P0324 concerns the knock control as a whole rather than a single sensor circuit. GM and Saab's GM-based engines set it when excessive knock persists on one cylinder – knock despite ignition retard, or mechanical noise taken for knock – for more than 8–10 s; GM's 2018 engines in the first trip, older ones after two. Older GM calibrations also flag an abnormally low or flat signal per cylinder here. Ignition is retarded. Typical causes are low-octane fuel, carbon deposits, high intake or coolant temperature, lean running, or loose parts and valve train noise. Ford does not use this code; GM reports internal processor faults separately (P06B6/P06B7).
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?You can drive in moderation without pushing the engine. If you hear knocking, avoid full-throttle acceleration.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Loss of power from ignition retard
- Audible pinging or knocking under load
- Higher fuel consumption
Most likely causes
- Genuine knock: low-octane fuel, carbon deposits, high intake or coolant temperature, lean mixture
- Mechanical noise taken for knock (loose parts, brackets, valve train, bearings)
- Knock sensor damaged, wrongly torqued or mounted with sealant
- Engine software or calibration
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0324 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 3: Ignition and misfires
- 24: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0324?
You can drive in moderation without pushing the engine. If you hear knocking, avoid full-throttle acceleration.
What causes code P0324?
The most common causes are: genuine knock: low-octane fuel, carbon deposits, high intake or coolant temperature, lean mixture; mechanical noise taken for knock (loose parts, brackets, valve train, bearings); knock sensor damaged, wrongly torqued or mounted with sealant.
Related codes
- P0325Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor A Circuit
- P0326Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0331Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
- P06B6Internal Control Module Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor Processor 1 Performance
- P2336Cylinder 1 Above Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor Threshold
- P0300Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Engine Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 15OBDG02 Engine Diagnostics
- saabwisonline.com: dtc p0324 p0326 p0331 p06b6 or p06b7
- saabwisonline.com: dtc p0324 p0328 p0330 p0333 p06b6 or p06b7 lf1 lfw
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.