August 11, 2023

Repairing the knock sensor in a 2006 Honda Accord

My vehicle is setting code P0325. The problem is that a packrat has chewed the cable to the knock sensor. My repair shop quotes $740 for the repair. It is almost all labor.

I selected a cloudy morning in late August and had the whole job done in about 4 hours! I feel proud of myself. I did need a new knock sensor (the old one was fine, but the top just snapped off when I tried to disconnect the cable). I expected this and had ordered the replacement. I also had to run to autozone for a 24mm deep socket ($8). So, all told I did the repair for about $50 in parts and 4 hours of time.

So, the parts are only $37 (from Amazon). The doggone thing is deep below the intake manifold.

Note that the new sensor has the wires protected with Honda rat repelling tape! This is a whole saga of its own, and by no means limited to Honda. Many automakers now use wire insulated with some soy based substance. This may be "green", but it is a terrible idea given that rats just love it. Fine for your TV or microwave oven, but absurd to be used in an automobile. The class action suits are already rolling, and for once I am entirely behind them. This has been a well known issue for some time and the auto makers have been ignoring the issue. Nothing like a lawsuit to get them to do something.

Note the Honda Rodent tape! They are at least trying to address the issue.
Have any comments? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Camry pages / tom@mmto.org