Man oh man have I been looking through so many forums, from what I can see a lot of people have been saying that the problem for code 52 is the wiring for the knock sensor. I was planning on getting just both the knock sensor and wiring replaced but I’m not making a whole lot of money especially if the motor has to be torn apart from the top to get to the knock sensor. So should I be smart and get both replaced to save it from happening in the future again?

 

Welcome to YotaTech.

Well, an OEM (Matsu˟˟˟˟a) Knock Sensor is about $200. The sensor itself is very tough, and rarely fails, but who knows? RockAuto carries aftermarket sensors for less than 1/2 that.

The "wiring" you plan to replace is just the last foot (often called the "pigtail"). Yes, it is the most likely part to fail (it is in a hellish environment). Unfortunately, some on this forum continue with Code 52 even after replacing both parts. I suspect (but certainly don't know) that they have a wiring issue between the pigtail and the ECM (it's a shielded wire from the sensor to the ECM; if the shield stops working electrical noise will swamp the signal.)

What are you going to do if replacing just the pigtail doesn't clear up the code? Maybe you want to invest $200 to rule out working in that direction. Maybe you want to save the money based on my statement that the sensor rarely fails, and take a chance.

Good luck, and let us know how it works out.

 

I’m gonna just replace both the sensor and wire, I’m hoping it’s not as big of an issue when the mechanic gets in there and it’ll clear it

 

I had to replace the knock sensors in my 99 4Runner when I bought it last spring. My mechanic tried to save me a few bucks by getting an after market pair of sensors. He had to get OEM pigtails, as no after market were available.
Once they got all that stuff replaced, it was still throwing code 52's. He got a pair of OEM sensors from the dealership up the road, and it cleared right up. Hasn't given me a lick of trouble since.
Apparently the ECU doesn't like after market sensors much. The new sensors checked out good, the freeze frame data from the mech's OBDII reader (really big, expensive Toyota unit) showed everything working properly, the ECU just didn't like the after market sensors for some reason.

Just thought you'd like the info...
Pat☺