# P0332: Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2) **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week Engine sensors - Generic OBD-II code, applies to all gasoline cars and light trucks sold in the US since 1996. - **Typical cost:** $150-$1,300 - **Urgency:** This week - **Most likely:** Failed bank 2 knock sensor or wiring - **DIY?:** Shop job on most V engines ## Quick answer P0332 means the engine computer is getting little or no signal from knock sensor 2, the knock sensor on bank 2 of a V engine. The cause is usually a failed sensor, a broken wire, or a corroded connector rather than real knocking. The computer retards ignition timing as a precaution, which can cost a little power and fuel economy. ## What does P0332 mean? Knock sensors listen to engine vibration and send a small voltage to the engine computer, which filters it for the sharp frequency of detonation. On most V6 and V8 engines there is one sensor for each cylinder bank. Bank 2 is the side opposite cylinder 1, and knock sensor 2 is the one that listens to that side. When the computer hears knock, it retards timing on the affected cylinders. P0332 is a "circuit low" code for that bank 2 sensor. The computer sets it when the signal voltage stays below its minimum, which usually means an open circuit, a short to ground, a bad connection or a dead sensor. The check normally runs with a warm engine above idle. Many makers require the fault on two drive cycles before turning on the light, though some set it sooner. P0332 rarely appears on four-cylinder engines, because most have no bank 2. ## What are the symptoms of P0332? - Check engine light on - Slightly less power under load, such as passing or climbing hills - Small drop in fuel economy - Possible pinging under load on hot days or with low-octane fuel ## What causes P0332? Ranked from most to least likely. Check them in this order: the cheap, common causes first. 1. **Failed bank 2 knock sensor** (most common). Like any knock sensor, the bank 2 unit can lose output as its crystal and internal connections age through years of heat. On V engines it often lives in the hot valley between the cylinder heads, which may shorten its life. A scope or resistance check, where the maker gives a specification, confirms a dead sensor. 2. **Corroded connector or fluid in the valley** (common). On many V8 and some V6 engines the bank 2 sensor sits under the intake manifold, where coolant from a leaking intake gasket or water from a cowl leak can collect. Corroded pins and soaked connectors drag the signal low. This is a known pattern on some GM trucks, often with P0327 as well. 3. **Damaged knock sensor harness** (common). The bank 2 sensor wire may run across the back of the engine or under the intake, close to exhaust heat. Brittle insulation, a wire broken by engine movement, or rodent damage opens or grounds the circuit. Some engines use a short, separate knock sensor harness that is commonly replaced along with the sensors. 4. **Engine computer input fault** (rare). If the bank 2 sensor and its wiring test good, the problem may be inside the engine computer's knock processing circuit. This is uncommon and usually linked to water intrusion or electrical damage. A shop checks for software updates and verifies the signal at the computer connector before recommending replacement and programming. ## How do you diagnose P0332? 1. Read all codes and note whether P0327 for bank 1 is also stored, which suggests a shared harness or ground. 2. Identify which bank is bank 2 on your engine using service information, since it varies by layout. 3. Inspect the bank 2 sensor connector and harness for corrosion, coolant, oil or damage. 4. Test circuit continuity and resistance, or scope the sensor's output with the engine running. ## How do you fix P0332, and what does it cost? | Fix | Typical cost | What it involves | | --- | --- | --- | | Repair bank 2 knock sensor wiring | $150-$450 | Includes a new pigtail or knock sensor harness where available. | | Replace bank 2 knock sensor (accessible) | $200-$500 | On engines where the sensor is mounted on the outside of the block. | | Replace knock sensors under the intake | $550-$1,300 | Shops often replace both sensors and the harness while the intake is off. | Full price breakdowns: [knock sensor replacement cost](/cost/knock-sensor-replacement). ## Is it safe to drive with P0332? > **Drive to a shop this week.** Usually safe for a short time, because the computer retards timing to protect the engine. Use the recommended octane, avoid heavy towing, and stop driving if you hear loud knocking under load. ## Will P0332 fail an emissions test? P0332 with the check engine light on fails an OBD-based emissions test in most states, even if exhaust readings are normal. The knock sensor circuit is checked continuously by the comprehensive component monitor. Fix the circuit, clear the code, and drive several days so all readiness monitors show complete before retesting. ## After the repair: clearing P0332 After the repair, clear the code and drive once the engine is fully warm with some moderate acceleration, since the circuit check runs above idle. A scan tool should show the bank 2 knock signal changing with rpm. If the light stays off through a week of mixed driving, the repair worked. ## How to prevent P0332 - Repair intake gasket coolant leaks promptly, since coolant can pool around valley-mounted knock sensors. - Clear leaves from the cowl and check for water leaks that drip onto the engine. - Replace both knock sensors when one fails and the intake is already off. - Use the recommended fuel octane so the engine is not relying on knock control constantly. ## P0332 by make | Make | What to know | | --- | --- | | Chevrolet | On many GM V8 trucks and SUVs, both knock sensors and their harness sit in the valley under the intake, so shops often replace both at once. | ## Codes often seen with P0332 - [P0327](/codes/p0327): Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) - [P0325](/codes/p0325): Knock Sensor 1 Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) - [P0326](/codes/p0326): Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) - [P0300](/codes/p0300): Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I drive with a P0332 code? Yes, most cars can be driven for a short time with P0332, because the engine computer retards timing to protect the engine. Expect slightly less power and mileage. Use the right fuel octane, avoid heavy loads and towing, and have the circuit repaired within a few weeks. ### Which side is bank 2? Bank 2 is the side of a V engine that does not contain cylinder 1. On many front-wheel-drive V6 cars it is the front bank near the radiator, but layouts vary by maker. Check your engine's service information or cylinder numbering diagram before replacing a sensor, so the right one is changed. ### How much does it cost to fix P0332? Most P0332 repairs cost $150 to $1,300 at an independent shop. A wiring fix runs about $150 to $450 and an accessible sensor $200 to $500. When the sensors sit under the intake manifold, expect $550 to $1,300, and consider replacing both sensors while it is apart. ### Should I replace both knock sensors? It often makes sense when both sensors sit under the intake manifold, because most of the cost is labor to reach them. If one has failed from age or corrosion, the other is likely similar. When the bank 2 sensor is easy to reach on its own, replacing only that one is reasonable. ### Can a four-cylinder engine set P0332? It is uncommon, because most four-cylinder engines have only one bank and one knock sensor. A few inline engines use two knock sensors, and makers may assign the second one differently. If P0332 appears on a four-cylinder, check service information for how that engine numbers its sensors. ### Can coolant cause a knock sensor code? Yes, coolant leaking from an intake manifold gasket can pool in the engine valley and corrode the knock sensor and its connector. That corrosion pulls the signal low and can set P0332, P0327 or both. Fix the leak at the same time, or the new sensor may fail the same way. ### Will P0332 cause engine damage? Not directly, because the computer runs safer timing when it cannot trust the sensor. The concern is that real knock on bank 2 may not be detected during heavy load or with poor fuel. Prolonged severe knock can damage pistons, so treat any loud pinging as a reason to stop. ### Can I replace the bank 2 knock sensor myself? Only if it is mounted outside the block and easy to reach. On many V6 and V8 engines it sits under the intake manifold, which needs new gaskets, careful torque and several hours, so most owners choose a shop. Always torque the sensor to specification. ### Will P0332 pass inspection? No, P0332 with the check engine light on fails an OBD-based emissions inspection in most states. Clearing it right before the test resets the readiness monitors and usually causes a not-ready result. Repair the circuit and drive normally for several days so the monitors complete first. ### Why is my car slower with a knock sensor code? The engine computer retards ignition timing when it cannot hear knock reliably, which protects the engine but reduces power. The difference is usually small and most noticeable when accelerating hard, passing or towing. Fuel economy can drop a little too, and both should return to normal after the repair. ## Sources - [SAE J2012: Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions](https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j2012_201812/) - [EPA: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)](https://www.epa.gov/state-and-local-transportation/vehicle-emissions-board-diagnostics-obd) ## Other engine sensors codes - [P0320 Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0320) - [P0325 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0325) - [P0326 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0326) - [P0327 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0327) - [P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0335) - [P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0336) - [P0339 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0339) - [P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0340) - [P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0341) - [P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0344) ## Symptoms - [Why does my car lose power when accelerating?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-loses-power-when-accelerating) - [Why is my car getting bad gas mileage?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/poor-gas-mileage) - [Why is my engine knocking?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) ## Repair costs - [Knock sensor replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/knock-sensor-replacement): $180-$950 --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0332 Updated: 2026-11-03 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.