Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The knock sensor in cylinder 1 has exceeded the threshold
What is the meaning of P2336?
P2336 is a generic powertrain code that applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer), including Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Sprinter, Nissan, and others. The specific repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and powertrain configuration of the vehicle.
If your vehicle has stored the code P2336 and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a signal from the knock sensor in cylinder #1 that is outside of the acceptable threshold.
The knock sensor is responsible for monitoring excessive vibration and noise in an individual cylinder or bank of cylinders. It detects engine knock, which can be caused by timing, detonation, or internal engine failure. The knock sensor reacts to changes in engine noise by producing a slight increase in voltage. Since the knock sensor is part of a low voltage circuit, any changes in voltage are easily detected by the PCM.
If the PCM detects an unexpected level of voltage on the knock sensor circuit for cylinder one, it will store the code P2336 and illuminate the MIL. Multiple failure cycles may be required for the MIL to illuminate.
What is the severity of this DTC?
When the code P2336 is stored, it is important to diagnose the cause as soon as possible. The symptoms that contribute to this code being stored can range from minimal to catastrophic.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P2336 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
The causes for this code may include:
What are some P2336 troubleshooting steps?
Ensure that the engine has the correct oil level and is in good working order. Any actual engine noise, such as spark knock, must be resolved before diagnosing a P2336 code.
To accurately diagnose a code P2336, you will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and reliable vehicle information.
It may be helpful to search for technical service bulletins (TSB) that match the stored code, vehicle information (year, make, model, and engine), and symptoms. This information can be found in your vehicle information source and may provide a quick solution to your diagnosis.
After connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data, write down the information in case the code is intermittent. Then, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle until one of two things happens: the code is restored or the PCM enters readiness mode.
If the PCM enters readiness mode at this point, the code may be more difficult to diagnose because it is intermittent. The condition that caused the P2336 code to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made. If the code is restored, continue with the diagnosis.
You can obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component locator charts, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flow charts specific to the code and vehicle in question from your vehicle information source.
Inspect the related wiring and connectors visually. Repair or replace any wiring that is cut, burned, or damaged. Spark plug wires and boots should be replaced as part of scheduled maintenance. If the vehicle has exceeded the recommended maintenance interval for a tune-up, suspect bad spark plug wires/boots as the cause of a stored P2336 code.
After disconnecting the PCM, use the DVOM to check continuity in the knock sensor circuit. Take caution when removing the knock sensor, as it is typically threaded into the engine block and can cause burns from coolant or oil. Test continuity through the sensor and back to the PCM connector.
