Silhouette V6-3.4L VIN E (1996)
Knock Sensor: Description and Operation
Knock Sensors
The knock sensors detect abnormal vibration (spark knocking) in the engine. The sensors are mounted in the engine block near the cylinders. The
sensors produce an IAC output voltage which increases with the severity of the knock. This signal voltage is input to the PCM. The PCM then adjusts
the Ignition Control (IC) timing to reduce spark knock.
The PCM contains a replaceable Knock Sensor (KS) module. The KS module contains the circuitry that allows the PCM to utilize the KS signal and
diagnose the KS sensors and circuitry. If the PCM is replaced, the KS module needs to be transferred from the original PCM. If the KS module is
missing or faulty causing a continuous knock condition to be indicated, the PCM will set DTC P0325.
DTCs P0325, P0326, and P0327 are designed to diagnose the KS module, the knock sensors, and related wiring, so problems encountered with the KS
system should set a DTC.
