This procedure covers removal and replacement of the knock sensor on the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, which is mounted on the engine block beneath the intake manifold.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Knock sensor × 1 — 89615-06010 or equivalent
• Intake manifold gasket set (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover (press-fit clips)
4. Take photos of hose routing and connector positions for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake components
   Loosen the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body using a flat-blade screwdriver. Disconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector by pressing the tab and pulling. Remove the air filter housing by unclipping the housing clamps and lifting the assembly away. Disconnect any vacuum lines attached to the air intake tube.
2. 2

   Disconnect throttle body and PCV hoses
   Disconnect the throttle body electrical connector by pressing the locking tab. Remove the PCV hose from the valve cover by pulling firmly. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum line from the intake manifold.
3. 3

   Remove fuel injector connectors and wire harness
   Press the locking tabs on each of the four fuel injector connectors and disconnect them. Unclip the engine wiring harness from the brackets along the intake manifold. Move the harness aside to provide access to the intake manifold bolts.
4. 4

   Remove intake manifold stay bracket
   Locate the intake manifold support bracket on the driver's side of the manifold. Remove the two mounting bolts securing the bracket to the manifold and engine block using a 14mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove intake manifold bolts and nuts
   Remove the six intake manifold mounting bolts and nuts in a crisscross pattern from outside to inside. The fasteners are located around the perimeter of the manifold. Use a 12mm socket for the nuts and 10mm for any remaining bolts. Keep fasteners organized in a parts tray.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lift and remove intake manifold
   Carefully lift the intake manifold straight up and away from the engine. The manifold may require gentle wiggling to break the gasket seal. Inspect the gasket on the cylinder head - if torn or damaged, it must be replaced. Cover the intake ports with clean shop towels to prevent debris entry.
7. 7

   Locate and access knock sensor
   The knock sensor is located on the engine block below where the intake manifold was positioned, on the front side of the block between cylinders 2 and 3. It has a single wire connector with a 12mm hex head. Clean the area around the sensor with compressed air or vacuum to prevent debris from falling into the engine.
8. 8

   Disconnect knock sensor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the knock sensor electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the sensor. The connector may be stiff due to age - use pliers gently on the connector body if needed, never pull on the wire itself.
9. 9

   Remove knock sensor
   Using a 12mm deep socket with extension, remove the knock sensor by turning counterclockwise. The sensor is torque-critical, so note the effort required for removal to gauge proper installation torque. Remove the sensor and inspect the mounting surface on the engine block - it should be clean and flat.
   Torque spec

   Knock Sensor20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Clean mounting surface and install new sensor
    Clean the knock sensor mounting hole on the engine block with a clean rag - ensure no oil, debris, or old gasket material remains. Install the new knock sensor by hand, threading it carefully to avoid cross-threading. Tighten to exactly 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) using a torque wrench - this torque is critical for sensor function as it affects signal transmission.
    ⚠Torque specification is critical - improper torque will cause sensor malfunction and check engine light codes P0325 or P0330
    Torque spec

    Knock Sensor20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect knock sensor electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the knock sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the connector is fully seated and the locking tab is engaged. Route the wire to prevent contact with hot exhaust components.
12. 12

    Reinstall intake manifold
    Remove shop towels from intake ports. Inspect the intake manifold gasket and replace if damaged. Position the new or existing gasket on the cylinder head, aligning all port openings. Carefully lower the intake manifold into place, ensuring the gasket remains properly positioned. Install all six manifold bolts and nuts finger-tight initially.
    ℹ️Ensure gasket is properly aligned before tightening to prevent vacuum leaks
    Torque spec

    Gasket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque intake manifold fasteners
    Tighten the intake manifold mounting bolts and nuts to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern from the center outward. This ensures even gasket compression and prevents warping. Verify all six fasteners are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall manifold support bracket
    Reinstall the intake manifold support bracket on the driver's side. Install and tighten the two mounting bolts to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect all electrical connectors and hoses
    Reconnect all four fuel injector connectors until they click. Reclip the engine wiring harness to the intake manifold brackets. Reconnect the throttle body electrical connector. Reinstall the PCV hose to the valve cover and the brake booster vacuum line to the intake manifold. Refer to photos taken during disassembly to verify correct routing.
16. 16

    Reinstall air intake system
    Position the air filter housing and secure the clamps. Reconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Attach the air intake hose to the throttle body and tighten the clamp securely. Verify all connections are secure.
17. 17

    Reinstall engine cover and battery
    Press the engine cover back onto the mounting clips until it snaps into place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
2. Verify all vacuum hoses are properly connected and routed away from hot components
3. Ensure no tools or shop towels were left in the engine bay

Verification

• Start the engine and listen for any abnormal vacuum leaks (hissing sounds)
• Allow engine to idle for 2 minutes and verify smooth operation with no rough idle
• Check for check engine light - if illuminated, scan for codes P0325 or P0330 which indicate knock sensor circuit issues
• Clear any stored diagnostic codes using an OBD-II scanner
• Test drive the vehicle and verify no check engine light returns and normal acceleration performance
• After test drive, re-scan for codes to confirm knock sensor is functioning properly

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