What Does P1320 Mean?
P1320 indicates that the knock sensor 2 circuit has a short to ground. This is the Bank 2 counterpart to P1319. The knock sensor 2 signal wire is being pulled to ground potential, preventing the ECM from detecting detonation on Bank 2 cylinders. The ECM will apply excessive timing retard to Bank 2 as a protective strategy.
Common Causes
30%
Damaged knock sensor 2 wiring shorted to engine block or ground
30%
Internal knock sensor 2 failure (piezoelectric element shorted)
20%
Water or oil contamination in the knock sensor 2 connector
15%
Harness routing too close to ground sources or chafed against block
5%
ECM knock sensor 2 input circuit failure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Locate knock sensor 2 (typically on the engine block, Bank 2 side) and inspect the connector for contamination or physical damage.
2
Disconnect knock sensor 2 and measure resistance between the signal pin and chassis ground — it should be open (infinite resistance).
3
Inspect the wiring harness for damage, paying close attention to areas near the exhaust manifold and engine mounting brackets.
4
Measure the sensor's internal resistance and compare to manufacturer specifications.
5
After repair, clear codes and monitor the knock sensor 2 PID during a test drive with varying load conditions.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $400
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
P1320 indicates that the knock sensor 2 circuit has a short to ground. This is the Bank 2 counterpart to P1319. The knock sensor 2 signal wire is being pulled to ground potential, preventing the ECM from detecting detonation on Bank 2 cylinders. The ECM will apply excessive timing retard to Bank 2 a...
The most common cause of P1320 (Knock Sensor 2 Circ. Short to Ground) is: Damaged knock sensor 2 wiring shorted to engine block or ground
Typical repair costs for P1320 range from $100 to $400, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Loss of Bank 2 knock detection forces the ECM into a defensive timing strategy, reducing performance. Undetected detonation events can cause severe mechanical engine damage including piston and bearing failure.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1320 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Engine Knock Detection / Ignition Timing
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
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