OBD codes / P0330
P0330
ModerateKnock Sensor 2 Circuit (Bank 2)
P0330 is generally safe to drive with — the computer compensates by running conservative timing on the affected bank, trading a little power and economy for engine protection. Schedule the fix at your convenience, sooner if you hear pinging under acceleration.
What this code means
Engines with two cylinder banks — V-type and flat engines — typically carry a knock sensor per bank so the computer can hear detonation on each side. P0330 means the circuit for knock sensor 2, on Bank 2 (the bank opposite cylinder 1), isn't reading correctly. The usual causes are a failed sensor or a wiring/connector fault; corrosion is common because these sensors live in a hot, harsh spot, and on many V engines that spot is the valley under the intake manifold. With the Bank 2 knock signal unusable, the computer retards ignition timing conservatively to protect the engine, which shows up as mild sluggishness and slightly worse fuel economy rather than dramatic symptoms. Because reaching the sensor is often the bulk of the labor, many shops replace both knock sensors while the intake is off.
Symptoms you might notice
- Check-engine light, often with no obvious change
- Slight loss of power or acceleration
- Minor drop in fuel economy
- Occasional pinging under load if timing isn't protected
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $150–$700 · about ~0.5–3 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Knock sensor (Bank 2) | $40–$200 | ~0.5–3 hrs |
| Wiring / connector repair | $10–$120 | ~0.5–1.5 hrs |
Labor dominates and varies wildly: on many V-type engines both knock sensors sit under the intake manifold, so the job is mostly disassembly — which is also why doing both sensors at once is common. Easy-access engines are far cheaper.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0330 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Why does my engine have two knock sensors?
V-type and flat engines have a cylinder bank on each side, and one sensor can't reliably hear knock across the whole engine. Sensor 1 covers Bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1) and sensor 2 covers Bank 2 — P0330 is the Bank 2 side.
Can I drive with P0330?
Yes, generally — losing a knock signal makes the computer run safer, more conservative timing, so the engine is protected but slightly less peppy and efficient. Get it fixed sooner if you hear pinging under load.
Should I replace both knock sensors at once?
If your sensors are under the intake manifold, it's often sensible — the labor to get there is the main cost, and the second sensor of the same age is a cheap add while everything is apart. On engines where sensors are easy to reach, replace only the failed one.
Is P0330 the sensor or the wiring?
Either. The sensor is the common failure, but corroded connectors and chafed wiring in the hot engine valley mimic it exactly. Since reaching the sensor can be laborious, a shop will usually test the circuit before committing to intake removal.
Seeing P0330 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0330 for my vehicleSymptoms that trigger P0330
Drivers who get this code often notice one of these — each has its own likely-causes and cost guide:
Related trouble codes
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Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.