A Check Engine Light can ruin your day in seconds, especially when it signals something like a P0325 trouble code.
It’s not the most straightforward trouble code to repair, and you might not have even noticed symptoms prior to the warning light coming on.
However, you aren’t completely stuck. Determining the code is a great start, and you can help to narrow down the causes and find the source with a bit of knowledge. Learn what the code means, why it comes on, and some of the common fixes.
What Does Code P0325 Mean?
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0325 stands for “Knock Sensor Malfunction (Sensor 1, Bank 1)”. The code indicates your car’s primary computer, which is often referred to as the powertrain control module (PCM), perceives a problem with the knock sensor or its circuit.
The knock sensor detects the vibrations from abnormal combustion, known as spark knock. A car can have one or two knock sensors depending on its make and model.
To learn more about knock sensors and how they can trigger OBD2 codes like P0325, read our technical discussion here.
Code P0325 sets when the PCM determines the knock sensor signal falls outside of a predetermined threshold for a certain amount of time.
The ‘Bank 1’ portion of the code indicates that the issue pertains to the knock sensor on the side of the engine that houses the number one cylinder.
Potential Causes of a P0325 Code
Here’s some point of Causes of P0325 code :
- Faulty knock sensor
- Damaged or corroded knock sensor wiring
- Moisture entering the knock sensor or its wires
- Loose or damaged knock sensor connector
- Engine mechanical problems
- The air/fuel mixture is too lean
- PCM software needs to be updated
- Problem with the PCM connector or PCM itself
What are the Common Symptoms of the P0325 Code?
Below is a list of some of the possible Symptoms for the code to be recorded.
- Illuminated Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp)
- lack of power
- Engine hesitation
- Engine detonation
- An audible pinging noise from the engine, especially while accelerating or under load
- Decreased fuel efficiency (increased consumption)
How to Fix P0325 Code?
Here’s some point to check for fix P0325 code :
- Replacing the ECU
- Repairing or replacing the wiring harness
- Replacing a faulty knock sensor
- Repairing an electrical connection
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a P0325 Code?
The repair costs for code P0325 can vary significantly depending on whether you need a new sensor or a replacement connector (wire harness.)
Here are the average estimated costs for some replacement components, including labor charges:
- Temperature sensor: $400 to $450
- Knock sensor wire harness: $15 to $70
- Knock sensor: $300 to $400