage within the calculated average voltage range.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM will store the conditions that were present when the DTC set as Fail Records data only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame data.
    • The PCM will use a calculated spark retard value to minimize knock during conditions when knock is likely to occur. The calculated value will vary based on engine speed and load.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A history DTC P0327 will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a fault.
    • DTC P0327 can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids

Check the following components and conditions:

    • A faulty connection at the PCM or knock sensor 1--Inspect knock sensor 1 and the PCM connectors for backed out terminals, broken locks, and improperly formed or damaged terminals. Use a corresponding mating terminal to check for proper terminal tension.
    • A misrouted harness--Inspect the knock sensor harness to ensure that it is not routed too close to high voltage wires such as spark plug leads.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition occurs that caused the DTC to set . This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Ensures that the malfunction is present.

  2. If sent here from symptoms, proceed with the diagnostic table.

DTC P0327 - Knock Sensor Circuit

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Important: If a mechanical engine knock can be heard, repair the engine mechanical problem before proceeding with this diagnostic. Refer to Engine Noise Diagnosis .

  1. Operate the engine within conditions specified in Conditions for Setting the DTC.
  2. Using a scan tool, monitor the Specific DTC information for DTC P0327 until the DTC P0327 test runs.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0327 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch, engine not running.
  2. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data for DTC P0327.
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0327 until the DTC P0327 test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0327 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Disconnect the PCM and the Knock Sensor.
  2. Check the KS circuit for opens and shorts to ground.
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to step 7

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Check the the KS signal circuit for a faulty terminal connection at the knock sensor.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Repairing Connector Terminals , Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the knock sensor. Refer to Knock Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 .

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Review and record Fail Records data
  2. Clear DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle within Fail Records conditions.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0327 until the DTC P0327 test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0327 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK