Parts for your 2006 Toyota Highlander-Knock sensor

2006 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) knock sensor — what it does and when to replace it

Yes — the 2006 Toyota Highlander (sold as Kluger in Australia and New Zealand) is fitted with a knock sensor. Toyota’s factory repair information (TIS Repair Manual for 2006 Highlander/Kluger, Engine Control System – Knock Sensor) specifies a piezoelectric knock sensor on the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine and two knock sensors on the 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6 (Bank 1 and Bank 2), with related DTCs such as P0325/P0327 (Bank 1) and P0330/P0332 (Bank 2). Toyota’s electronic parts catalogue also lists these sensors for the model and engines.

The knock sensor’s job is to “listen” for abnormal combustion (pinging/detonation) and tell the engine computer to adjust ignition timing. That protects the engine from damage, smooths performance, and helps fuel economy on Aussie and Kiwi petrol. It’s a clever little microphone bolted to the block that turns vibration into a signal the ECU can understand.

They’re not a regular service item, but they can play up with age, heat, or wiring issues. Common clues include:

• Check engine light with codes P0325, P0330, P0327 or P0332
• Rattling/“ping” under load, sluggish performance, or poor fuel economy
• ECU pulling timing, making the car feel flat up hills or when towing

For maintenance, keep the engine bay tidy under the bonnet. Inspect the sensor harness and connector for brittleness or rodent damage, avoid oil/coolant spills on the sub-loom, and use the recommended octane. If there’s a drivability issue, rule out intake leaks and tired mounts that can confuse vibration detection.

Replacement is straightforward on the 2AZ-FE (single sensor on the block), but the 3MZ-FE V6 has two sensors tucked in the valley under the intake manifold, so allow extra time and new gaskets. Always use quality OEM-spec sensors and the correct sub-harness. Fit to a clean, dry mating surface and tighten to the workshop manual torque — over- or under-tightening can skew readings. After installation, clear codes, warm the vehicle through a few drive cycles, and road test under load to confirm timing advance behaves as expected.

When should it be replaced? If relevant fault codes return after wiring checks, if the sensor is physically damaged, or if there’s persistent knock with no proper timing correction. Given the labour on V6 models, it’s smart to organise related under‑manifold jobs at the same time to save time and dollars down the track.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) knock sensors

Where is the knock sensor located on a 2006 Highlander/Kluger?
On the 2.4L 2AZ-FE there’s one sensor bolted to the engine block on the intake side, roughly mid‑way down. On the 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6 there are two sensors mounted in the “V” of the block beneath the intake manifold, one for each bank.

Is it okay to keep driving with a bad knock sensor?
It’ll usually run, but the ECU may pull timing to stay safe, so it can feel gutless and use more fuel. If the engine is actually knocking and the sensor can’t report it properly, there’s a risk of internal damage. Best to sort it sooner rather than later.

Do knock sensors need regular servicing?
No scheduled service is required. Treat them as “inspect when diagnosing” items: check the connector, wiring and mounting, and ensure correct torque if they’re ever disturbed.