P0335

Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)

Powertrain Ignition System Knock Detection 🟡 Moderate — Fix within a week ⚠️ Drive with Care
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What This Actually Means

In plain language — no jargon

The knock sensor on bank 2 is sending an inconsistent or weak signal to the engine computer, like a radio that keeps cutting in and out. This prevents the ECU from properly detecting engine knock and adjusting ignition timing.

Symptoms You May Notice

3 known symptoms for this code
Check Engine Light illuminated
Engine pinging or knocking under acceleration
Reduced fuel economy
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How Your ECU Detects This

Technical sensor logic and voltage thresholds

The knock sensor detects vibrations from abnormal combustion and sends voltage signals to the ECU. The ECU expects a consistent signal pattern within a specific frequency range (typically 5-15 kHz). An intermittent circuit means the signal drops in and out, triggering a fault.

Voltage & Parameter Thresholds

ParameterNormal RangeFault Condition
Knock Sensor Signal Voltage 0.5-4.5V AC with consistent frequency Intermittent drops below 0.2V or signal loss for >100ms
Signal Frequency Stability 5-15 kHz continuous during combustion Frequency dropout or amplitude collapse
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Diagnostic & DIY Fix Guide

Check these in order — from cheapest to most complex
1
Knock sensor connector
Inspect and reseat the connector at the knock sensor on bank 2; clean any corrosion with electrical cleaner.
2
Engine wiring harness
Check the knock sensor wiring for cracks, loose connections, or pinches between engine and firewall.
3
Knock sensor
Replace the knock sensor on bank 2 if wiring tests pass and signal remains intermittent.
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When to See a Professional Mechanic

Not all fault codes are safe to DIY

Code P0335 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.

Safety note: OBD-II codes identify the system or circuit where a fault was detected — they do not always identify the exact failed component. A professional mechanic using live sensor data will diagnose the root cause more accurately than replacing parts based on the code alone.
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How to Clear Code P0335

What happens after you fix the fault

Once the fault is repaired, P0335 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.

The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.

✅ Safe to Clear When
  • Fault has been diagnosed and repaired
  • You want to confirm the repair worked
  • Code appeared after a sensor was cleaned
⚠️ Do Not Clear When
  • Preparing for an emissions/PUC test
  • Root cause is still undiagnosed
  • Check engine light is flashing
Emissions test note: Clearing codes resets OBD readiness monitors. Most vehicles need 50–100 km of mixed driving before monitors complete. Do not clear codes immediately before an emissions or PUC inspection.