[SCCountry]

Hey Guys,

Long time observer of this sight and finally decided to sign up and post something after having my own knock sensor issues with my 2003 SC.

I think I've read all the posts one guy can handle on knock sensors and after having the code for awhile with lack of power, an obvious retarded engine, I had to make a decision on what route I was going to take. As a former auto tech I decided to replace the KS in it's original location, as this was where some engineer figured it should be for proper operation. With an SC I thought this was important.
I will say that if I had a non SC I would of considered a relocation but then on a non SC the job to put the KS in it's original location would have been half the work of an SC.

I'm mainly writing something to let people know that to put the KS in it's original spot is not the HUGE job some posts have suggested. They even had me worried! I'm aware that my skills may be a bit higher then the average guy simply cuz I use to be a mechanic but there are NO special tools required, just your time. It took me 6 hours from start to finish, and I didn't use air, just a steady pace. I would say the most important tool would be a hose pick to help loosen up all the hoses.
The most time consuming part of the job was taking off the throttle body assembly with it's many vacuum and coolant hoses, after that it was wide open and very straight forward.
Anyhow, I know this is a bit of a long post, but just thought this could help guys figure out what they want to do if they don't mind a little mechanical work and don't want to splice wires etc. My KS was $70 from Auto partsway canada, and the intake gaskets were 25$. Note: The KS had the same parts # as the original, both from Japan, and parts stores around town wanted 250$ as well as at the dealership.
My truck is like a new truck now and the code is gone. Sorry I didn't take pics but there is another post on here with all the right pics so I would have been duplicating.
All the info on this sight is great and is by far the most in depth, I hope this helps someone else. Cheers

 

[pcar993]

I installed a 560kohm resistor on my truck and runs good. I get 17mpg with 32" bfg a/t tires. Something to think about when the new KS takes a dump.

 

[nissanintahoe]

Having recently changed my KS and left it in the factory location this thread is as good as any to post these questions. pcar993 What exactly do you mean "when the new one takes a dump"? I was ready to relocate origianaly befor i was talked out of it by a mech friend for reasons stated above. Was this a dumb decision? Its been two weeks and i have fixed two coolant leaks in hoses that i had to remove. I am still leaking coolant and am so p___d off. Is this normal when removing all the required hoses to do this job or am i a bigger idiot than my wife tells me?

 

[joefrontier2]

The KS is a big PIA. But I think you made the right decision by replacing it on your SC in the same location. The only problem is that in another 40,000 miles or so you will be doing it again. My theroy is heat kills them. I say this because the 4cyl friends of ours have basically the same KS and theirs is located on the side of the engine and is much cooler spot.

The problem with removing all the top engine stuff is that there is sooooo many coolant hoses that you are probably likely going to see a leak somewhere.

My only suggestion to you if you have removed the top of the engine is to replace the gasket/goose neck (cannot remember which it is) behind the thermostat housing that connects to the coolant pipe running down the center of the engine. Some guys have been reporting that this starts to leak and the only way to fix it is removal of the top of the engine.

V6 is a good engine but everything has it quirks.

 

[pcar993]

pcar993 What exactly do you mean "when the new one takes a dump"?

Exactly what Joe mentioned in the previous reply. Heat kills them and you'll find yourself replacing it again.

 

[SCCountry]

I'm aware that lots of people have had success with the relocation.....I'm just offering hope to those that don't feel right doing that and would prefer to put it in the factory location! If it goes again in a few years....i'll cross that bridge when I get there! I agree that heat is the culprit in there short life span though...
At least my truck runs great now!

 

[massbaster]

fyi

i do searches for vg33e engine parts including KS's and o2 sensors. i have at the moment an infiniti knock sensor and an exterra o2 sensor. i also just recently had the exhaust done with straight pipes in place of secondary cats with nismo high flow exhaust the rest of the way.

my point being that the parts were half price compared to shopping for 2004 frontier.

o2 sensor was 48. and knock sensor was around the same. well over 1000miles and no codes. just need timing belt now.