My '01 XJR just threw a CEL+Restricted Performance due to a P0332 code - "Bank 2 KS sense circuit out of range – low voltage". I did some research and it appears that replacing the knock sensor on an XJR is a MAJOR job that will probably take me a couple of days. Unfortunately, it is my commuter vehicle and I would rather not use my "summer car" to drive to work. How likely am I to cause damage to the engine if I continue driving the car with a faulty knock sensor for another month? I'm only using brand name premium gasoline and don't take it above 2,500 rpm during my commute. Pinging/knocking shouldn't be an issue, right?
Thoughts?

 

Using good premium, driving conservatively and listening for 'pinging' should get you through a period of time until you can get it fixed.

The knock sensors are there for a reason and failure to repair the problem will diminish the value of the car to you . . . never mind anyone you might sell it to.

 

You gotta do what you gotta do.

If you buy the absolute best gas and pussyfoot, you'll probably be ok.

You may also want to consider what restricted performance does in that situation.

I am *guessing* that the ECM will over fuel and under advance. Both of those are good for protecting the engine from knocking.

If that is true, it will be helpful.

 

The fault code has reset itself. First the RESTRICTED PERFORMANCE message went away and one drive cycle later the CEL extinguished itself.
The fault appeared at the 7-hour mark of my 8-hour long drive through snowmageddon Nemo last Thursday. My engine compartment had significant accumulation of snow and it must have shorted the sensor. I clearly still have an issue there, because a bit of moisture should not be tripping the sensor, but at this point in time, replacement of the sensor is not a pressing issue. I love it when problems solve themselves!

 

If/when it happens again, keeping the engine RPM low by lugging it through the gears is more likely to induce detonation than letting it rev freely. Light throttle and higher RPM is the key.