P0328 on Volkswagen: How to Diagnose & Fix
Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High Input (Bank 1)
2 Volkswagen models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical
P0328 on Volkswagen by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
On the 2.0L TSI engines (codes CCTA and CBFA) used in the 2008–2013 Eos, the timing chain tensioner can stop holding the chain at the right tension. VW technical bulletin 2028302 (July 2012, replacing bulletin V151104) says the chain can then skip, so the pistons can hit the valves. Owners may notice a rattle from the front of the engine just after start-up, a check-engine light, or an engine that won't start once the chain has jumped. The bulletin lists two codes stored in the engine computer: P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft position correlation) and P0328 (knock sensor 1 circuit high). The 2009–2012 Eos was included in the U.S. class-action settlement over timing chain tensioner failures on these 2.0 TSI engines.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling from the front of the engine right after start-up
- Engine does not start (chain has skipped)
- Check-engine light with P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft position correlation)
- P0328 knock sensor 1 circuit high stored alongside P0016
How to Fix
Check first: if you hear a rattle from the engine after start-up or the check-engine light shows P0016, stop driving. If the chain skips, the pistons can hit the valves. How VW bulletin 2028302 checks it: the shop removes the lower timing chain cover and pushes the chain's tensioning rail against the tensioner by hand. - If the tensioner piston pushes in by hand, the tensioner has failed and needs replacing. - If the piston still won't compress after several tries, the tensioner is good and the engine needs more diagnosis. VW's tip is to inspect the intake camshaft and its bearings for damage. - If the engine noise or no-start continues, the pistons and valves need checking for contact damage. If they are damaged, the cylinder head or the whole engine may need replacing. The bulletin lists no special parts or tools. Its warranty section says "information only," so the bulletin adds no coverage of its own. Coverage: the 2009–2012 Eos was part of the U.S. Volkswagen/Audi timing chain settlement. It extended coverage of the timing chain system to 10 years or 100,000 miles from the date the car first went into service. It also refunded past repairs, with lower caps for work done at independent shops. Claims for past repairs closed on January 25, 2019, and the 10-year term has now run out for these model years. Keep any records of earlier timing chain work. A repair done now will most likely be at your own cost.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- ECS 06H198004KT4 early Eos ultimate timing-chain kit
replace the production-matched early upper/lower chains, tensioners, guides, seals and service hardware Fitment/availability: Volkswagen Eos 2.0T TSI production from January 16 2008 through the 2009 model year per the retailer; confirm V…
- ECS 06H198004KT10 Eos through-2011 ultimate timing-chain kit
replace the production-matched complete chain, tensioner and guide system with covers, seals and hardware Fitment/availability: Volkswagen Eos 2.0T TSI production through December 12 2011; confirm VIN/build date and installed 06H system …
- ECS 06H198004KT Eos late-2011-through-mid-2013 ultimate timing-chain kit
replace the production-matched complete chain, tensioner and guide system with covers, seals and hardware Fitment/availability: Volkswagen Eos 2.0T TSI production from December 13 2011 through July 1 2013; confirm VIN/build date and inst…
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Sources for this issue (2)
On 2012–2013 Beetles with the 2.0L TSI engine (codes CCTA and CBFA), the timing chain tensioner can stop holding the chain tight. VW technical bulletin 2028302 (July 2012) says the chain can then skip, which can let the pistons hit the valves. Warning signs are a rattle from the front of the engine just after start-up, a check-engine light with codes P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft position correlation) or P0328 (knock sensor), or an engine that won't start. A class-action lawsuit over the same tensioning system alleged it can fail at any time and cause engine failure. One owner in that coverage was quoted more than $9,000 for a new engine and turbo. Parts catalogs show the original tensioner, part 06H109467N, superseded by a revised part, 06K109467K.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle from the front of the engine right after start-up
- Check-engine light with P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation) or P0328 (knock sensor)
- Engine does not start
- Piston-to-valve contact damage if the chain skips
How to Fix
If you hear a rattle at start-up or get a P0016 code, stop driving the car. A skipped chain can damage the valves and pistons. Have it towed rather than driven to the shop. What to check first (VW bulletin 2028302): the shop removes the lower timing chain cover and presses the chain's tensioning rail by hand against the tensioner. If the tensioner piston pushes in by hand, the tensioner has failed. If it won't compress after several tries, the tensioner is fine and the engine needs further diagnosis; the bulletin says to inspect the intake camshaft and its bearing for damage. If the noise or no-start continues, the pistons and valves should be checked for contact damage. If the engine is damaged, the cylinder head or engine may need to be replaced. Parts: the original tensioner (06H109467N) has been superseded by 06K109467K. If the tensioner is replaced, confirm the current part number against your VIN with a dealer. Coverage: the bulletin is "information only," with no warranty extension. A later class-action settlement listed 2012–2014 Beetles. It extended the warranty on the timing chain and tensioner to 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date. It also paid back past repairs: 100% at a VW dealer, or up to $2,000 for chain and tensioner work and up to $6,500 for engine failure at an independent shop. The claim deadline was January 25, 2019, and the 10-year term has now run out on 2012–2013 cars. Keep records of any past chain or tensioner work anyway.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Volkswagen Audi 06H198004 early 2.0T TSI ultimate timing-chain kit
replace a diagnosed early-generation chain/tensioner system with the matched chains, tensioners, guides, cover, sealant and required hardware Fitment/availability: Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T TSI early-generation branch; confirm VIN, engine c…
- Genuine Volkswagen Audi 06H109469AHKT3 EA888 Gen-3 ultimate timing-chain kit
replace a diagnosed Gen-3 timing-chain system with the generation-matched rails, chains, tensioners, sealant and hardware Fitment/availability: Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T EA888 Gen-3 branch; confirm VIN, engine code and production date becau…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (4)
P0328 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 P0328 mean on a Volkswagen?
P0328 stands for "Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High Input (Bank 1)." This code means the knock sensor on engine bank 1 produced a voltage signal higher than its normal expected range. The knock sensor detects the vibrations of engine knock (detonation) so the computer can pull back ignition timing and protect the engine from damage. A high-input reading typically indicates an electrical issue such as a short to voltage or a wiring/connector fault, rather than genuine, sustained knock. While the sensor is faulted, the engine may default to conservative timing, slightly hurting performance and fuel economy. On Volkswagen it is documented across 2 models: Eos, Beetle.
What are the most common causes of P0328?
The most common causes of P0328 are: Faulty knock sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1), Sensor wiring shorted to voltage or power, Damaged or corroded sensor connector, Loose or improperly torqued sensor mounting, Chafed/pinched wiring harness, Grounding or shielding fault in the circuit, Faulty engine control module (PCM) — rare. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0328 on a Volkswagen?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Volkswagen model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.