P0332: Porsche fault code 211 - Knock sensor 2 Short to ground

[xmac]

Posting here since I could not find any other posts on this particular error code P0332. Although there was no CEL present, the Durametric pulled the P0332 error code on my 99 C4 when doing some other checks that would not go away after clearing. After checking this thread, http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/28652-p0327-porsche-fault-code-210-knock-sensor-1-please-help/ I decided to take the upper intake apart to check the wiring to the knock sensor.

I removed the throttle body and upper intake tee. This allows much more room to get to things on top of the block like this knock sensor or oil pressure sender. To my surprise, just like in the other thread, some varmint had chewed through the entire cable wrap and wires to the knock sensor and the lead was making contact with the block. There was just enough wire left to solder on new leads to the connecter, strip the wires on the harness, then solder the connector back onto the wiring harness, seal it with heat shrink tubing, and wrapped it in spiral wrap. I am not sure what makes this particular cable tasty.

I took the time to clean inside the upper intake and check for oil suction into the intake. No significant amount of oil was present, buttoned it up and cleared the code again. All in all about a 2 hour job taking my time. I hope this helps someone down the road.

Picture below is of a typical knock sensor just to show what the sensor looks like, part# for a 996 is 996 606 125 00 and is about $80-$100.

There are two sensors on the engine and very general location found in the "DME sensor" picture inside this DIY:

3.4 liter Engine Parts Locations

Edited September 24, 2011 by xmac

[logray]

Great post and thank you for the comments.

The knock sensor on bank 1 (the other side of the engine) is a PITA, because you have to remove the secondary air injection system, or at least unbolt it in order to gain access to it..

[xmac]

One thing to add... after fixing this knock sensor problem, my fuel economy improved quite a bit (~40 miles per tank more) and overall performance. I think the ECU must have been running the car rich?

[Charlie Carr]

Hi I'm new to the 996. I'm replacing bank 2 knock sensor..I have the air intake off but can't locate the sensor..is it under the ac compressor or closer to the intake ports? Thanks Charlie 2000 996

[Ahsai]

[Charlie Carr]

Thank you ashai..my old eyes spotted a broken wire out of the harness..moved the harness a little then shoved my hand down there..wahla..what's with this connector..does it have chocolate inside..both wires broken at the connector and the harness side...on to find a wire man for a fix.

Thanks again..

[Charlie Carr]

Ahsai..sorry for chopping your name

[Ahsai]

No worries. Most ppl can't spell that :)

 

No idea why the wires are broken. Maybe someone worked around that area before like changing the starter "y" cable or some rodents chewed on them.

[Charlie Carr]

Yea rodents..others having a code for this sensor have discovered chewed wires...hence my chocolate reference... If I was a rat I would eat the starter wires..ha.

[Ahsai]

Consider yourself lucky if that's the only thing they gnawed on :)