OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P033E Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor D Circuit Intermittent
Knock sensor D signal jumps or drops out intermittently — usually a corroded connector or chafed wire near the cylinder head.
Is it safe to drive with P033E?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyIntermittent connector
- Less likelyGateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly
- Less likelyCAN terminating resistor (120 Ω) drifted out of spec
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–2 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- Parts involved
- Knock Sensor
Related codes
- P0329Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
- P032EKnock/Combustion Vibration Sensor C Circuit Intermittent
- P0334Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor B Circuit Intermittent
- P033BKnock/Combustion Vibration Sensor D Circuit Range/Performance
- P033CKnock/Combustion Vibration Sensor D Circuit Low
- P033DKnock/Combustion Vibration Sensor D Circuit High
- P033FCrankshaft/Camshaft Loss Of Synchronization
- P0340Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
- P0341Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.