My '00 RS had a code of P0325, which is knock sensor 1, Bank 1. I have driven with the ECU lit for like 6-8 months now...apparently due to this 325 code. Engine seems to be running fine and gas mileage is unchanged, from what i can tell.

I went to the Subaru dealer and they, of course, wanted to run the diagnostics for $75. They said it could be more than just a bad knock sensor, such as wiring to the sensor or some other issue besides the sensor itself. While i agreed with this premise i went ahead and bought the sensor for $75 figuring it most likely was in fact the sensor and i could install it myself and be done with it having been set back only the $75. I had done research here and found that this sensor does in fact seem to go out on occassion from the amount of posts i found.

Fast forward to today...
just out of curiosity i ran into my Goodyear service center where i go for light maintenance issues from time to time and asked them how much it would cost to replace the knock sensor that i had. They said they couldn't replace a part that they didn't provide themselves, which is understandable. I explained to him my problem and he told me in the 15 years he's worked there he has replaced 1 knock sensor. He went on to say that knock sensors never go out and a code such as that usually implies other issues, such as wiring or whatever else.

Now, is it true that knock sensors rarely go out? From what i've read on this forum, that's not the case.

Should i go ahead and replace it myself, assuming that knock sensors do from time to time go out, or should i get full diagnostics run and hold on to the sensor until i know whether it is needed or not. The knock sensor i have is brand new and still in the unopened bag, which means i could sell it for an amount close to what i bought it for if it turns out a new one is not needed. It's easier to sell an unopened sensor here on NASIOC than it is to sell one that not only been opened but has been installed and uninstalled. Damn, i'm a longwinded SOB.

Thanks peeps.

Oh, and doesn't a replacement of this sensor require removing the air box and a torque wrench, nothing else?

...those go bad all the time on that engine.

REAL common.

replace the sensor yourself.

done.


somebody post the FSM page for this guy so he gets it right ;)

took me maybeeee 45 seconds.. with a manual ratchet and extension

Have you by chance checked it to see if it tight?? I've had plenty of knock sensor problems over the years...

I've done all sorts of things to try and alleviate the problem, i've even installed rubber washers between the sensor and the block to try and quell the problem.

In doing this, i've had it come lose on me in the past, throwing intermittent codes as it bounced around and lost it's ground potential (one wire sensor, ground with the contact to the motor)

The only thing that truly fixed MY problem was when Subaru replaced my MAF sensor... (mines a MAF not a MAP sensor, gotta love the 99')

http://http://i11.tinypic.com/2elw29c.jpg

A guy I know at work just paid the dealership about $300 to install a new knock sensor on his 2000 RS. Ouch!! I told him to check NASIOC first.;)

while the $300 is a little steep, you have to realize you are looking at an hour diag time plus r&r labor...that puts you at least at 200 bucks. Diagnostic/driveability work is expensive....it isint always the sensor the code points too, can get really hairy.

gl with the sensor, sounds like it is a common failure though

Goodyear is wrong. Knock sensors do go bad and I see them often at Subaru. Granted we dont charge $300 bucks as thats pretty steep but under 225 including the diagnostic part, labor and taxes.

Now as for not installing your part, they are foolish. Any repair shop that turns down free labor are foolish and don't know business. That is 100% labor profit. No parts to buy and then mark up just to make a dollar then charge labor. It is pure profit. The other dealer in town won't install used Subaru Motors, but I sure will. That's pure profit and will help the customer out.

Granted when you supply a part, there is no warranty with it, being it isnt a supplied OEM part from us, but half the people just want the damn thing installed.