P0325 even after Knock Sensor Bypass!

[McSteve]

I lend my car to someone for 2 weeks, got it back and it ran like s***. Now I thought I was imagining things but got it dyno tuned and it dynoed only at 166hp.

I checked for error codes and I had a P0325, bad knock sensor. They typically last only 7 years so I figured it was time to replace it. To not waste money on OEM gaskets I also installed NWP phenolic intake spacers, since I was taking the Upper and Lower Intake manifold off anyways.

Put everything back together.... the code is still there! So I figured out it might be the wire. I tugged a little on it and BAM i had it in my hand. Ordered a new one already but I took what was left of it and connected some resistors and made a knock sensor simulator. Went to autozone, cleared the code and as soon I started the car again the code was back!!!!!

What else could it be? The wiring from the ECU to the KS? Can I check the female connectors at the knock sensor -> ECU harness for some current with a multi-meter?

This is the highly condensed version of the problem, the entire process took me 2 weeks now but I'm getting really frustrated and maybe you guys can help me out. I'm not gonna get my car re-tuned until I know for a FACT that the car computer isn't pulling and timing... It's thievery! I should file a report for being robbed of the most precious and valuable horsepower!

EDIT:

I checked the Voltage at the Female end of Connector F121. KS Harness -> ECU and it read 340V ?!?!
Modified by McSteve at 4:37 PM 4/12/2010

[loystock]

I'm not sure where that 340V is coming from. The DIS Ignition Coil secondary/output winding to spark plugs may be as high as 30KV but that is confined within the cylinder (coil to spark plug). Looks like you have a wiring/connector issue.

Per FSM, the connector you are referring to is F131, Pin 1. That line typically has @ 2.5VDC at idle. Check the wiring continuity from that connector to the ECU as well as the grounding. Also check security of ECU connector. You may have loose ground points. Check/clean the ground points, especially the ones from the main engine harness, located near the intake plenum (close to cylinder #2).

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/i30/2001/ec.pdf