When cutting into my old knock sensor wire, I noticed that it might really be a two-wire (coaxial-like) system. It had a wire, then insulation, then more frayed wires, and another layer of insulation. When looking at the connector, I only saw one terminal. But upon closer inspection, it looks like there may be another very small terminal in it as well.

 

Nope, its one wire plus shielding. Same as an 02 sensor.

 

This is what I thought as well, but are you 100% sure? I tried to extend my "new" knock sensor so that it would reach the wiring harness (I was unable to route it under by myself), but when I fired up the car it threw a CEL for shorted knock sensor. Unless the minor extra length of wire increased the impedance out of range of the sensor (which I doubt), I really think it might be a positive/negative wire all in one.

I'm not trying to doubt your opinon, but I just want to be 100% sure.

 

I had to strip and solder my knock sensor wire just yesterday because one of the connectors fell off. It is a single wire.

 

Yes, I'm sure. The knock sensor is the same for 87+ turbo cars, but the 87-88 ones have a larger square plug...with a single male terminal inside. How could it be 2 leads but only one terminal? It couldn't.

I've also had to splice and repair knock sensor wires, and 02 sensor wires. Both are a single wire with 2 layers of shielding over them to reduce EE since they are very low voltage leads.

I guess your splice didn't make such a hot connection, or you need to reset the ecu to clear an old code.

 

It wasn't throwing a code prior to me replacing it. I guess you are right about the poor connection. Thanks for all your input, I appreciate it very much.

Will shrink wrapping or electrical tape be able to handle the high heat inside the engine bay?