P2338: Cylinder 3 Above Knock Threshold

What Does The P2338 Code Mean?

If your vehicle has stored a code P2338 , accompanied by a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a signal from the cylinder #3 knock sensor that is not within an acceptable threshold.

The knock sensoris responsible for monitoring excessive vibration and noise in an individual cylinder or bank of cylinders. The knock sensor is part of a low voltage circuit that uses a chemical reaction to noise, and the resultant vibration, to detect an engine knock. Engine knock may be caused by timing, detonation, or internal engine failure. Made with piezoelectric crystals, the modern knock sensor reacts to changes in engine noise with a slight increase in voltage. Since the knock sensor is part of a low voltage circuit, any changes (in voltage) are readily apparent to the PCM.

If the PCM detects an unexpected degree of voltage on the knock sensor (cylinder three) circuit, a code P2338 will be stored and a MIL illuminated. Multiple failure cycles may be required for MIL illumination.

What Are The Symptoms Of The P2338 Code?

Symptoms of a P2338 trouble code may include:

• Engine noise
• Diminished engine performance
• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Other related codes
• There may be no distinguishable symptoms

What Are The Potential Causes Of The P2338 Code?

Causes for this code may include:

• Bad knock sensor
• Mistimed engine or improper fuel type
• Open or shorted wiring or wiring connectors
• Engine noise caused by component failure
• PCM or programing error

How Serious Is This P2338 Code?

When a P2338 is stored, the cause should be diagnosed as soon as possible. Symptoms which contribute to this type of code being stored may range from minimal to catastrophic.

How Can You Fix The P2338 Code?

Make sure that the engine is filled to the proper level with the appropriate oil and that is in good working order. Actual engine noise, such as spark knock must be eliminated before a diagnosis of a P2338 can be made.

You will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of reliable vehicle information in order to accurately diagnose a code P2338.

Locate a technical service bulletin (TSB)

You may save yourself time and trouble by searching for technical service bulletins (TSB) that replicate the code stored, vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and symptoms exhibited. This information may be found in your vehicle information source. If you find the right TSB, it could yield a speedy solution to your diagnosis.

Retrieve all stored codes

After you connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes and pertinent freeze frame data, write the information down (in case the code proves to be an intermittent one). After that, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle until one of two things happens; the code is restored or the PCM enters readiness mode.

The code may be more difficult to diagnose if the PCM enters readiness mode at this point, because the code is intermittent. The condition which caused the P2338 to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made. If the code is restored, continue with the diagnosis.

You may obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component locator charts, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flow charts (pertaining to the code and vehicle in question) using your source of vehicle information.

Visually inspect of related wiring and connectors

Perform a visual inspection of related wiring and connectors. Repair or replace wiring that has been cut, burned, or damaged. Scheduled maintenance includes the replacement of spark plug wires and boots. If the vehicle in question is beyond the recommended maintenance interval for a tune up, suspect bad spark plug wires/boots as the cause of a stored P2338.

After disconnecting the PCM, use the DVOM to check continuity in the knock sensor circuit. Since the knock sensor typically threads into the engine block, use caution not to get burned with coolant or oil when removing the sensor. Test continuity through the sensor and back to the PCM connector.

• The P2338 code can usually be attributed to either a PCM programming error, defective knock sensor, or spark knock

Recommended Parts

Below are some recommended auto parts to help you address the trouble code affecting your vehicle and get it running smoothly again:

>>> Knock Sensor Parts
>>> WORKPRO 582-piece Crimp Terminals, Wire Connectors, Heat Shrink Tube, Electrical Repair Kit
>>> ECU
>>> INNOVA 5210
>>> KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter

Note: During the purchasing process, please check carefully whether the part you want to buy fits your car!

Reference Sources

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Guide for P2338 – Ominitek Advanced Technologies, pages 215-216.