P0330

Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor B Circuit

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0330?

Yes, generally. A failed knock sensor doesn't cause knock — it just leaves the ECM unable to detect it, so it plays safe by pulling timing. Fix it to restore full power and economy.

Q: Can I just clear P0330?

You can, but it returns until the sensor or its wiring is repaired.

Knock sensor Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0330 means the engine computer has detected a fault in the circuit for the second (bank 2) knock sensor. The knock sensor lets the ECM detect engine knock and adjust timing; when its signal is missing or out of range, the ECM often retards timing as a safeguard, which can slightly reduce power and fuel economy.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Drivable — the engine still runs, but the ECM may retard ignition timing as a precaution, costing some power and fuel economy until it's fixed.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

103

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Slight loss of power or sluggish acceleration
Reduced fuel economy
Often no noticeable symptom other than the warning light

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed knock sensor 'B'Likely
Damaged wiring or a poor connector in the knock-sensor circuitCommon
Corroded or loose electrical connections / groundCommon
Failed engine control module (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and inspect the knock-sensor connector and wiring (often tucked under the intake) for damage or corrosion.
Check the sensor's resistance and its circuit continuity to the ECM.
Confirm the sensor is torqued correctly to the block — a loose sensor gives false readings.
Replace the knock sensor if testing confirms it. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0330?+

Yes, generally. A failed knock sensor doesn't cause knock — it just leaves the ECM unable to detect it, so it plays safe by pulling timing. Fix it to restore full power and economy.

Can I just clear P0330?+

You can, but it returns until the sensor or its wiring is repaired.

Read & clear P0330 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX