P0326 – OBD-II DTC

OBD-II DTC P0326 – Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)

DTC P0326 meaning

DTC P0326 refers to a malfunction in the Knock Sensor 1 circuit for Bank 1 or a single sensor. The knock sensor is responsible for detecting engine knock or pinging, which can indicate abnormal combustion. When the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects a problem with the knock sensor circuit, it triggers this diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

DTC P0326 symptoms

Common symptoms associated with DTC P0326 may include:

• Illuminated check engine light
• Decreased engine performance
• Increased fuel consumption
• Engine knocking or pinging sounds
• Rough idling or stalling

DTC P0326 causes

Several factors can lead to the occurrence of DTC P0326, including:

• Faulty knock sensor
• Wiring issues, such as shorts or open circuits
• Corroded or loose connectors
• Engine control module (ECM) malfunction
• Excessive engine vibration

DTC P0326 seriousness

DTC P0326 can be serious as it may indicate that the engine is experiencing abnormal combustion. If left unaddressed, this can lead to:

• Engine damage due to knocking
• Poor fuel economy
• Increased emissions
• Potential failure of other engine components

How to diagnose DTC P0326

To diagnose DTC P0326, follow these steps:

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the code.
2. Inspect the knock sensor and its wiring for visible damage.
3. Check the electrical connections for corrosion or looseness.
4. Test the knock sensor’s resistance using a multimeter.
5. Verify the ECM’s functionality and check for any related codes.

How to fix DTC P0326 step-by-step instructions

To fix DTC P0326, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the battery to ensure safety.
2. Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors related to the knock sensor.
3. If the knock sensor is faulty, replace it with a new one.
4. Reconnect the battery and clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner.
5. Start the engine and monitor for any reoccurrence of the code.

How to erase DTC P0326

To erase DTC P0326, follow these steps:

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
2. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
3. Navigate to the option to clear or erase trouble codes.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the scanner to complete the process.
5. Disconnect the scanner and start the engine to ensure the code does not return.

Recommended tools for OBD-II diagnostics

Explore our expert picks: The Best OBD2 Scanners for 2025

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.