so my car has been sitting idle the past few days waiting on the hp hose for the power steering. I have been starting it daily but yesterday immediately received a restricted performance and CEL. I pulled the codes and it showed PO332 - Bank 2 knock sensor. I cleared the code but it immediately returned.

My question is where is the electrical connection for the knock sensor? I am wondering if it is possible that the spraying power steering fluid got into the connector for the knock sensor or if this is something I need to worry about?

 

The knock sensors often fails when a coolant system failure sprays over the sensor. It is usually the sensors themselves that are wet. They often dry out without replacement. The PS fluid question has not come up as far as I know.

 

thanks test point - I do have a small coolant leak at the 3 way connector under the throttle body but it is just a drip right now. I will monitor for the moment and look at things closely when I am replacing the power steering line this weekend

 

the knock sensors plug into the electric harness on both sides of the thermostat housing. mine had a loose connection on the left side . cleaned both with contact cleaner and everything cleared up. also check the hose running from the thermostat to the reservoir. the connection sometimes works loose and the amount leaking usually evaporates immediately when it drips on the engine as the line doesnt open till the water gets hot and the resulting steam gets into the connectors. i replaced the hard plastic line with a rubber line and no problems since also replaced the clamps on both ends.

 

changing to resolved - must have been condensation under the sensor. Once repairs were completed and the car back on the road, the RP/CEL cleared after a few lengthy drives and all appears normal for the time being. Will monitor but believe the heavy rains coupled with the idle engine were the culprit

 

The Knock Sensors are usually (always?) Piezoelectric Devices which has a very high resistance, in the Meg-Ohms.

High Resistance Crud that would not normally affect (when shorting across the terminals) of a low resistance Sensor can definitely affect the readings from such a high resistance sensor.