Oops, what is this that I've just broken...?

Just swapped the starter but managed to pull the connections out of what just looks like a connector attached to the engine mount(?) underneath the starter. On inspection, I see that I have one on the other side too. Both have 2 small wires going into them.

They were in the same bit of loom as the starter cables and the rh cat sensor.
Anyone know what they are and should I care about it not being connected any more?

knock sensor?

Post a photo! Someone should be able to say for certain, or plug in to a code reader if you can get your hands on one?!

I'll try and grab a photo this evening. It was too dark by the time I finished yesterday.

It seems to run ok without it, whatever it is...

Most sensors and important stuff would put the EML on?

No warning lights.

Actually having said that, I have got the book symbol on the HEVAC today, come to think of it. Can't imagine how that might be related, but it wasn't there before I broke the connections.

Hmm. Can't find anything in Rave either.

Only thing I can think of on both sides is the knock sensors. Taken from rave:

Knock Sensors (KS) - up to 99MY
The knock sensor produces an output voltage which is
proportional to mechanical vibration caused by the
engine. A sensor is located in each cylinder bank
between 2/4 and 3/5 cylinders. The ECM calculates if
the engine is knocking by taking camshaft and
crankshaft sensor signals to determine the position of
the engine in the combustion cycle.
The ECM can also work out exactly which cylinder is
knocking and progressively retards the ignition on that
particular cylinder until the knock disappears. It then
advances the ignition to find the optimum ignition
timing for that cylinder.
The ECM can simultaneously adjust the timing of
each cylinder for knock. It is possible that all eight
cylinders could have different advance angles at the
same time. If the camshaft sensor fails, the knock
control will be disabled.
Fault codes:
• P0331 - Continuous knock on bank B
• P0332 - Knock background noise low, bank B
• P0333 - Knock background noise high, bank B
• P0326 - Continuous knock on bank A
• P0327 - Knock background noise low, bank A
• P0328 - Knock background noise high, bank A

Hmm, that does seem to match up, doesn't it. I'd better see if I can remake the connections then. One pulled out with it's metal pin still attached but the other snapped off and will probably need recrimping/soldering.

I'd better scrub some more mud off to see how it comes apart.

JD said:

Only thing I can think of on both sides is the knock sensors. Taken from rave:

Knock Sensors (KS) - up to 99MY
The knock sensor produces an output voltage which is
proportional to mechanical vibration caused by the
engine. A sensor is located in each cylinder bank
between 2/4 and 3/5 cylinders. The ECM calculates if
the engine is knocking by taking camshaft and
crankshaft sensor signals to determine the position of
the engine in the combustion cycle.
The ECM can also work out exactly which cylinder is
knocking and progressively retards the ignition on that
particular cylinder until the knock disappears. It then
advances the ignition to find the optimum ignition
timing for that cylinder.
The ECM can simultaneously adjust the timing of
each cylinder for knock. It is possible that all eight
cylinders could have different advance angles at the
same time. If the camshaft sensor fails, the knock
control will be disabled.
Fault codes:
• P0331 - Continuous knock on bank B
• P0332 - Knock background noise low, bank B
• P0333 - Knock background noise high, bank B
• P0326 - Continuous knock on bank A
• P0327 - Knock background noise low, bank A
• P0328 - Knock background noise high, bank A

Click to expand...

On component location view P2848, 1998 Range rover petrol only item located near starter is knock sensor X296 connected to plug C523.

wammers said:

On component location view P2848, 1998 Range rover petrol only item located near starter is knock sensor X296 connected to plug C523.

Click to expand...

Yup, that's the fella. Cheers Wammers. Looks like I could have disconnected it to prevent damage. Ah well.

Thanks all. Best get it mended then.