Guide To P2342 OBD Error Code Solutions

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Do you know what does P2342 error code signify? Are there any symptoms and diagnostic procedures? Are you looking for this information? Then you are at the right place. The knocking of the engine which is also called as detonation or pinging is sensed by the knock sensor by utilizing a piezoelectric element. You will find this sensor fitted to the cylinder block, cylinder head, and the intake manifold. The knocking vibration which comes from the cylinder block is detected as vibrational pressure. This pressure is forwarded to the ECM once it is changed into the voltage signal. The signal is utilized by the ECM to slow down the ignition timing and then keep the engine from this injurious pre-ignition.

The cylinder will run lean if the fuel injector does not send the necessary fuel into the cylinder which in turn will create an engine knock. There is a calibration number on the side of the injectors and it must be entered into the engine computer whenever the injector is changed. Failing to enter the number into the PCM will set the P2342 error in the vehicle.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 7 Above Knock Threshold?

• Defective knock sensor.
• The knock sensor harness might have an opening or short circuit.
• The knock sensor circuit might have a weak electrical connection.
• The ECM be damaged.

1. Knock Sensor - Flashing of the check engine light is an indication that the knock sensor is defective. Repair it as soon as possible.
2. Cylinder Head Gasket - A blown head gasket can cause malfunctioning of the engine. It is best to replace them as quickly as possible.
3. Sensor Connector - The sensor connector has to be checked if they are proper. If they are found to be faulty, replace it immediately.
4. Intake Manifold - If the intake manifold is faulty, the engine will experience performance issues. Replace it quickly to avoid P2342 error code.
5. Engine Control Module - The behavior of your engine will be very erratic if the ECM is faulty or broken. Get it fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
6. Fuel Injector - Performance of the engine will be very poor if the fuel injector is broken or cracked. Replace it with the right fuel injector from PartsAvatar,
7. Spark Plug - One of the common symptoms for a faulty spark plug is the misfiring of the engine. Get it replaced quickly to avoid P2342 error code.
8. Powertrain Control Module - The PCM helps in generating output signals to control relays, actuators, and solenoids. If there is no proper output signal or if it is erratic then the PCM might be faulty. Fix the faulty PCM instantly.

For us our customers are everything, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P2342 code by mentioning some important symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• You will see a warning light from the service engine or the engine light may be on.
• There might be a high possibility for the lack/loss of power.

After you know the symptoms of your vehicle’s problem, it becomes easy to detect it and get started with solving it. So, next on our list is a few common steps to correct this issue with your vehicle’s.

• Fixing the defective fuel injector.
• Replacing the broken spark plugs.

Apart from the fuel injector, you might need to undergo a few more replacements. You might need best-priced PCM, ECM, spark plug, intake manifold, fuel injector, knock sensor, cylinder head, sensor connection, and many other parts. Where to get them from? Well, if you want quality parts, then we can prove to be your dream destination.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• Several knock sensors or one knock sensor is used by the manufacturer which fits into the engine block.
• V-shaped engine block usually will need 2 knock sensors for each cylinder bank.
• Whereas a few automakers will fix their vehicles with a knock sensor for a single cylinder.
• Note that, bank 1 mentions the engine bank which has the cylinder 1 and #1 cylinder is not available for bank 2.
• The knock sensor is nothing but a single wire sensor which uses low-voltage signal to identify extreme engine noise.
• The knock sensor will be stranded if there is extreme noise from the internal engine and it delivers a 5V signal of the input voltage to the PCM after completing the circuit.
• The voltage of the knock sensor is carefully monitored by the PCM and it reacts as needed.
• The timing of the engine will be reduced to avoid the noise and further engine damage if the PCM receives an abnormal knock sensor signal.
• A scanner and DVOM can be highly useful to diagnose this error code.
• You will be needing a service manual of the manufacturer or anything equivalent to it.
• Visually check every wires and connector.
• Fix the defective, detached or shorted wires, connectors, and other parts as necessary
• Recheck the system after every repair to make sure the diagnosis is successful.
• If every system appears to be in proper working condition, attach a scanner to the diagnostic connector and recover every freeze frame data and stored codes.
• In order to diagnose the erratic condition, this information can be highly helpful as you can know how this error code was stored.
• Clear the error codes and check again to see if the error appears.
• This can help you to know if there is any erratic signal stored in the vehicle.
• Clear the error codes and check again if they appear so it can help to know if any malfunction occurred.
• If the code does not instantly return, it is because of an irregular condition.
• Try to worsen this situation before proceeding with further diagnosis as it is a risky task.
• Fill the engine with clean oil.
• Proceed further by listening to extreme engine noise.
• The error codes which are stored in the PCM have to be repaired first before trying to diagnose any other error.
• You have to do an oil pressure test manually if you hear unusual engine noise and link your finding with the recommendation of the manufacturer.
• Change the bad and damaged engine components as necessary.
• Clear the error codes and check again to see if the error appears and the reparation was proper.
• If there is no error code and the engine works well, remove the electrical connector from the affected sensor and check the sensors’ resistance.
• Check the findings along with the specification of the manufacturer and sensor must be replaced as required.
• Clear the error codes and check again to see if the error appears and the reparation was proper by test driving the vehicle.
• Check the reference voltage, by removing the connector from the knock sensor if the sensor works well.
• See if there are any burnt, shorted or damaged wiring if you don’t find the reference voltage.
• Most mechanics find the faults with the engine oil which gets leaked into the wires and connector of knock sensor rather than the wires and connections which are dry and clean.
• If everything functions perfectly, remove the connectors from the knock sensor and its inter-related controllers.
• Check for resistance and continuity on the affected circuits.
• Check the findings along with the specification of the manufacturer and fix the circuits/ connectors which fails to obey.
• Clear the error codes and check again to see if the error appears and the reparation was proper by test driving the vehicle.
• Few knock sensors are found near the engine which makes it tough for testing.
• Vehicles which are fixed with such knock sensor have to be diagnosed separately which makes the knock sensor as the possible reason for failure.
• Ensure that the knock sensor is not threaded into the coolant passage of the engine black while replacing them.
• The mechanic will face serious skin burns if the knock sensor is taken off from the coolant passage of the hot engine.

Common mistakes when diagnosing The P2342 code

• The fuel injector calibration has to go into the PCM.
• Damaged fuel injector.
• Faulty PCM.
• The electrical wires might cause some issue.