How do you replace a knock sensor on a 2006?

Answer 1

For a 2006 Acura TL KNOCK SENSOR.

1. Remove the upper intake manifold. There are a number of hoses and electrical connections that first need to be disconnected. Most difficult are 2 hoses next to each other under the throttle body on the drivers side. Next remove the outside cover (~10 bolts). Under the cover are another set of bolts (~10) that disconnect the upper intake manifold from the lower section of the manifold.

2. Lower intake manifold. There are two of these. Only remove the one closest to the front of the car. I believe there are 5 bolts (12mm). I used a box wrench on 4 of the bolts and a socket on the second from the right (most difficult to see). The far left is the most difficult to access. First disconnect and move the electrical wire/connection out of the way. Loosen the metal bracket that supports the wire connector. Use a box wrench (I bought one that has a bend in the wrench that gives you some clearance). Even now you will only be able to get 1/6 turn at a time before having to reset the wrench.

3. The knock sensor is now exposed. Disconnect the wire and remove with a 24mm deep socket.

4. Install the new knock sensor and new wire. Note: the problem is usually a broken wire caused by rodents. The Acura people predicted this and it was true in my case. Also the plastic of the old knock sensor is fatigued and easily broken. The top of mine came off when I tried to disconnect the wire. So my suggestion is to replace it even if you only found the wire was broken.

5. Reassemble in reverse order.