P0327 Code: Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low Input

p0327 code written in white text on a purple orange background

If you’re driving along and your check engine light comes on, it can be a scary experience. You might not know what’s wrong with your car, or why it happened. The good news is that most codes are fairly easy to diagnose, especially if you have a code reader in hand. 

What You'll Read About

What does P0327 mean?

P0327 stands for “Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). 

The P0327 code is a generic OBD-II trouble code that means the knock sensor has detected an abnormally high amount of noise in its environment. The purpose of this sensor is to detect detonation (a type of pre-ignition) in the engine and make sure it doesn’t happen. If your car has this issue, it could have serious consequences like damage to your pistons or cylinder head, so you should get it checked out right away.

There are two knock sensors on most vehicles:

  1. one upstream from the ignition coil 
  2. one downstream from it

Both are used to detect any abnormal noises coming from within the combustion chamber. They’re usually located near each other but not always; if one fails but not both, then only one set of diagnostic lights will illuminate on your dashboard display panel.

 If both sets come on at once (or even just one), then there may be something wrong with either circuit wiring or ground connections between them. 

In rare cases where neither light comes on despite multiple attempts at resetting codes using special tools available through dealerships or online retailers such as Amazon

What are the symptoms of a P0327 code?

  • Check Engine Light: The most common symptom of a P0327 code is an illuminated check engine light on the vehicle’s dashboard. The check engine light may flash continuously or remain steady, indicating a problem with the knock sensor circuit.
  • Decreased Performance: A faulty knock sensor can lead to a decrease in engine performance. This can include reduced acceleration, a lack of power, or difficulty starting the engine.
  • Engine Vibration: If the knock sensor is not functioning correctly, it can cause the engine to vibrate or shake excessively. This can be especially noticeable at idle or when the vehicle is in gear.
  • Increased Fuel Consumption: A faulty knock sensor can cause the engine to operate inefficiently, leading to an increase in fuel consumption. If you notice that you are filling up your gas tank more frequently than usual, this could be a sign of a P0327 code.

What is the cause of a P0327 code?

The cause of a P0327 code is a loose connection or bad knock sensor. The knock sensor is responsible for detecting noise in the signal it receives from the engine, and if there’s too much noise on that signal (for example, because of an electrical problem), then it will trigger P0327. The ECU then uses this information to adjust timing so that your vehicle can run smoothly without damaging itself or its components.

If you have a loose connection somewhere in your vehicle’s electrical system, this could also cause problems with your car’s performance—and perhaps even trigger this particular trouble code.

How do you fix a P0327 code?

To fix a P0327 code, you’ll need to:

  • Reconnect the knock sensor (if it was disconnected).
  • Replace the knock sensor.
  • Replace the ignition coil(s).

  • Replace one or more fuel injectors as needed.
  • Reprogram your ECU with an updated version from your vehicle manufacturer’s website if applicable; this may require a new tune-up kit that includes updated software and/or hardware, so make sure you have access to both before proceeding! If not already done so, also replace any spark plugs that have been removed during diagnosis of this issue.