Why Does the P0332 Code Showing on My Chevy Silverado?

In most modern Chevy Silverado vehicles, the manufacturer has installed several Onboard Diagnostic (ODBII) Codes to Diagnose internal errors and warn the users. The P0332 is one of those Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that are installed in Chevy Silverado engines.

The P0332 DTC code is a generic powertrain code that notifies users when the knock sensor 2 circuit gives a low voltage or input signal Bank 2 generated via PCM.

In today’s article, I will provide more details like the definition of the P0332 code, what causes this error code to trigger, symptoms, and how to solve this error code.

What Does P0332 Code Mean On Chevy Silverado?

The P0332 error code on the Chevy Silverado mainly triggers when the Knock Sensor 2 Circuit is not functioning accurately, or the sensor has failed, and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) of your vehicle has recorded a too-low AC voltage (input signal). 

Quickly check out the dissection of the P0332 code:

• p- Powertrain (the system of components that drive the Chevy Silverado forward)
• 0-Generic malfunction code generated by PCM
• 3-Specific System related to the Knock Sensor Bank 2
• 32-Indicates that the Knock Sensor 2 Bank 2 circuit input signal or AC voltage is too low.

A knock sensor is responsible for sending signals to the ECM when one or more engine cylinders are “knocking”, but it is different from the actual engine knocking in the system. In this case, the Engine knocking mainly refers to pre-ignition or pinging.

Purpose of Knock Sensors on Chevy Silverado Engines

The Chevy 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L engines are equipped with 2 Knock Sensors.

Mainly the Knock Sensor system on Chevy or other similar types of vehicles allows the Engine Control Module to control and modify the ignition timing for better engine performance.

At the same time the ECM also protects the engine from potential detonation damages (Spark knock).

These sensors act like ears for the Chevy Silverado vehicles and specially designed to detect whenever there’s an abnormal pulsation or vibration coming from the combustion chambers.

Usually, the Knock Sensors are mounted on the Cylinder head, located under the engine’s intake manifold.

The Knock Sensors on Chevy vehicles send a signal to the PCM when the vehicle engine is pinging so that PCM can modify the engine’s performance accordingly like adjusting the ignition timing, valve timing & other related factors.

But when the air/fuel mixture prematurely combusts and delivers significantly low power, the Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Bank 2 fails to send the accurate signal of engine pinging, and PCM won’t be able to fix the engine underperformance issue.

As a result, PCM will record a suspicious issue in the Knock Sensor 2 Bank 2 by signaling the P0332 error code.

Also, this engine knocking indicates an excess amount of NOx explosion in the system.

Eventually, the engine will encounter higher emissions and other problems.

How Serious Is Code P0332 On Chevy Silverado?

The P0332 code on Chevy Silverado is not a serious or urgent situation, and experts do not even recommend taking immediate action to fix it.

But this error code is not something to ignore because if you take too long to diagnose your vehicle after seeing this error code, the internal fault will damage the engine’s durability and performance.

As a result, you will notice issues like engine overheating, running rough, loss of power, declining fuel economy, problems in accelerating, and underperformance trouble.

What Causes Code P0332 On Chevy Silverado?

Let’s have a glance at other potential causes that might lead you to witness this P0332 code:

• Either a defective Knock Sensor or faulty Electrical connections within that Sensor Circuit.
• This P0332 error/trouble code can also show up if the Knock Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted.
• It could also be a false alarm caused by defective ECM on your vehicle.
• The defective Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system can also trigger the P0332 code.
• Another reason for P0332 code flashing can be the faulty or corrupted cooling system.
• Even too lean air-to-fuel ratio on your Chevy vehicle potentially causes a such commotion.

Other Symptoms Of Getting P0332 Code On Chevy Silverado

Once you notice the P0332 code on your Chevy Silverado, it’s obvious something is wrong in the internal system of your vehicle, but some other symptoms also give you warning signs in advance –

• Besides the Check Engine Warning Light illuminating, higher emissions or emission test failure indicate a P0332 trouble code warning too.
• You will notice significant engine power loss and lower fuel economy.
• You might notice that the engine is pinging while accelerating your vehicle.
• When the engine is accelerating under load, you will notice visible hesitation.
• Engine overheating or might run hotter than usual.
• Vacuum leak from faulty intake manifold gaskets can also trigger this error code.
• You might also hear unusual sound coming from the engine when the Knock Sensor turns bad.

How To Fix The P0332 Code On The Chevy Silverado?

Once you have noticed or received the P0332 Diagnostic Trouble code on your Chevy Silverado vehicle, you can easily fix it at home by following these instructions:

The 2-minute DIY solutions To Fix P0332 Code (1 Method & Estimated cost $10.36 only)

Step 1: Download The ZUS App & Verify The P0332 Error Code

First, download the ZUS app on your mobile phone from either apple store or play store.

Then, open the app and click on the First Scan button to verify whether it’s showing the p0332 error code or not.

Once you have verified the error code, it’s clear that the Knock Sensor 2 and the Bank 2 on your vehicle engine assembly are not operating accurately.

So, you should move to step two.

2. Locating The Knock Sensor

On most modern vehicle engines, the Knock Sensor is located on the engine block cylinder head or mounted on the intake manifold.

So, check the user or owner manual of your particular Chevy Silverado model to verify the location first.

3. Disconnect The Battery & Battery Wiring Harness

Once you have located the Knock Sensor on your vehicle engine, use an 8-millimeter ratchet wrench to disconnect and remove the battery.

Then, use a 10-millimeter socket or something similar to disconnect the battery wiring harness too.

4. Remove Injector Lock, Intake Valve Cover & Hydraulic Booster

First, remove the injector lock by pushing down on the lock tab.

Then, remove the intake valve cover and the hydraulic booster.

5. TesThe Knock Sensor

Once everything is out of the way, carefully remove the Knock Sensor from the engine and use a multimeter to perform a resistance test on it.

If you get a reading that indicates the Knock Sensor is faulty, replace the Sensor and put everything back together.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Chevy Silverado P0332 Code?

Remember, the exact cost will vary depending on your vehicle engine model, damage level, price of the replacement parts, and local labor expense rate per hour in your area. 

Required Replacement	Estimated Expenses
Knock Sensor Bank 2	$297 up to $450
Knock Sensor Harness	$14 up to $80
Temperature Sensor	$392 up to $540
ECM	Up to $2,000
Coolant	$580 up to $610

If you take your vehicle to the repair shop, the mechanic will spend an hour diagnosing the vehicle first. The labor expense mostly stays between $75 and $200.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

I already explained everything regarding the P0332 DTC code, including its technical definition, causes that might trigger this error, the symptoms to determine the problem, and how to use easy DIY techniques to fix this error code.

However, if the DIY method I mentioned earlier does not fix this P0332 trouble code, I highly suggest taking your vehicle to the nearest authorized workshop.