P0330 Code: What It Means For Your Car

Topaz, quartz, tourmaline, and other materials are capable of producing electricity when they experience vibrations. These are called piezoelectric materials. This brings us to the subject of today’s article, since piezoelectric crystals are used in knock sensors to detect engine malfunctions. These crystals generate an AC voltage signal during excessive/abnormal vibrations such as those being emitted from a knocking engine. Knock sensors serve the vital role of communicating abnormal vibrations to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM will then reduce the ignition timing to help prevent engine damage. If your vehicle is setting the P0330 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), your engine may be at risk of damage. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the P0330 fault code in this article.

What Does The P0330 Error Code Mean?

The P0330 code is set by the PCM when it detects an issue in the knock sensor circuit or if the engine is emitting excessive vibrations. In the case of the P0330 code, the specific fault area is on the second bank of cylinders, commonly referred to as ‘Bank 2’. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual to identify which bank of cylinders would be Bank 2. Only V6, V8, V10, V12, and horizontally opposed engines are capable of setting the P0330 fault code. This is because inline engines such as the Honda K20 only have one bank of cylinders.

What Causes The P0330 Fault Code?

The following are the commonly reported causes of the P0330 error code:

• Faulty knock sensor
• Faulty circuit wiring
• Faulty PCM
• Knocking engine (worn rod or main bearing)
• Tapping engine (excessive valve lash or worn valvetrain)
• Cylinder misfires
• Detonation (improper combustion)

Detonation can be caused by improper air/fuel ratios, carbon buildup on pistons, poor fuel quality, increased compression ratio, and excessive cylinder temperatures.

What Are the Symptoms Of The P0330 Code?

The following are the commonly reported symptoms of the P0330 fault code:

• Illuminated check engine light
• Reduced power
• Excessive engine noise
• Delayed throttle response
• Rough idle
• Poor transmission shifts (improper timing or harsh shifts)

Can I Still Drive With An Active P0330 Error Code?

In many scenarios, the engine will remain running when the PCM sets the P0330 fault code. As mentioned, the P0330 fault code can be set for mechanical issues as well as electrical issues. The only way to tell for sure is to have the issue diagnosed. Due to the possibility of severe engine damage occurring, we recommend you do not drive with the P0330 code active. If you know for sure that the issue is due to a faulty sensor or circuit wiring, you can continue driving. However, we’d still recommend getting it resolved when possible as this sensor is designed to save your engine when a mechanical fault arises.

How To Fix The P0330 Error Code

The P0330 error code can be set even when your engine isn’t knocking or making abnormal noises. Remember, this code can be set when there is a circuit fault. Additionally, the symptoms we listed above can be caused by other drivability faults. All this means that you’ll want to have your vehicle’s PCM scanned for active fault codes to confirm the P0330 is active, before making any repair attempts. You can typically receive a free system scan from your local parts supplier as well as any automotive repair facility. Once you’ve confirmed the P0330 fault code is active on your vehicle, you’ll want to identify which bank of cylinders is bank 2 on your engine along with the exact location of the knock sensor. To do this, you’ll need access to the vehicle repair/service manual.

Different manufacturers use different identifiers for cylinder banks.

Checking For Abnormal Engine Noises

Using a stethoscope, you can listen to the sounds of your engine. Compare the sounds from bank 1 to bank 2. If your engine is making excessive noise, it’s likely triggering the knock sensor, causing the P0330 fault code to be set. If your engine feels and sounds normal, you’ll want to inspect the knock sensor circuit.

Testing Knock Sensor And Examining Wiring

Unfortunately, some knock sensors can be mounted deep in an engine, beneath the intake manifold. On these vehicles, you can usually test the circuit by accessing the wiring harness connectors near the intake, or you can test the circuit at the PCM.

NEVER use a test light when testing sensors. These circuits should be tested with oscilloscopes and digital multimeters. Test lights are not computer safe and can draw excessive current through the circuit, resulting in damage to the PCM.

You can test both the knock sensor and the circuit wiring with an ohmmeter. Refer to the service manual for your vehicle’s sensor and circuit resistance specifications.

Even if you do not have an exact testing specification, you can still conduct this test. When testing the knock sensor signal wire to the engine block (ground), the wiring or sensor has failed if the meter displays O. L.

On many vehicles, the knock sensor wiring uses a small ‘jumper’ harness to connect the sensors to the main electrical harness. These wires degrade due to the heat of the engine. Replacing these wires and sensors fixes the majority of P0330 fault codes.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The P0330 Error Code?

The exact cost to repair the P0330 knock sensor fault code on your vehicle may be different due to differences in labor and parts costs. RepairPal estimates a knock sensor replacement will cost between $300 and $400. When it comes to specific models, we can see a change in the repair cost. For instance, the P0330 is a code that commonly plagues Toyota Sienna and Highlander vehicles. RepairPal estimates the cost of the repair on the Sienna is between $500 and $800.

The average knock sensor costs between $15 and $150. The Chevrolet Suburban is also known to set knock sensor-related-DTCs. RepairPal estimates a knock sensor replacement will cost around $270 in this case.

We recommend using OEM knock sensors when possible. This is due to the piezoelectric crystal design. Aftermarket sensors may cause the P0330 code to be set prematurely or when there is no issue.