98 Legacy "P0325 Knock Sensor 1.."

[shermanshack]

Hi there,

My 98 Subaru Legacy wagon's check engine light went on the same day Jiffy Lube changed the oil. I went to a part store and they did a diagnostics and the code came up as "P0325 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 or 1 Sensor". I've read online the knock sensor ensures the correct timing of the engine. My question is, do I need to replace the knock sensor? And if so, how much would that cost? Note: I have recently moved from Oregon to Iowa (had oil changed the day I moved here) and in Oregon I used 87 octane unleaded gas. In Iowa, the 89 octane super unleaded is cheaper because it contains ethanol (not E85). Could this change in gasoline have tripped the check engine light? Thanks in advance.

[RahX]

It is possible but more than likely the knock sensor is bad. The engine should run a base 'safe' timing map so you won't get the best performance but the engine should not detonate.

[russell_smith93]

I have been getting the knock sensor code on my 99 recently, I ordered in& picked up a replacement part, but can anyone tell me where exactly on the engine the damned thing is installed?