GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The knock sensor (KS) system is used in order to detect any engine detonation, or spark knock. The engine control module (ECM) will retard the spark timing based on the signals from the KS. The KS produces an AC voltage that is sent to the ECM. The amount of AC voltage produced is proportional to the amount of knock.

An operating engine produces a normal amount of engine mechanical vibration, or noise. The knock sensors will produce an AC voltage signal from this noise. When the engine is operating, the ECM will learn the minimum and maximum amplitude of the noise the engine produces. If the ECM will not allow proper diagnosis of the KS system, DTC P0324 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 40°C (104°F).
    • The engine speed is between 1,000-5,520 RPM
    • The volumetric efficiency is more than 40 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects a malfunction in the KS diagnostic circuitry that will not allow proper diagnosis of the KS system.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text or as close as possible to the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data that you observed.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions

3

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 4

--

4

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 2

5

With a scan tool observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK