canucklehe

My 1993 es300 has knock sensor code for CEL. Car is also sluggish and I think it needs throttle body cleaned and spark plugs changed.

I have no idea where the 2 knock sensors are located, or how to determine which one is the problem. Wondering if plenum has to be removed for this job, in which case, would make sense to clean TB & change pugs at same time.

any pics or how to videos anywhere?

thnx

morphh

I think they under the intake manifold..

canucklehe

can anyone confirm what Morph is thinking? where are these? how long does it take to get this job done?

anyone know where there is a free online 92-96 es300 manual?

tomf

See this link http://www.findonefindall.com/toyota...ock_sensor.htm for replacing a knock sensor in a 1mz-fe engine.

I believe it is similar to the 3vz-fe engine in your ES. I could be wrong. The link will give you an idea with what is involved with this project.

If you haven't replaced your rear valve cover gasket and spark plugs this would be an excellent time to do them.

If you are unfamiliar with this I would allow a weekend for this project.

tomf

Here's another link specifically for the 3VZ-Fe engine that might be helpful. http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/10...3vz-fe-v6.html

canucklehe

how long for a mechanic?

tomf

I'd bet an experienced mechanic could do it in under two hours. Three hours tops. That's just a guess.

Besides waiting for parts, (RockAuto sent me the wrong knock sensor in the right box) I spent most of the time labeling the connections so I could put it back together. I probably spent 2 hours trying to get one bolt on. I'm guessing other people have the same problem because on my latest ES purchase this particular bolt was left off.

canucklehe

I just replied and thanked you for these links on a different thread!! from the looks of the link you sent me, i don't think i have a rubber hose under my intake.

artbuc

Replace the wiring harness and coolant by-pass hose while you are in there.

canucklehe

does the 93 3ZF engine have a coolant bypass hose? It may be a solid metal tube.

artbuc

Wow, that is 2x in 2 days I have not read OP's first post carefully. Was thinking about the 1MZ-FE engine. I promise not to do this again!

canucklehe

no worries my friend, appreciate you looking out for me. from what I've seen and read about this coolant hose burried under the intake, it is an absolute no brainer must do. People should be SCREAMED AT to do it. cheap part but huge PITA if you have to do it all again later. with cars being 15-20 y/o.... just makes sense.

same for wiriing harness for my knocks (something I was going to overlook until now).praying that knock sensors & wiring fix the CEL light and improve sluggish low end performance.

still having a tough time figuring out if I have this hose or not. I want to have part ready to go as it will take Toyota 2 days to get it in. Not good while car is in peices... And I'm leaning to take this into mechanic.

pdr

I have seen a knock sensor error code on my car too. I cleared it and hope it doesn't come back, but I sorta know better.

On you tube, 'eric the car guy' has a video about checking the resistance across the knock sensor to test it. So I'm thinking you should be able to test it, possibly across the diagnostic port lugs in the engine compartment, with the engine intact. Anyone know if you can, and which terminals would go to the knock sensors?

canucklehe

pretty sure i saw that vid too. unfortunately, the sensor is burried under the intake manifold. once there, you might aswell replace both, and other stuff like coolant hose, sensor wiring haRNESS, AND vc GASKETS. ALSO DO SPARK PLUG CHANGE NOW, AND CLEAN THROTTLE BODY. Ooops sorry for cap locks.