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I have a p0325 knock sensor code, my car is not in limp mode but when I clear the code it comes right back. I’ve got to replace the knock sensor, is it do able without removing the intake manifold? I can only find write ups for the SI. Has anyone done this replacement. It seems stupid they would place it where it is so hard to get to.. I just bought the car used and want to iron out all the problems cause it’s now my daily driver..any help would be great!

 
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It appears the intake manifold needs to be removed.

Knock Sensor Replacement (R18A)

 
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I appreciate the information, but I’m aware of this bit of instructions. I was actually wondering if someone has actually done it and knew of a different way or if it was possible.. Ive been a mechanic for many years and just wanted to figure out if there are time saving tricks someone has discovered as all mechanics typically do. I haven’t had to do a knock sensor on an r18a1 but I have on multiple k20’s and k24’s.. so basically I’m trying to find out if I can do it more quickly after work one day or if I have to wait for the weekend and buy the manifold and throttle body gaskets.

 
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Looks like it's pretty well hidden underneath the intake manifold. You could get underneath and take a look but likely the manifold will have to be taken off. Not really a wear and tear part so why worry about making it accessible.

 
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That’s a bummer, seems to be a reoccurring problem for a lot of people with this model, so you’d think they’d make it as accessible as it is on other models. I’ve gotten under it a few times to do the starter and the power steering pump but didn’t think to look for a knock sensor being that all the others are so easy. In the R18Z1, the 9th gen, they moved it so that it isnt beneath the manifold and even changed the way it’s made and affixed to the block, I’m assuming to make it less prone to breaking. And in the K20 it’s on the front and take about 25 minutes to change.. just seems a bit silly for it to be a 3 hour job to replace a $30 dollar sensor, plus have to replace the gaskets for the throttle and intake manifold as well..

 
Rep Power: 224

Still isn't a wear and tear item. Of all the cars I've owned/worked on over the years I've had to replace one or two knock sensors. I've done probably 10-20 timing belts/chains which take a significant amount more time. To Honda there's no reason to spend the money to relocate the knock sensor when it really shouldn't have to be replaced.

I've replaced the knock sensor on a K20 and it was far from a 25 minute job. How did you manage that without removing the intake manifold? There's just no room with the harness and intake manifold brackets to get to it from underneath or the side.

 
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It’s on the front of the motor just remove the radiator cross member and you’re basically there
there’s a good write up on the 8th gen website you should check it out

 
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Also, I’m new here, I wasn’t trying to get in a pi$$ing match with a Super Moderator, I’m sure you’re a good mechanic. I was just looking for a little help mechanic to mechanic. In my 20 years with Firestone as an A1 Bosch certified AutoElectrician I haven’t had to do this and was looking to find out if anyone has found an easier way than what the Haynes or a Chilton manual says and people post on here. You know sometimes mechanics figure out better ways than the book or Alldata says.. that’s all I was asking for

 
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The car is 14 years old, I'm sure if there was a better way someone would've figured it out by now

 
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Honestly after inspecting it closely, I believe I’ll be able to get it off without removing the intake manifold.. I have the manual transmission version which is slightly different based on the pictures, however, it looks like I may be able to just remove the intake manifold mounting bracket from the back and it may allow me access to the knock sensor without having to remove the manifold. We’ll see

here is a picture I found and you can clearly see the wire between the bracket and the manifold, perhaps I’ll be able to remove it without removing the manifold.

 
Rep Power: 224

Mine wasn't on an 8th gen, radiator support isn't removable. That would explain it. I think initially I tried removing the intake support brackets to get to it from underneath but even that is a pain, plus one of the bolts was basically rounded off.

Nobody here is angry, nothing wrong with asking. I haven't really worked on an 8th gen much and have certainly never replaced a knock sensor on one. Just adding my two cents

Hopefully that works out for you. Let us know if it does!

 
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Yeah I haven’t had to many 9th or 10th gens come through the shop yet that may be why I haven’t had the pleasure of running into a problem yet..
I did get under the car and get a good look and I can see the knock sensor right above that intake manifold bracket and below the intake manifold but I’m not sure there’s enough clearance to back it out all the way.. I was hoping there would be an easier way, like possibly bypassing all the removal and just taking the manifold bolts out and lifting it just enough to get the old knock sensor out and new one in, then Just setting it back down and tightening it up..when I have more time this weekend I’ll see what I can do..

Also, in the intake manifold removal link I was provided it says to remove the throttle body, can’t that be avoided? If the manifold has to come up to access the knock sensor, why not just leave the throttle body attached to avoid having to replace another rubber gasket needlessly?

 
Rep Power: 224

My guess would have been it restricted access to the intake manifold bolts but both on that side seem fairly accessible. You would have to try it out.

 
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Honestly I’m just trying to do it quickly without having to pour a bunch more money into it. My wife and I just had our second kid on the 2nd and I’m trying to get this thing good before I have to pour all my money into another child.. I appreciate your advice, thank you!