What P0333 means
P means powertrain (engine and transmission). The 0 marks a generic code defined by SAE, so the same number means the same thing across makes. The third character, 3, places it in the ignition system or misfire subsystem; the last two digits identify the specific fault.
A knock sensor is a piezoelectric microphone bolted to the engine block that listens for detonation. When it hears knock, the engine computer retards ignition timing for that cylinder or bank. Without a trusted knock signal, most engines run with timing pulled back as a precaution.
Bank 2 is the side opposite cylinder 1. Inline engines have only bank 1, so a bank 2 code on an inline engine usually indicates a manufacturer-specific use.
What “Circuit High” means here
"High" means the signal or control voltage rose above the maximum the module expects. On a three-wire sensor fed by a 5 V reference, typical causes are a signal wire shorted to the reference or to battery voltage, an open sensor ground, or a failed sensor.
What you may notice
Symptoms depend on the vehicle and on how the module responds to the fault. Any of these can accompany P0333:
- Reduced power and economy as timing is retarded
- Audible pinging under load if knock is not being controlled
- Often no other symptom
Where to start diagnosing P0333
- Inspect the connector and harness; knock sensors often sit under the intake manifold where wiring is easily damaged.
- Check the sensor's mounting bolt torque; a loose sensor reads poorly.
- Rule out genuine mechanical noise or knock from low-octane fuel or carbon build-up.
Clear the code only after recording freeze frame data: it shows the engine speed, load and temperature at the moment the fault set, which is often the best clue to reproducing it.
Live data to watch
These standard OBD2 values relate to P0333. Support varies by vehicle; a value your car does not report will simply be missing.
| Value | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Timing advance (PID 0x0E) | Persistently low or retarded timing under load suggests the knock strategy is active. |
| Engine load (PID 0x04) | Context for timing. |
Related codes
Codes from the same knock sensor family. If several are stored together, the shared part — wiring, a common reference voltage, or the component itself — is the place to start.
| Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| P0326 | Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) |
| P0327 | Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) |
| P0328 | Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) |
| P0329 | Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) |
| P0330 | Knock Sensor 2 Circuit (Bank 2) |
| P0331 | Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 2) |
| P0332 | Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2) |
| P0334 | Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2) |
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0333 mean?
P0333 is the generic SAE J2012 code for "Knock Sensor 2 Circuit High (Bank 2)". In plain terms, it means the engine computer has detected a "circuit high" fault on the knock sensor.
Can I keep driving with P0333?
Usually drivable, but avoid heavy loads and low-octane fuel until fixed, because knock protection may be limited.
What should I check first for P0333?
Inspect the connector and harness; knock sensors often sit under the intake manifold where wiring is easily damaged.
Definition source: SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 generic DTC definitions. This is the generic meaning that applies across makes; a manufacturer can define a code more narrowly or add its own sub-codes, so confirm against the service information for your vehicle before replacing parts. Written by the OBDAssistant engineering team — see our editorial policy.