P0325 on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1)
1 Toyota model · 1 documented issue · $150-$900 repair
P0325 on Toyota by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
On the 3rd-gen 4Runner's 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6, the two knock sensors sit in the engine valley beneath the upper and lower intake manifolds, and their sub-wiring harness bakes over time. The harness insulation becomes brittle and crumbles, opening the circuit and setting P0325 (knock sensor 1 circuit) and/or P0330 (knock sensor 2 circuit). The ECU then pulls timing, hurting fuel economy and power. It is a very high-demand repair topic because the fix is buried under the intake, and because the ECU is extremely sensitive to sensor signal quality.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0325 and/or P0330
- Noticeably reduced fuel economy
- Slight loss of power / sluggish acceleration
- Brittle, crumbling wiring found under the intake manifold
- Code returns after aftermarket sensor install
How to Fix
Remove the upper and lower intake manifolds and replace BOTH knock sensors plus the knock-sensor sub-harness. Use OEM/Denso sensors only — aftermarket knock sensors very frequently fail to clear the code, forcing you to redo the whole labor-intensive job. Key parts: knock-sensor sub-harness Toyota 82219-34010; two Denso knock sensors (Denso 89615-series); new upper and lower intake manifold gaskets and a fresh coolant fill. Budget roughly $150-300 in genuine parts (harness + 2 sensors + gaskets), or ~$400-900 done at a shop given the intake teardown labor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Toyota 82219-34010 5VZ-FE knock-sensor sub-harness
heat-aged valley sub-harness replaced during diagnosed knock-circuit repair Fitment/availability: 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 5VZ-FE according to the retailer Fitment/availability: quantity control and purchase path live when reviewed
- Genuine Toyota/Denso 89615-12090 knock control sensor
current superseding sensor for a bank whose sensor is confirmed faulty Fitment/availability: 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 5VZ-FE in the Toyota catalog; Denso manufacturer note; one sensor per listing and quantity must follow diagnosis F…
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Sources for this issue (3)
P0325 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0325 mean on a Toyota?
P0325 stands for "Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1)." This code indicates a fault in the knock sensor 1 circuit on Bank 1. The knock sensor listens for the vibrations of detonation (pinging/spark knock) and lets the computer retard ignition timing to protect the engine. When the sensor's signal is missing, out of range, or the circuit is open/shorted, P0325 sets. With knock detection compromised, the computer may run more conservative timing, causing reduced power and slightly lower fuel economy, and the engine is less protected against damaging knock. On Toyota it is documented across 1 model: 4Runner.
What are the most common causes of P0325?
The most common causes of P0325 are: Failed knock sensor, Corroded or loose knock sensor connector, Damaged, open, or shorted sensor wiring, Improperly torqued or loosely mounted sensor, Moisture or corrosion in the connector, Wiring harness chafing near the engine, Faulty PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0325 on a Toyota?
Published repair estimates on Toyota range from $150 to $900 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0325 on a different make?
View P0325 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.