2003 Lexus ES 300FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Knock Sensor: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. DRAIN ENGINE COOLANT (See  COOLANT  ) 
  2. REMOVE AIR CLEANER CAP WITH AIR CLEANER HOSE 
  3. REMOVE THROTTLE BODY ASSY (See  REPLACEMENT   ) 
  4. REMOVE INTAKE MANIFOLD 
    1. Remove the 5 bolts, 2 nuts, intake manifold and gasket.
    Fig 1: Removing Intake Manifold
    G02852833Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. REMOVE KNOCK SENSOR 
    1. Disconnect the knock sensor connector.
    2. Remove the nut and knock sensor.
    Fig 2: Removing Knock Sensor
    G02852834Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  6. INSTALL KNOCK SENSOR 
    1. Install the sensor with the nut.

      Torque:  20 N.m (199 kgf.cm, 14 ft.lbf)

      HINT: Angling the knock sensor below the horizontal (below 0°) is recommended.

      Fig 3: Installing Knock Sensor
      G02852835Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Connect the sensor connector.
  7. INSTALL INTAKE MANIFOLD 
    1. Install a new gasket and the intake manifold with the 5 bolts and 2 nuts.

      Torque:  30 N.m (306 kgf.cm, 22 ft.lbf)

    Fig 4: Installing Intake Manifold
    G02852836Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  8. INSTALL THROTTLE BODY ASSY (See  REPLACEMENT   ) 
  9. INSTALL AIR CLEANER CAP WITH AIR CLEANER HOSE 
  10. CHECK CONNECTION OF VACUUM HOSE 
  11. ADD ENGINE COOLANT (See  COOLANT  ) 
  12. CHECK FOR ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS (See  ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION  ) 
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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