Difference in knock sensors

[toml]

There are three part numbers for a 89+ 7M-GTE MA70 knock sensor:

89615‑30020 08/1988 to 08/1991
89615‑33010 08/1991 onwards (supplied by MATUSITA)
89615‑33020 08/1991 onwards (supplied by NIPPONDENSO)

Both of the 1991 onwards sensors have been replaced by another number 89615-32030, so I assume that they were both interchangeable (FYI this replacement part no. is shared by later model Camry, Highlander, Rav4 and others).

However what I was wondering is whether the later model sensors are compatible with an earlier car. The only component really affected by the knock sensor is the wiring harness and ECU so my questions are:

1. is a pre-1991 harness/KS connector different than a post-1991 harness?
2. if I'm running a later model (i.e. a 1991 or above model) ECU, will the newer model knock sensors work?

I assume the engine block mounts for the sensors wasn't modified in 1991?

Any help appreciated.

-Tom

 

[hvyman]

People have said that mixing the different sensors i.e. pre with late and vise versa they have had problems.

So my suggestion would be to use the same plug style associated with the Ecu. Either 89+ sensor with 89+ Ecu. And pre with pre.

 

[toml]

People have said that mixing the different sensors i.e. pre with late and vise versa they have had problems.

So my suggestion would be to use the same plug style associated with the Ecu. Either 89+ sensor with 89+ Ecu. And pre with pre.

I don't think it's as simple as pre-89 with pre-89 or 89+ with 89+ ... there's multiple 89+ sensors - are they all interchangeable?

-Tom

 

[hvyman]

As far as I know yes. They all have the same plug. Never seen any problems using different ones.

It's just 2 different manufacturers making the same part.

 

[supraguy@aol]

Early style, roud plug:

Later style, D-shaped plug:

I don't know about using one of each kind, but I bought a pair of '94(iirc) 4Runner knock sensors, and spliced in the new plugs.
Haven't had an issue in 5+ yrs.

PS- This is on an '88 harness/ ecu.

 

[toml]

Early style, roud plug:
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Later style, D-shaped plug:
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I don't know about using one of each kind, but I bought a pair of '94(iirc) 4Runner knock sensors, and spliced in the new plugs.
Haven't had an issue in 5+ yrs.

PS- This is on an '88 harness/ ecu.

Thanks, that's helpful.

Where did you get the new D-shape connectors to splice in?

 

[Chrisco]

It's the same connector used on 2JZ knock sensors, so the Toyota Dealer will have them. I just picked up a new sensor and connector/terminal/wire from the dealer earlier this week. The whole connector/terminal/wire is ~$10 USD

 

[supraguy@aol]

^ That's a pretty good deal.

In my case, I bought two knock sensors still connected to the knock sensor harness, so I got both plugs included.
Seems that some Toyota vehichles had KS wiring subharnesses, which unplug from the engine harness. Kind of a good idea.