Car owners Nissan often encounter a mysterious error code 1320, which is displayed on the dashboard or diagnosed by a scanner. This error is related to the engine management system (ECU) and can manifest itself in different ways: from unstable engine operation to complete inability to start the car. Unlike common codes like P0300 (misfire), error 1320 is specific to Nissan and requires a special approach to diagnosis.

Most often the problem occurs on models Qashqai (J10/J11), X-Trail (T31/T32), Juke And Note with gasoline engines HR16DE, MR20DE or QR25DE, but may appear on other versions. In this article we will analyze not only the reasons for the error, but also step-by-step methods to eliminate it - from a simple reboot ECU before replacing sensors. We will pay special attention to the nuances that even experienced craftsmen ignore.

What does error 1320 mean on Nissan?

Code 1320 in the self-diagnosis system Nissan points to Ignition control circuit malfunction (Ignition Signal). Unlike universal OBD-II codes (for example, P03XX), this code is productive and stands for:

  • 🔧 Open or short circuit in the ignition coil control circuit.
  • 📉 Incorrect signal from the engine control unit (ECU) to the ignition module.
  • ⚡ Eating problems coils or their drivers inside ECU.
  • 🛠️ Mechanical damage wiring or connectors.

It is important to understand that the error 1320 - this is not a death sentence on the engine, but a signal about the need to check specific components. For example, on Nissan Qashqai J11 with motor HR16DE it often occurs due to oxidation of the contacts in the coil connector 4th cylinder, whereas on X-Trail T32 the culprit may be himself ECU.

Scanners type Launch X431 or ELM327 may show this code along with associated errors, for example:

  • P0300 — random misfires;
  • P030X - misfires in a specific cylinder (where X — cylinder number);
  • P0351-P0354 — malfunction of the ignition coil circuit.
📊 On which Nissan model did you encounter error 1320?
  • Qashqai
  • X-Trail
  • Juke
  • Note
  • Other model

The main causes of error 1320

The reasons for the error can be divided into electric, mechanical And software. Below is a complete list with clarifications for different models.

Reason Models where it is more common How it manifests itself
Oxidation of ignition coil contacts Qashqai J10/J11, Juke The engine stalls, the error appears after rain or washing
Coil driver malfunction ECU X-Trail T31/T32, Pathfinder R51 The error is constant, the engine does not start or runs intermittently
Open circuit or short circuit in the wiring harness Note E12, Micra K13 The error appears after repairs or an accident
Engine weight problems Almera N16, Tiida C11 Errors come with it P0100, P0500
Firmware failure ECU All models (usually after chip tuning) The error appears after updating the software or disconnecting the battery

In practice 70% of cases errors 1320 connected to the ignition coils or their connectors. For example, on Nissan Qashqai J11 with engine HR16DE the coil often suffers 4th cylinder due to the close location to the collector outlet (overheating + moisture). On X-Trail T32 the problem may lie in the ECU, especially if the car was operated in high humidity conditions.

⚠️ Attention: If the error 1320 appeared after disconnecting the battery or chip tuning, do not rush to change the coils! Reset adaptations first ECU via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Nissan Consult-III or Launch X431 Pro).

Diagnosing error 1320: step-by-step instructions

To accurately determine the cause, you will need multimeter, diagnostic scanner and basic electrical skills. Below is the verification algorithm, from simple to complex.

Visual inspection of coils and wiring|Checking coil resistance with a multimeter|Control circuit diagnostics ECU|Checking engine mass|Testing coil drivers ECU-->

Step 1. Visual inspection

Open the hood and inspect:

  • 🔌 Ignition coil connectors — for the presence of oxidation, moisture or burnt contacts.
  • 🔥 The coils themselves - cracks, signs of overheating or breakdown.
  • 🔗 Wiring harness — chafing, exposed wires (especially near the collector).

Step 2: Check Coil Resistance

Remove the coil and measure the resistance between the contacts:

  • Primary winding (between pins 1-3 or A-B): must be 0.5–1.5 Ohm.
  • Secondary winding (between the central terminal and 1 or 3): 5–15 kOhm (depending on the coil model).

If the values are outside the limits, the coil is faulty. On Nissan coils are often installed Hitachi or Denso with articles 22448-4M215, 22448-EL00C.

Step 3: Control circuit diagnostics

Connect the scanner and check:

  • 📊 Coil operating parameters in real time (Ignition Coil Control).
  • 🔌 Supply voltage on the coil connector (should be 12 V with the ignition on).
  • 📈 Signal from ECU — the presence of pulses on the control wire (checked with an oscilloscope or scanner with support Scope Mode).
⚠️ Attention: If the check reveals that the coil does not receive a control signal from ECU, but there is power - the problem is in the control unit. In this case, it is not recommended to “reflash” ECU without first checking its power and ground circuits!

How to resolve error 1320: from simple to complex

Solutions depend on the cause. Below are the methods from the most affordable to the most capital-intensive.

1. Reset errors and adaptations ECU

Sometimes it's a mistake 1320 appears after a voltage failure or battery disconnection. Try:

  1. Connect the scanner and remove all errors.
  2. Execute reset adaptations (in Launch X431 this is an option ECU Initialization).
  3. Start the engine and let it run 5–10 minutes at idle speed.

If the error does not return, the problem was a temporary glitch.

2. Cleaning or replacing ignition coils

If the coils are at fault:

  • 🧹 Clean the connector contacts alcohol or special cleaner (For example, CRC Contact Cleaner).
  • 🔧 Replace the faulty coil with a new one (see original articles above).
  • 🔄 Swap the coils — if the error “moves” to another cylinder, the culprit has been found.

3. Repair or replacement ECU

If the problem is in the control unit:

  • 🔧 Check it out food ECU (must be 12 V on contact 16 connector and 5 V on 31).
  • 🔌 Call ground circuits (contact 4 connector ECU must have resistance < 0.5 ohm relative to the body).
  • 💻If ECU is faulty, it can be:
    • Repair (replacement of coil drivers, soldering of tracks).
    • Replace with a new one (original or analogue from Magneti Marelli).
    • Reflash (if there is a software failure).
💡

On Nissan X-Trail T32 with engine MR20DD error 1320 is often resolved by updating the firmware ECU up to version 86301-4M01B or newer. Check with your authorized dealer for the current version.

4. Check wiring and ground

Breaks or poor contacts in the harness can simulate a coil failure. Please note:

  • 🔗 Tourniquet from ECU to the coils — check for breaks and short circuits.
  • 🔳 Engine weight — clean the attachment points to the body (usually under the battery or on the box).
  • 🔋 Food ECU - check the fuses #32 (10A) and #38 (15A) in the block under the hood.

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many car owners and even mechanics make mistakes that lead to the reappearance of the code 1320. That's what can't do:

  • 🚫 Change coils without checking - if the problem is ECU or wiring, replacing the coils will not help.
  • 🚫 Ignore related errors - for example, P0500 (speed sensor) may indicate a ground problem that is causing 1320.
  • 🚫 Use non-original coils - cheap analogues (for example, from NoName) often fail after 10–20 thousand km.
  • 🚫 Reset errors without eliminating the cause - this only masks the problem.

Typical example: owner Nissan Qashqai J11 changes all 4 coils, but error 1320 returns in a week. Reason: oxidized connector ECU, which no one has checked. The result is unnecessary expenses and loss of time.

How to check ECU without a scanner?

If you don't have diagnostic equipment, you can perform a basic check:

1. Disconnect the connector ECU (usually located under the dashboard on the passenger side).

2. Check the voltage on the contacts with a multimeter 16 (+12V) and 31 (+5V) with the ignition on.

3. Ring the ground (contact 4) to the body - the resistance should be < 0.5 Ohm.

4. Inspect the board ECU for burnt elements or swollen capacitors.

Another common mistake is incorrect installation of coils. For example, on Nissan Juke with engine HR16DE The coils have different wire lengths and should not be mixed up. If you mix it up, the engine will trip, and the scanner will show 1320 And P030X.

Prevention of error 1320: how to prevent recurrence

To make a mistake 1320 did not return, follow these recommendations:

  • 🛡️ Protect electrical equipment from moisture - use silicone grease for the coil connectors and ECU.
  • ⚡ Monitor the voltage of the on-board network - jumps can cause damage ECU. Norm: 13.8–14.4 V with the engine running.
  • 🔧 Check the weight regularly — clean the attachment points to the body (especially after winter).
  • 📊 Update the firmware ECU - on official services Nissan Patches for control units are released periodically.

For cars with mileage >150 thousand km, it is recommended:

  • 🔄 Change ignition coils every 80–100 thousand km (even if they work).
  • 🔌 Check connectors ECU for oxidation (especially if the machine is operated in a humid climate).
  • 🛠️ Diagnose the engine for misfires (even if there are no errors).
💡

On Nissan with engines HR16DE And MR20DE error 1320 is often associated with a design defect in the coils. After 2015, the plant began installing updated reels with the article number 22448-4M21A - they are more reliable than the old ones (22448-4M200).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error 1320

Is it possible to drive with error 1320?

Short term - yes, but not recommended. The error indicates problems with the ignition, which can lead to:

  • 🔥 Overheating of the catalyst (due to unburned fuel).
  • 💥 Breakdown of coils or ECU.
  • ⚡ Increased fuel consumption by 15–30%.

If the engine stalls or does not start well, it is better not to operate the car until the problem is eliminated.

How much does it cost to repair error 1320?

The cost depends on the reason:

  • 🔧 Replacing the coil — from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles. for the original.
  • 💻 Diagnostics ECU — 1,000–2,500 rub.
  • 🔧 Repair ECU — 5,000–15,000 rub. (depending on the malfunction).
  • 🔌 Replacing the wiring harness — from 3,000 rub.

On average, fixing an error costs 2,000–10,000 rub.if the problem is not ECU.

Can error 1320 appear after washing the engine?

Yes, this is one of the common reasons. Water enters:

  • 💧 Ignition coil connectors.
  • 💧 Connector ECU (if the seal is damaged).
  • 💧 Sensor contacts (for example, CKP — crankshaft position sensor).

To avoid the problem:

  • 🛡️ Close the connectors polyethylene before washing.
  • 🔥 After washing blow with compressed air problem areas.
Which ignition coils are best for Nissan?

Recommended options:

Model Nissan Original article Analogues
Qashqai J11, Juke (HR16DE) 22448-4M215 Denso 55001, NGK U5054
X-Trail T32 (MR20DD) 22448-4M015 Bosch 0 221 504 478
Note E12 (HR15DE) 22448-4M200 Beru ZS198

🔹 Important: On engines QR25DE (For example, X-Trail T31) coils are individual for each cylinder - you can’t put the same ones on all 4!

Could error 1320 be fuel related?

Indirectly - yes. Bad fuel or clogged injectors lead to:

  • 🔥 Re-enrichment of the mixture → overheating of the coils.
  • 💥 Detonation → damage to the wiring insulation.

If together with 1320 there are errors P0171/P0172 (lean/rich mixture), check:

  • 🔧 Injectors (for contamination).
  • 🔧 Oxygen sensor (Lambda).
  • 🔧 Fuel filter.