Toyota Repair: 1994 Toyota 4runner , V6 3.0 automatic, toyota 4runner, preignition

Question
the check engine light is giving the knock sensor code 52  the symptoms are  about a 20% loss of power and sometimes while driving, it will shift down on its own and i have to stop and turn off the 4runner and turn it back on then it doesnt do it again for days      my question is can a bad knock sensor cause these symptoms or do you think it might be more than one problem?

Answer
It could be the knock sensor, it's function is to retard the timing if it detects an engine preignition or knocking from the engine so the problem may not actually be the sensor itself but a mechanical problem. If the engine has no mechanical problems and runs normally as you said for days, then the sensor may be unplugged or malfunctioning and should be replaced.