Parts for your 2017 Holden Colorado-Knock sensor

2017 Holden Colorado Knock Sensor — what’s actually fitted

Short answer: a knock sensor isn’t used on the 2017 Holden Colorado 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel (RG series). This isn’t a missing part — the engine management simply doesn’t rely on a traditional knock sensor like a petrol does.

Technical sources that back this up include factory information and parts listings. GM/Holden Service Information (SI) for the 2017 RG Colorado (Engine Controls schematics and DTC lists) shows no knock sensor circuit or DTCs for P0325–P0334. The Holden EPC/GlobalConnect parts catalogue for RG Colorado MY17, 2.8L Diesel (LWN/XLD28), doesn’t list a knock sensor as a service part. Aftermarket workshop manuals covering the RG Colorado wiring for the 2.8 diesel likewise don’t show a KS in the loom. Together, they point to the Colorado diesel being built without one.

Why? Because the Colorado’s 2.8 is a compression‑ignition diesel. “Knock” in a petrol is uncontrolled combustion that a piezo knock sensor can detect so the ECU can trim spark timing. A diesel has no spark and manages combustion via injection timing, fuel pressure, boost and EGR. The ECU monitors other signals (crank and cam speed, fuel rail pressure, MAF/MAP, exhaust temps/NOx, and more) to keep combustion quiet and efficient without needing a dedicated knock sensor.

Seeing online listings for Colorado knock sensors? Those are usually generic, aimed at petrol variants in other markets, or mislabelled diesel parts. On a 2017 Aussie/NZ Colorado diesel, there’s nowhere to bolt a KS on the block because it isn’t designed for one.

• Key sensors the 2.8 diesel does use: crank and cam position, fuel rail pressure, MAF/MAP/boost, intake air temp, coolant temp, EGT/NOx, DPF sensors.
• If a scan tool shows “knock sensor” codes, it’s typically a generic OBD profile or wrong vehicle selection. Use Holden/GM‑aware diagnostics and check diesel‑specific DTCs instead.

Technical references (no external links): GM/Holden Service Information (SI) — RG Colorado 2017 Engine Controls Schematics & DTC Index, Holden EPC/GlobalConnect — RG Colorado MY17, 2.8L Diesel LWN parts, Aftermarket workshop manuals for Holden Colorado RG (engine management wiring, 2.8 diesel).

FAQs

Does a 2017 Holden Colorado have a knock sensor?
It doesn’t. The 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel manages combustion without a traditional knock sensor, and neither the factory wiring nor parts listings include one.

Why is my scan tool showing a knock sensor code (P0325/P0327) on my Colorado?
Those codes aren’t defined for the 2.8 diesel in GM SI. If they appear, the tool is likely using a generic OBD profile or the wrong engine selection. Re‑scan with a Holden‑aware tool and look for diesel‑specific DTCs.

Where is the knock sensor located on the 2.8 Duramax Colorado?
There isn’t a location because it isn’t fitted. Guides showing a sensor on the block apply to petrol engines, not the 2017 RG diesel sold in Australia and New Zealand.