Car engine management system Nissan is a complex mechanism where each signal is critical. When the Check Engine light comes on on the dashboard and the scanner issues a code 1320, this is a signal of a serious malfunction in the ignition system. This code indicates a malfunction in the ignition coil control circuit, which can lead to unstable engine operation, misfires, and even stopping the engine while running.
Error appears P1320 (often displayed as 1320 on proprietary systems) is most often associated with problems in the primary ignition circuit. This is not just a minor glitch that can be ignored. If you notice the car jerking, loss of power or increased fuel consumption, you need to diagnose it immediately. Ignoring the problem can lead to failure of the electronic control unit (ECU), the repair of which will cost much more than replacing the sensor or wiring.
The essence of the malfunction and the operation of the ignition system
To understand the nature of the error, you need to understand how the system works. The ECU sends a signal to ignition module, which, in turn, controls the supply of high voltage to the spark plugs. Code 1320 records a situation when the control signal from the control unit does not reach the coil or returns back with errors. This indicates an open circuit or short circuit.
In modern models Nissansuch as Qashqai or X-Trail, an individual ignition system is used, where each spark plug has its own coil. Error 1320 usually indicates a problem with the general loop wiring or a specific control channel. The electronics sees that the “turn on spark” command has been sent, but no current flows in the circuit or the voltage drops below the permissible threshold.
It is critical to understand that the problem may not be with the coil itself. Sometimes the fault is the wiring, oxidized contacts in the connectors, or even the ECU itself. The main reason code 1320 appears on 2.0 (MR20) engines is a break or short in the wiring harness going to the ignition module due to vibration and overheating.
The main reasons for the failure
The reasons for the appearance of this code can be divided into three main groups: mechanical damage, electrical faults and software failures. Most often, the problem lies in the physical wear and tear of components under the hood.
- 🔥 Damage to wire insulation due to high engine temperatures.
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the ignition coil or ECU connector.
- 🔋 Failure of the ignition coil itself (module coil).
Less common, but possible reasons include incorrect firmware of the control unit or its physical defect. If the vehicle has recently had electrical work done, the wiring harness may have been touched or the connector may not be connected correctly.
In some cases the error may be false. For example, when there is strong interference in the on-board network or when using non-standard equipment (alarms, car audio), which creates interference on high-voltage circuits. However, if the error appears regularly, serious breakdowns cannot be ruled out.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to operate a vehicle with missed ignition cycles for a long time. Unburned fuel can enter the catalyst, causing it to overheat and break down, leading to costly catalytic converter replacement.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
The first step in fixing the problem is professional computer diagnostics. You will need a scanner that can read data in real time. By connecting the device to the OBD-II connector, you can see not only the error code, but also engine operating parameters.
Start your inspection with a visual inspection. Inspect the wiring harness leading to the ignition coils. Look for melt marks, cracks in the insulation, or traces of oil on the wires. Often on MR20 series engines, wires rub against brackets or other engine parts.
Use a multimeter to check continuity. You need to measure the resistance on the coil windings and check for voltage at the connector contacts when the ignition is on. If the resistance is outside the normal range, the coil must be replaced.
- 🛠️ Check the resistance of the primary and secondary windings of the ignition coil.
- 🔍 Inspect the connectors for corrosion or mechanical damage.
- 📏 Measure the supply voltage at the coil contact with the engine running.
- Misfire/triggering
- Power Loss
- Increased consumption
- Diesel knocking when cold
Stages of repair and replacement of components
If diagnostics show a coil malfunction, replacing it is the most likely way to solve the problem. The process does not require sophisticated equipment, but it does require accuracy. You must first disconnect the battery terminal to avoid short circuit.
Next, remove the decorative motor cover and disconnect the connectors from the coils. Unscrew the mounting bolts and carefully remove the faulty module. When installing a new part, make sure the O-ring is in place and not damaged. This is important to prevent oil from entering the spark plug well.
☑️ Preparing to replace the coil
If the problem is not in the coil, but in the wiring, the harness will need to be repaired. This is a more labor-intensive procedure. Often it is necessary to change an entire section of wire or reposition the harness to prevent contact with hot parts. In difficult cases, when the tracks in the ECU connector are damaged, it may be necessary to replace the control unit itself.
What should I do if the error returns after replacing the coil? If error 1320 appears again after replacing the coil, check the integrity of the wiring to the ECU. The problem may be a signal break in the harness or a malfunction of the controller itself. It is also worth checking the engine grounding.-->
⚠️ Attention
When replacing the ignition coil on turbocharged engines, use only original spare parts or certified analogues. Cheap non-original parts can quickly fail and cause the error to reappear.
Table of parameters to check
For accurate diagnosis, it is useful to check the technical parameters specific to a working ignition system. Below are guide values to help you understand whether your vehicle's components are normal.
| Parameter | Normal value | Acceptable range |
|---|---|---|
| Primary winding resistance | 0.4 - 0.6 Ohm | 0.3 - 0.8 Ohm |
| Secondary winding resistance | 10,000 - 15,000 Ohm | 8,000 - 18,000 Ohm |
| Coil supply voltage | 12 - 14.5 V | 11 - 15 V |
| Engine ground resistance | Less than 0.1 ohm | Up to 0.5 Ohm |
Prevention and recommendations for use
To avoid the recurrence of error 1320, you need to pay attention to the condition of the engine. Regularly clean the engine compartment from dirt and oil, as oil accelerates the aging process of rubber insulation of wires.
Use quality spark plugs that meet the manufacturer's specifications. Worn spark plugs create increased load on the coil, which can lead to overheating and failure. Replace them strictly according to the regulations.
If you often operate your vehicle under high loads or hot climates, pay attention to the operation of the cooling system. Engine overheating directly affects the condition of electronic components, including the ignition module.
- 🚗 Conduct a visual inspection of the wiring harness every 10,000 km.
- ⚡ Use only spark plugs with the correct heat rating.
- 🛡️ Treat the connectors with a special product to protect against moisture and corrosion.
If you are planning a long trip, be sure to check the condition of the spark plugs and coils before leaving to eliminate the risk of damage along the way.
When to turn to professionals
Despite the fact that many diagnostic stages can be performed independently, there are situations when you cannot do without the help of specialists. If you have checked the coils and wiring and the error persists, the problem may be deeper.
Incorrect operation of the ECU requires special equipment for flashing or diagnosing microcircuits. Also, if you do not have the necessary skills to work with a multimeter and connection diagrams, it is better to entrust the work to professionals so as not to aggravate the situation.
Service centers use more accurate equipment to analyze coil control signals in real time. This allows you to determine exactly where the failure occurs: in the generation of the signal by the control unit or in its reception by the coil.
⚠️ Attention: Independent intervention in the operation of the ECU without proper knowledge can lead to complete blocking of the car. If you are not confident in your abilities, contact a specialized service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to drive with error 1320?
It is strictly not recommended to drive with this error. Misfires cause the engine to run rough, which can cause damage to the catalytic converter and overheat the engine. In addition, the car can stall at any time.
How much does it cost to repair an ignition coil?
The cost depends on the car model and the selected spare part. Original reel for Nissan usually costs from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles, while high-quality analogues can be cheaper. The replacement job takes about an hour.
Can error 1320 appear due to bad fuel?
Bad fuel can cause a misfire, but this is usually reflected in error codes related to the oxygen sensor or knock. Error 1320 directly indicates the electrical circuit of the coil, and not the quality of the fuel.
Do I need to reset the error after repair?
Yes, after troubleshooting, you need to reset the errors through the diagnostic scanner. If you simply disconnect the battery, the error may remain in memory and return after several engine starting cycles.
Does error 1320 affect fuel consumption?
Yes, significantly. When a misfire occurs, unburned fuel is released into the exhaust system, and the engine operates inefficiently, leading to a sharp increase in fuel consumption and a decrease in vehicle dynamics.
A timely response to error code 1320 will save you money on expensive engine and catalyst repairs in the future.