P032A - OBD Trouble Code

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Are you confronting problems like hesitation upon acceleration, increased fuel consumption, below engine performance and specially abnormal noises from the engine area, then do not ignore it as these are the symptoms of OBD Code P032A. If you neglect them then it might cause some serious problems in near future. A P032A trouble code means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an unexpected sensor reading from the knock sensor #3 on bank 1.

OBD-II Code Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure is defined as a Knock Sensor 3 Circuit. It is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. This code is technically described as Knock sensor (KS) 3, bank 1 – circuit malfunction which means that PCM has discovered an unpredicted sensor reading from knock sensor # 3 on bank 1. The location of the sensors in a multi-sensor system may vary between manufacturers but most are in the sides of the block. Knock sensors that are in the sides of the engine block are often threaded directly into engine coolant passages. If the PCM detects a degree of knock sensor voltage indicative of a spark detonation; it may retard ignition timing and no knock sensor control code may be stored. A stored code P032A should be considered severe because it could indicate internal engine failure.

What causes the problem of Knock Sensor 3 Circuit Bank 1?

• Knock sensor failure
• PCM failure
• Problem with wiring or connectors
• Adulterated fuel
• Misfiring while ignition
• Issues with internal engine

1. Knock Sensor - The knock sensor is a type of alarm for the engine. Just as the anti-theft alarm will engage if the vehicle body experiences too much vibration, a knock sensor also becomes engaged through a similar fashion. Ensure its proper functioning to avoid all associated trouble codes and replace it if found faulty.
2. Engine Coolant System - Engine cooling system provide a satisfactory temperature operating range for the engine and regulates the engine temperature to keep it just right during all operating conditions. So, if you discover it faulty then go ahead and replace or repair it as required.
3. Electronic Control Unit - An electronic control unit is a device responsible for overseeing, regulating and altering the operation of a car's electronic systems. It should work flawlessly but if ever you discover it flawed, kindly replace or repair it as needed.

Below are the common symptoms for the code P032A. If you experience below mentioned symptoms please bring your vehicle to a reputable repair facility.

• Diminished engine performance
• Extraordinary noises from the engine area
• Difficulty while acceleration
• Raised level of fuel consumption

Trouble Code P032A should be considered severe because it could indicate internal engine failure. Once occurred, it should be fixed as soon as possible. It is always recommended that you should take your vehicle to a reputed repair facility and consult a highly experienced diagnostician because sometimes it is risky to do it by your own because when the engine is warm and the engine cooling system is under pressure, removal of these sensors could result in severe burns from hot coolant. So before removing a knock sensor, allow the engine to cool and always dispose of coolant properly. Following repairs and replacements may help you fix this trouble code:

• Replace the faulty knock sensor.
• Replace frayed wiring or connectors.
• Replace or repair the failed PCM.
• Verify the quality of fuel.

Kindly replace the faulty parts immediately for the smooth functioning of your expensive automobile. We offer you a wide range of all top-grade replacement parts on the best prices available. Have a tour of our web and discover more.

This trouble code is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model. Steps to diagnose this code are as follows:

• Begin with a visual inspection of all system related wiring harnesses and connectors. These should not be corroded, burnt, or damaged else they may create an open or shorted circuit.
• Retrieve all stored diagnostic codes and freeze frame data by connecting the OBD - II scanner to the diagnostic connector.
• Clear the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if any are reset.
• If the P032A is reset, start the engine and use the scanner to observe knock sensor data and proceed accordingly.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P032A Code

Common mistake which usually people do while fixing this code is, they do not take precautions while removing the faulty knock sensor. So, always let the engine cool first and always dispose of coolant properly to avoid severe burns from hot coolant.