AE92 - ECU code 52

[LeeRoy]

Hi all,

Driving today and the engine threw a code 52. After turning the engine off the light went away but came back on during my next drive. From my searching on the net it seems this error relates to the knock sensor not being sensed.

52 #1 Knock Sensor
No KNK1 signal to ECU
Knock sensor loose
Malfunctioning knock sensor
Source Link

Just to confirm is this the right description for the code and it's not something else like the engine is knocking etc. Also, anyone had this problem and able to point me in the right direction on what the culprit was?

Cheers.

[Secks]

yeah, i had this...
Front engine knock sensor had shat itself.
I still feel cheap fuel caused it, but sensors crap out from time to time too.

Solution. $200 odd and some swearing while fitting it, or when paying ya mechanic.

[LeeRoy]

I thought the only knock sensor was on the back of the engine under the inlet manifold. Anyways it's probably what your saying - unfortunately looks like i'll be up for a new knock sensor.

The weird thing is...it throws the engine light on but does nothing to hinder engine performance. No limp mode, nothing. Anyways for those reading, it doesn't seem to do it often, maybe once a week (and I do approx 400km's). Has done it under light throttle, around 4,000-5,000 rpm, in first or second. Basically just before you change gear.

I might see if I can find another second hand knock sensor to replace and make sure this is what it is before replacing it. Will update when I find out more.

Cheers for the reply, +rep

[greywolf]

Watch out where you get a 2nd hand one from, you'll obviously be aiming for one to come out of a low k car. Probably better to spend the money on new, you don't want to be changing another one in 2-5 months time because your 2nd hand one is assed too.

[Hiro]

I thought the only knock sensor was on the back of the engine under the inlet manifold. Anyways it's probably what your saying - unfortunately looks like i'll be up for a new knock sensor.

The weird thing is...it throws the engine light on but does nothing to hinder engine performance. No limp mode, nothing.

4AGE ECUs don't tend to chuck you in limp-mode or anything like that (at least not in my experience), they just flash lights at you until the engine blows up. 20vs might be different though.

And yep, they have only one knock sensor, on the back of the head directly under the intake manifold, in a nice easy convenient location right next to the water pipes too.

[LeeRoy]

Watch out where you get a 2nd hand one from, you'll obviously be aiming for one to come out of a low k car. Probably better to spend the money on new, you don't want to be changing another one in 2-5 months time because your 2nd hand one is assed too.

Was more saying get one in the interim to make sure this is what's wrong before forking out $200 for a new one, but your definately right in saying that it will probably shit itself not long down the track.

4AGE ECUs don't tend to chuck you in limp-mode or anything like that (at least not in my experience), they just flash lights at you until the engine blows up. 20vs might be different though.

Yeh I know, just seems odd - especially when knock will wreck a motor, yet they allow you to continue caning the arse out of it until that happens.

And yep, they have only one knock sensor, on the back of the head directly under the intake manifold, in a nice easy convenient location right next to the water pipes too.

Yeh it's in a pretty good spot....definately could be worse.

[Hiro]

Yeh I know, just seems odd - especially when knock will wreck a motor, yet they allow you to continue caning the arse out of it until that happens.

Pretty sure bluetops don't even have the knock sensor in the first place....4AFEs don't either, was one of the changes when the later 7AFEs were introduced.

[greywolf]

See if anyone on here has a spare one lying around in an un-used block rather than forking out money on a 2nd hand one.

[LeeRoy]

I should be able to borrow one from a mate but cheers for the heads up.

[Cuzzo]

Yeah should be under the inlet bout middle of the block.

Good luck getting it out.

[LeeRoy]

Ok, I purchased a new knock sensor from Toyota for about $220 and changed it a few months back.

Since then I haven't got any more check engine lights so problem solved.

[LeeRoy]

Ok, this error has come back just as bad as before.

Whats the chances of the knock sensor being stuffed again? or is this more likely to be a wiring issue?

[Hiro]

Wiring is cheaper than a sensor, so I'd start there...