Parts for your 2013 Holden Colorado-Knock sensor

2013 Holden Colorado knock sensor — is it fitted or relevant?

Short answer: a knock sensor isn’t fitted to the 2013 Holden Colorado sold in Australia and New Zealand with the 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel (RG series), and it isn’t relevant to routine servicing on these models.

This conclusion is backed by factory and supplier documentation. The Holden/GM RG Colorado Workshop Manual (Engine Controls – 2.8L Diesel) lists all sensors and actuators in its component locator and wiring diagrams with no knock sensor shown. The Holden/GM Electronic Parts Catalogue (MY13 RG) likewise has no knock‑sensor part number or harness branch for one on the 2.8 diesel. The Bosch EDC17C59/EDC17CP49 engine management used on the VM Motori A428 2.8L details inputs for crank and cam position, rail pressure, MAP, MAF, ECT, IAT, etc., but no knock sensor input for this application. The diesel DTC list in GM service information also does not include P0324/P0325 knock‑sensor codes for the 2.8L.

Why no knock sensor on this Colorado? Knock sensors are primarily a petrol‑engine device, letting the ECU trim spark timing to avoid detonation. The 2.8‑litre Colorado is a compression‑ignition diesel with no spark plugs. Combustion quality is managed by injection timing, rail pressure and multiple pilot/main injection events, not by listening for knock and pulling timing. Diesel “clatter” is normal mechanical and combustion noise, a conventional knock sensor on a diesel can’t reliably separate that from harmful detonation. On the RG Colorado, the ECU uses inputs like crank/cam position and fuel‑rail pressure to shape combustion, and pilot injection reduces harshness without a knock sensor.

If a scan tool ever shows a generic knock‑sensor code on a 2013 diesel Colorado, it’s usually down to using a generic OBD profile or the wrong engine selection. For rattle or harshness concerns, attention is better spent on: injector correction values/coding, fuel quality, intake/boost leaks, EGR/turbo operation, engine and transmission mounts, accessory pulleys, and software updates per GM service bulletins.

Technical sources referenced:

• Holden/GM RG Colorado Workshop Manual (2012–2016), Engine Controls – 2.8L Diesel: component locations, wiring diagrams, and DTC index (no knock sensor listed).
• Holden/GM Electronic Parts Catalogue (RG, MY13): engine harness and block‑mounted sensor listings (no knock‑sensor part for 2.8L diesel).
• Bosch EDC17C59/EDC17CP49 system overview for VM Motori A428 2.8L: input signal list excludes knock sensor, combustion managed via rail pressure and staged injections.

Popular questions

Does the 2013 Holden Colorado have a knock sensor?

No. The 2013 RG Colorado sold in Australia and New Zealand runs the 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel, which doesn’t use a knock sensor. Some petrol engines in other markets can have knock sensors, but that doesn’t apply to the diesel Colorado here.

Why would a scan tool show a knock‑sensor fault on my 2013 diesel Colorado?

That usually happens when a generic OBD profile is used, or the tool is set to a petrol variant. The diesel ECU doesn’t monitor a knock sensor, so P0324/P0325 style codes aren’t valid for the 2.8. Check the tool’s vehicle/engine selection and look for diesel‑specific DTCs instead.

What should be checked if the engine sounds “knocky” or rattly?

On these diesels, start with fuel quality, injector performance/coding, intake and boost plumbing, EGR/turbo function, engine mounts, and accessory drive components. A software calibration update from Holden/GM can also refine injection timing and idle quality.