Need some insight on Knock Sensors

[runklje]

I've gotta replace my knock sensor on my Maxima. Does anyone know if it's imperative that i purchase this part new? I was going to look into buying this piece from a parted out car but I know that many parts are better off purchased new. Let me know if you have any insight on this.

[maxhopper]

Just because it's such a pain to get to, I would say get a new one. If you don't plan on having the car long, you may be able to get away with a used one.

[AdamSanders05]

I recently had one of the check engine codes that came up and said the knock sensor #1 was malfunctioning, will this be expensive to have replaced/fixed? Should this be done ASAP? Thanks!

[A.Tech]

yea, it should be done asap... because that part is rather important if you want a sensor to check for pre-detonation in the engine. In other words... The Knock sensor enables your vehicle to obtain the optimum combination of timing and fuel/air mixture to generate power and efficiency and that means less wasted gas and less issues like pre-detonation...

However if you are at lack of funds you should just put in a higher octane right now so that you can reduce the pre-detonation which also helps reduce the ping/knock issues. Just remember having lower octane in the car makes the sensor slow down (or retard) the timing to accommodate the lower octane.

[chopnbladz]

I bought one off ebay for $65. Took a good hour to put in. Very tight fit. Thank God there's only 1 bolt on the thing. It helped that I have baby hands too.

[runklje]

thanks for the info.......i haven't checked ebay yet. i don't have $168 bux for a new one so i'm gonna give it a try.

[April5112]

I have been told that this sensor is very hard to replace. I have a mechanic wanting to charge me $450 total, part and labor. Could this be something simple that my father could easily do? Where is that sensor located?

[Mike G]

I have been told that this sensor is very hard to replace. I have a mechanic wanting to charge me $450 total, part and labor. Could this be something simple that my father could easily do? Where is that sensor located?

Labor estimate guides state this is an almost 3 hour job, at least for a shop... At $100 an hour + $168 for the parts, your mechanic may be right on.

--Mike

[runklje]

April-I found someone that sells new knock sensors for $120 and $45 for used ones that have been tested. I'm waiting on one to be delivered right now. From what I understand, it's difficult to get to but I'm gonna give it a try. If you want to go this route, you would need to get a Chilton's manual which will give you step by step instructions for the installation. You can get one of these at an auto store for around $18.