Why Is My Car Triggering the P0330 Code? Explained

The car computer has two ways of telling the driver of underlying issues in a vehicle. This is by throwing a fault code and projecting a check engine warning light on the dashboard to notify the driver of imminent issues in the car.

When it throws error code P0330 on Toyota or other car models, it means the car computer has detected a malfunction on the Knock sensor 2 circuit on the bank 2. Several parameters can cause the car computer to throw this error code, making it difficult to determine the culprit without a proper diagnosis.

In this article, the Rx mechanic expert team of experts has outlined the symptoms, causes, diagnostic mistakes, and how to diagnose and fix error code P0330. Let’s us start with describing the meaning of the P0330 code.

How do I fix code P0330?

What does error code P0330 mean?

The P0330 is a generic diagnostic trouble code that indicates the Knock sensor 2 circuit is malfunctioning or not working as it should. Once the engine control module registers a P0330 on Jeep or your particular car model, it will project the check engine light on the dashboard.

In addition, the powertrain control module (PCM) may throw other similar codes like P0334, P0333, P0332, P0331, P0329, P0328, P0327, P0326, or P0325 error codes.

What is the symptom of error code P0330?

P0330 fault codes will not project any major drivability issues, thereby making it tempting to ignore and continue driving the car. However, it will show a few symptoms to notify the driver of an imminent issue in the car. Here are the symptoms you should watch out for.

Check engine light

Like several other error codes, the car computer will project the check engine light on the instrument cluster once it detects a malfunction on the knock sensor 2 circuit. However, the engine warning light can come up for several reasons. Therefore, do not conclude that the engine control unit has logged a P0330 error code without a proper diagnosis.

Lack of power

If a P0330 stays for an extended period, it may lead to a lack of engine power when driving. It may feel like the engine pins on acceleration or hesitates when driving uphill or on a straight lane.

Engine running hot

Your engine may run hotter than normal. While some motorists may argue this, think of engine coolant system issues and excessively engine running lean as some of the causes of P0330 on Ford and other car models. In any case, several factors can cause an engine to run hot.

What causes error code P0330

There are several probable causes of a P0330 on Lexus and other car models. So it’s important to note them so you’ll know where to navigate your search when diagnosing the root cause. Here are the common causes of P0330 error codes.

  • Issues with the engine coolant systems
  • Knock sensor wiring harness issues
  • Excessively engine running lean
  • Lousy knock sensor 2
  • Malfunctioning or damaged powertrain control module (PCM).

How serious error code P0330 is?

The severity of a P0330 error code is low. It will not prevent the car from moving or keep you stranded in the middle of nowhere. However, it’ll cause the powertrain control module to project the check engine light, making you fail emission inspection if not rectified.

How to diagnose

Several factors can cause a P0330 on Chevy and other car models, making it challenging to determine the culprit without a proper diagnosis. You need an easy-to-follow guide to prevent you from wrongly replacing parts. If you want to do this at home without contacting a professional, this diagnosing procedure is what you need.

In any case, kindly note that this is not a beginner’s task. It is an intermediate diagnosing procedure. So, consider contacting a professional to track and fix the root cause if you’re a newbie.

This diagnosis requires a specialized tool like an advanced scan tool with live data. Hire one from an auto shop if you don’t have any.

Step 1: Scan the vehicle

Locate the OBD-II port in your vehicle beneath the steering wheel. After that, connect the scan to the car OBD-II port and pull out the registered fault codes. Take note of other logged codes and rectify them. This how-to use an OBD2 scan tool article will be helpful in this case.

Scan 2: Erase the codes and test drive the car

Erase the registered codes in the car and test drive the car. Climb hills and do hard acceleration. Ensure you run the vehicle for around 45 minutes to 1hr. After that, rescan the car and see if the code will reappear. If it comes back, you have a real problem that needs attention. Also, check if the code that is returned is the same as the former.

Step 3: Examine the knock sensor signal

Using the live data on your advanced scan tool, check the voltage on the knock sensor. Ensure the signal is in the stipulated range. If it falls outside the specified range, or there’s no signal at all, skip the next step.

Step 4: Examine the engine temp sensor signal

Using the live data on your diagnostic tool, examine the engine temp sensor and ensure it is within a stipulated range. If the engine coolant sensor is bad, it may send false data to the engine control module, which may lead to an engine running lean and knock sensor malfunction.

Step 5: Check the knock sensor electrical harness

Check the knock sensor wires for frayed, burnt, or damaged wires. First, replace any damaged or burnt wires. After that, test the knock sensor and replace it if it is the root cause.

Common P0330 diagnosis mistakes

The most common diagnostic mistake amongst mechanics and DIYers is replacing the knock sensor without diagnosing the fuel delivery systems and the engine coolant temperature sensor. In such cases, the P0330 on Toyota Avalon or that respective car model will not go away until you track and replace the root cause.

Therefore, it is essential to diagnose all the probable root causes properly.

p0330 code

How do you fix P0330?

Here are the probable repairs that’ll fix error code P0330.

  • Fixing engine running lean conditions
  • Repairing or replacing opened or shorted wiring harness
  • Fixing connection issues
  • Fixing engine coolant system issues
  • Replacing lousy knock sensor
  • Malfunctioning PCM

Approx. Repair Cost

For the P0330 on Nissan or other car models, you’ll need one or more of the following repairs. The parts replacement cost and the service fee for each probable repair are.

  • Knock sensor wiring harness $10 to $100
  • Knock sensor replacement $300 to $400
  • Temperature sensor replacement $250 to $400.

Final Words

P0330 error code shows the powertrain control module has detected a malfunction on the knock sensor on bank 2. While this may not keep you stranded on the road, do not ignore it and continue driving with it. It can escalate to a severe issue in the long run.

We have also outlined the common symptoms, causes, diagnostic mistakes, and how to track and fix the root cause. So, if you have P0330 code issues, follow the above instructions to diagnose and proffer solutions.

However, it is not a beginner task. So, contact your mechanic if you do not have hands-on experience with the underhood working principles.

Osuagwu Solomon

Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyer’s guides, and car and tools comparisons.

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