Where is the knock sensor located on a 2016 Honda Pilot?

The 2016 Honda Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 uses two knock sensors mounted to the engine block on the rear sides of the V, near the firewall. Each sensor monitors detonation for its respective bank and feeds data to the engine control unit.

The sensors are labeled KS1 and KS2 and are tucked into the back portion of the engine, behind the intake manifold area. Accessing them typically requires removing some components that sit above the engine, such as the engine cover and portions of the intake plenum, to reach the sensor bodies and their electrical connectors.

Exact location on the engine

The two knock sensors on the 2016 Pilot are mounted directly into the engine block on the rear-facing sides of the V6. One sits on each cylinder bank, facing toward the firewall. They are positioned low on the block, and their electrical connectors run upward toward the engine’s wiring harness, usually converging near the intake manifold area.

Before you inspect or work on the sensors, understand that they reside behind the upper engine components and are designed to be accessed from above with the intake plenum and engine covers removed.



• KS1 is located on the rear side of the engine block on one bank of cylinders, typically near the area where the exhaust manifold and timing components are located.


• KS2 is located on the rear side of the opposite bank of cylinders, also toward the firewall and near the transmission bell housing region.

In practice, you’ll identify KS1 and KS2 by tracing the wiring harnesses from the PCM toward the back of the engine. The sensors themselves are small, threaded into the block, and have electrical connectors that plug into harnesses labeled KS1 and KS2 in many service diagrams.

How to access or replace the knock sensors

If you’re diagnosing a knock-sensor issue or planning a replacement, follow these general steps. Note that exact procedures can vary by model and production date, so consult the service manual or a repair database for specifics.

Before starting, disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait a few minutes to ensure the system is safe to work on.



1. Remove the engine cover and the upper intake plenum to clear clearances and expose the rear of the engine block where KS1 and KS2 sit.


2. Locate KS1 and KS2 by following the wiring harnesses from the PCM toward the back of the engine; identify the sensors by their connectors and mounting location on the block.


3. Disconnect the sensor harnesses, note alignment, and carefully remove each sensor with the appropriate socket or tool specified in the manual.


4. Install new sensors (or re-install the existing ones after inspection), torque to the manufacturer’s specification, reconnect the wiring, and reassemble the plenum and covers in reverse order.

Accessing the knock sensors on the 2016 Pilot can be challenging due to their rearward location. If you’re not comfortable with engine work, consider having a professional technician perform the inspection or replacement to avoid damaging surrounding components.

Why this matters

Knock sensors protect the engine from damaging detonation by adjusting ignition timing. A faulty KS can trigger trouble codes, reduce performance, or cause drivability issues. Proper location and replacement are essential for accurate readings and reliable engine operation.

For any repair, always verify you’re working on the correct sensors and refer to the Honda service information for the exact torque specs and connector types specific to your vehicle’s VIN and production date.

Takeaway

In a 2016 Honda Pilot, the knock sensors are two, mounted to the rear sides of the 3.5L V6 engine block—one on each bank—near the firewall. They are accessed from above once the engine cover and intake components are removed. Correct identification and careful replacement are important for proper engine timing control and diagnostic accuracy.

Summary: The knock sensors on the 2016 Honda Pilot are KS1 and KS2, located on the rear faces of the engine block on each cylinder bank near the firewall. Access involves removing upper engine covers and the intake plenum, and replacement should be done with proper torque and connector alignment.