Dodge Journey Ignition Knock Sensor Guide (2009-2020)
Understanding why your Dodge Journey is sluggish or has a check engine light and how to choose the right knock sensor.
- A bad knock sensor will trigger a check engine light (P0325) and cause poor acceleration and fuel economy.
- For V6 engines, always use a high-quality Mopar or premium aftermarket (NGK, Delphi) sensor because replacement requires extensive labor.
- Budget brands like Dorman have a high rate of failure for this part and should be avoided to prevent repeat repairs.
- The cost to replace the sensor is much higher on V6 models ($390+) than on 4-cylinder models ($149+) due to sensor location.
Is Your Dodge Journey Knock Sensor Failing?
A bad knock sensor can cause several noticeable problems. The most common sign is the check engine light turning on. You might also feel that your Journey is slow to accelerate or feels sluggish and weak. In some cases, you may hear a metallic pinging or knocking sound coming from the engine, especially when you're accelerating or going up a hill. Because the engine isn't running efficiently, you'll likely see a drop in fuel economy, meaning more trips to the gas station.
🎬 Watch: A breakdown of common bad knock sensor symptomsChoosing the Right Aftermarket Knock Sensor for Your Journey
When replacing a knock sensor, the quality of the new part matters, especially on the V6 models where the sensor is hard to reach. Parts are generally available in three quality tiers.
Tier 1: OEM (Mopar)
Mopar is the original equipment manufacturer for your Dodge. These sensors are guaranteed to fit and work correctly. For the V6 engines (3.5L and 3.6L), where the sensors are buried under the intake manifold, using a Mopar part is strongly recommended. The labor to replace them is expensive, and you don't want to do the job twice because of a faulty aftermarket part.
Tier 2: Premium Aftermarket (NGK, Delphi)
Brands like NGK (also known as NTK) and Delphi are often the same companies that make the original parts for car manufacturers. They offer OEM-level quality at a lower price. For the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, where the sensor is easier to access, a premium aftermarket brand is an excellent and reliable choice that can save you money. These brands are also a solid alternative for V6 models if the Mopar part is unavailable or too expensive.
Tier 3: Standard & Budget Aftermarket (Dorman, and others)
This category includes brands like Dorman, Beck Arnley, and other value-focused options. While the price is low, the quality can be inconsistent for electronic sensors.
Warning: Many customer reviews for Dorman knock sensors report that the parts fail very quickly, sometimes within hours or days of installation. This can lead to having the same problem again, requiring you to pay for the repair a second time. It is often best to spend more on a higher-quality part.
Pro Tip: The Dodge Journey has two different engine types, and the knock sensor location is very different for each. The 2.4L 4-cylinder has one sensor on the side of the engine block, under the intake. The 3.5L and 3.6L V6 engines have two sensors located in the valley between the cylinder heads, which requires removing the entire upper and lower intake manifold to access. Always confirm your engine size before ordering parts or getting a repair quote.
🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing V6 sensors in the engine valleyHow Much Does a Dodge Journey Knock Sensor Replacement Cost?
The cost depends on your engine. The V6 engine is much more expensive to work on because the sensors are harder to reach.
| Part / Service | 2.4L 4-Cylinder Cost | 3.5L / 3.6L V6 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Sensor(s) | $19 - $95 | $40 - $190 (for two) |
| Shop Labor | $130 - $200 | $350 - $550+ |
| Estimated Total | $149 - $295 | $390 - $740+ |
Cost estimates are approximate and can vary by location and repair shop. The V6 repair often includes replacing intake manifold gaskets, which adds to the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the knock sensor on a 2009-2020 Dodge Journey?
For 2.4L 4-cylinder engines, there is one sensor on the engine block below the intake manifold. For 3.5L and 3.6L V6 engines, there are two sensors located under the lower intake manifold in the engine valley.
Can I drive my Dodge Journey with a bad knock sensor?
You can, but it's not recommended for long. The engine computer will likely put the vehicle into a reduced power mode to protect the engine. You will experience poor acceleration and bad gas mileage, and ignoring the problem could lead to more serious engine damage over time.
Why does my mechanic say I need two knock sensors?
If you have a V6 engine (3.5L or 3.6L), it has two cylinder banks and uses two knock sensors—one for each bank. It is standard practice to replace both at the same time, along with the wiring harness, since the labor to access them is so high.
What does OBD-II code P0325 mean on my Dodge Journey?
P0325 means the engine's computer has detected a problem with the "Knock Sensor 1 Circuit." This usually points to a failed sensor, but it can also be caused by a wiring problem or a loose connection. If you have a V6, you might also see P0330 for the second sensor.
🎬 Learn more about diagnosing P0325 codes and circuit malfunctionsHelpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 5033316AC 5033316AB 68223050AA 05033316AC
The 2.4L I4 engine uses one knock sensor. The 3.5L V6 and 3.6L V6 engines use two knock sensors and a connecting wire harness.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Dodge Journey Knock Sensor Failing?
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Knock Sensor for Your Journey
- Tier 1: OEM (Mopar)
- Tier 2: Premium Aftermarket (NGK, Delphi)
- Tier 3: Standard & Budget Aftermarket (Dorman, and others)
- How Much Does a Dodge Journey Knock Sensor Replacement Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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