ign.code knock sensor
 

My wife has a 95 318i (As you may guess I have a z. Much easier to work on) that has come up with the last code, 1284 I believe. Regardless, it is the knock sensor code. I understand replacing the knock sensor involves removing the intake and other issues. Question, can this code coming up be caused by any other thing? We did have a past problem of a leaky intake boot. Also, Can I reasonable remove the intake and fix the problem? I have fairly good experince but mostly with a 74 Z. (Or should we just spend the 3-400 dollars on labor and have it done? Thanks, great site by the way.
Steve

Steve:

I had the very same problem on my 95 318i. Fault code 1284 (knock sensor test pulse) was preceeded by fault code 1226 (knock sensor #2). After replacing the knock sensor, the problem was still there. I ended up pulling the DME and resoldering the pads that ran to the main connector. I've never had that code again.

Tim

Hi Tim, where you been hiding!

Tim's right - the knock sensor code can be a tough one to deal with. It's a pain in the butt to replace, and if it's not really the problem, you'll be very annoyed later on.

Is the car pinging? Usually the sensor will activate and pull a code if the harness is bad, or perhaps if one sensor is knocking all the time, but not the other.

Replacing the sensor is a pain, but anyone who has worked on cars can do it. I have some pics from my six cylinder that would be useful...

-Wayne

Wayne,

Thanks, the car been pinging slightly for years but this knock sensor issue just came up. If their is a decent chance that it is not the sensor sounds like I should take it in.
Steve

Steve:

You may not like the estimated cost of a replacement DME which is probably what the shop will want to put in.

Tim

I would reset the code, and then run some octane booster in the tank. It may just be bad gas...

-Wayne