After getting a check engine light code 23 Knock Sensor Circuit Malfunction, checking the wiring, checking the ECM, and resetting the ECU, I decided I needed a new knock sensor. I went to my local Autozone and ordered one shipped overnight for $109.
I thought this would have been an easy job except I didn't know what I was doing or what I needed, hence this write up. The tool I ended up really needing was a deep socket or mid 24mm socket (anything longer than 1/2").
To first remove the knock sensor, you want to jack up your car as high as possibly to get the most amount of room:
Then to reach the knock sensor located above the oil filter, I recommend removing the oil filter. This is the view directly underneath, and it's cramped under there:
Once the oil filter is out of the way, reach back there and remove the wire connector. You have to pinch one side to release the clip (squared out is where the knock sensor assembly is located):
Picture of the connector (I could barely see anything up there. I had to feel it way back in there and fumble around to disconnect it):
Another angle of the knock sensor assembly (note: only my tiny digicam can see this angle):
Then carefully slide your 24mm socket on, attach your wrench, and break it loose. Once it was broken loose, I pretty much unscrewed it by hand (because my wrench barely fit in there). You might want to also unbolt the bundle of wires positioned right next to it, to give you more room to attach your wrench. You don't want to put pressure on the sensor, because the back end will snap off:
Here is a pic of the knock assembly once removed and the socket you will need, a normal 1/2" 24mm socket is too short:
And finally, a picture of the knock sensor assembly by itself. Notice the black connector, it's really really fragile. I broke it off, so becareful unscrewing and screwing it back on, it will break easily:
To replace with the new sensor just reverse the steps, and you're all done!
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