Where is the Knock Sensor located in a 2000 Subaru Outback-Legacy?

Answer 1

Answer
It is on the top of the engine, drivers side, near the rear of the engine compartment. 12mm socket with an extension is needed.


More detail: It is located precisely below the throttle and cruise control cables. Error code p0325. You may need a spotlight to see it, its NOT immediately obvious and may be covered with debris. The white wire connector (under the throttle body) will help you locate it. (Precisely; 1999 Subaru outback, 2.5 L engine)

To replace:
a) Remove the plastic air manifold feeding the throttle body (2 hose clamps and 2 10 mm bolts). Rotate this back and out of the way. COVER the holes in the air manifold with a plastic bag and rubber band so stuff does not fall in there!!
b) Remove the cables. Rotate the throttle cams to the open position, with the slack in the cables slide them free of the cams. The head of the cable is mated to a small cylindrical barrel, which holds the cable. There is a slot, to allow this cable to come free. Push the slack towards the barrel, rotate it about 90 degrees so the cable comes out of the slot, and remove the cable. (this is easy if you've ever replace a bike brake or shifter cable)
c) Using a bright light, look straight down. Use a vacuum cleaner if needed to vacuum up years of accumulated dirt/debris down below where the throttle cables were. You will see a 12 mm bolt head surrounded by a black cylinder. Remove the bolts using a 9 inch or longer extension. USE a small grabber tool (at least 12 inches long) to remove the bolt after it is loosened completely (if it doesnt come out in the socket).
d)The wire from the sensor may be attached to another cable with a tie wrap. Cut this tie wrap with snips and discard (this is hard to get to). Alternatively, you can just cut the wire and remove the old sensor and disconnect it from its mating connector (Look at the connector on the wire carefully so you pull on the right part!)
e) Install new sensor. Use a chopstick or other long stick to align the center hole of the sensor with the bolt hole in the block! (Make sure you clean up all the debris surrounding the hole, otherwise this wont work!! Very important.
f) Wrap scotch tape around the bolt head, and snugly insert the bolt head into your 12 mm socket. You don't want that bolt to come free while you are trying to start it. Fasten the bolt down securely.
g) Plug in the new connector.

h)Reset the error code, and you should be set to go. Total time, 2 hrs (could be shorter, but I had to figure out some stuff above). Part was ~70$, autopartswarehouse.com was very good, very fast, free shipping.