GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2002 🢒 Eldorado 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 4.6L 🢒 DTC P0326

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) uses a knock sensor (KS) to detect engine detonation spark knock. The knock sensor produces an AC signal at all engine speeds, and loads. The PCM makes adjustments to the spark timing based on the amplitude and frequency of the KS signal.

The PCM uses the knock sensor to calculate the amount of normal engine noise a noise channel for a wide range of engine speeds and loads. The PCM compares the actual knock sensor signal to the learned noise channel. When the PCM detects a knock signal that varies outside the noise channel, the PCM will retard the spark timing until the knock goes away. If the knock is such that the vehicle operates on large amounts of spark retard, and the PCM is unable to eliminate the knock, this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
    • The knock detection is enabled.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The KS signal indicates an engine knock is present.
    • The PCM commanded spark retard at a given engine load and speed is more than the calibrated value.
    • The condition is present for at least 3.5 seconds.

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.

Diagnostic Aids

If the conditions is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2
  1. Inspect for a loose vehicle accessory and/or accessory bracket.
  2. If the condition is found, repair as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Start the engine.
  2. Check for excessive mechanical noise. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical.
  3. If a condition is found, repair as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Detonation/Spark Knock

4
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  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