Error 1320 on Nissan: pinout, diagnostics and DIY repair

Car owners Nissan often encounter a mysterious error P1320, which lights up on the dashboard as a “check engine light”. This code is related to the ignition system and can appear on models from Qashqai And X-Trail to Almera And Note. Unlike obvious malfunctions like a non-functioning spark plug, error 1320 often confuses even experienced car owners: the engine runs stably, but the light does not go out, and the scanner produces a cryptic message about “malfunction of the ignition control circuit.”

In practice error P1320 in 80% of cases is not associated with a mechanical failure, but with a software failure or incorrect signals from sensors. However, it cannot be ignored: prolonged neglect can lead to the engine going into emergency mode, increased fuel consumption, or even damage to the ignition coils. In this article we will look at what exactly the code means 1320 for different models Nissan, how to correctly diagnose it (including hidden nuances), and what steps to take to eliminate it - from a simple reset to replacing components.

What does error P1320 mean on Nissan: code decoding

Code P1320 in the diagnostic system Nissan stands for «Ignition Signal Primary» — a problem in the primary ignition control circuit. Unlike errors like P0300 (misfires) that indicate a specific cylinder, 1320 indicates a system malfunction, which may be associated with:

• 🔧 Electronic control unit (ECU) — failures in the firmware or hardware problems;
• ⚡ Ignition coils — breaks or short circuit in the primary winding;
• 📡 Crankshaft/camshaft position sensors — incorrect signals;
• 🔌 Wiring — damage to the harnesses or oxidation of the contacts.

It is important to understand that P1320 - this is general code, and its manifestations depend on the model. For example, on Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) error often occurs due to wear on the coils Hitachi, whereas on X-Trail T31 The culprit could be the camshaft sensor. Moreover, on some engines (for example, MR20DE or QR25DE) code 1320 may be accompanied by additional errors such as P0340 (phase sensor) or P0325 (knock sensor circuit).

The difficulty is that P1320 does not always lead to noticeable symptoms. In some cases, the car behaves normally, and the error appears only during a cold start or after refueling with low-quality fuel. This makes diagnosis more labor-intensive, as it requires an integrated approach.

Symptoms of error 1320: how the malfunction manifests itself

Although it's a mistake P1320 may remain “dormant” for a long time; there are a number of signs that will help identify it at an early stage. It is important to note that symptoms vary depending on the cause:

Cause of malfunction	Symptoms	Nissan models where it is more common
ECU firmware failure	The check light comes on after updating the software or disconnecting the battery	Qashqai J11, Ariya, Leaf
Ignition coil malfunction	Troubling at idle, misfires during acceleration	X-Trail T32, Juke, Note
Problems with the crankshaft sensor	Engine stalls while driving, difficult to start	Almera N16, Sentra, Tiida
Wiring damage	The error appears during vibration or after washing the engine	Pathfinder R51, Navara D40

A particularly insidious error 1320 on vehicles with the system Direct Ignition System (DIS), where the ignition coils are installed directly on the spark plugs. In such cases, a malfunction of one coil can lead to a chain reaction and false alarms of the sensors. For example, on Nissan Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE the error is often accompanied by vibration at low speeds And increased fuel consumption (up to +2 l/100 km).

⚠️ Attention: If the error P1320 appears along with P0300-P0306 (cylinder misfires), check the coils and spark plugs immediately. Driving for a long time in this mode can damage the catalyst.

Causes of error 1320: from simple to complex

To effectively resolve an error, you need to understand its root cause. Let's consider all possible scenarios, starting with the most likely:

1. ECU malfunction. Most often it occurs after disconnecting the battery, “lighting up” or unsuccessful chip tuning. Adaptive ignition settings may go wrong in the control unit, which leads to false alarms P1320.
2. Malfunction of ignition coils. On engines HR16DE (for example, in Nissan Juke) coils Denso or Hitachi They fail after 80–100 thousand km. In this case, the error can only appear in high humidity or after a long period of parking.
3. Problems with sensors.
   • 📌 Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor - if the signal is weak or intermittent, the ECU cannot control the ignition correctly.
   • 📌 Camshaft sensor (CMP) - on engines with a variable valve timing system (for example, VVEL in Nissan 370Z) its malfunction is critical.

Damage to wiring. Oxidation of contacts in coil connectors or breakage of the harness (especially important for cars after an accident or unqualified repair).

Poor quality fuel. When using gasoline with an octane rating below 92, detonation may occur, which the ECU incorrectly interprets as an ignition fault.

Interesting fact: on some models (for example, Nissan Teana J32) error 1320 may appear after replacing spark plugs if non-original components with a different heat rating were installed. This is due to the fact that the ECU adapts to certain spark parameters, and a sudden change can cause a conflict.

How to check ignition coils without a scanner?

1. Start the engine in the dark and look under the hood: if “sparking” is visible on the coils, this is a sign of a breakdown.

2. Disconnect the connectors of the coils one by one while the engine is running: if when you disconnect one of them, the nature of the motor’s operation does not change, it is faulty.

3. Check the resistance of the primary and secondary windings with a multimeter (normal values depend on the coil model).

Diagnosing error 1320: step-by-step instructions

For accurate diagnosis you will need a scanner (for example, Launch CReader or ELM327 with the program Nissan DataScan), but some checks can be performed without it. Below is the algorithm of actions:

Read all errors with a scanner (not only P1320) | Check the condition of the ignition coils visually | Measure the resistance of the coils with a multimeter | Check the wiring from the ECU to the coils | Reset ECU adaptations (if the error appeared after disconnecting the battery)

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Step 1: Reading errors.

Connect the scanner and record everything fault codes even if they seem unrelated. For example, error P0507 (high idle speed) may indicate problems with the throttle position sensor, which indirectly affects the ignition. On Nissan with systems E-Throttle (electronic throttle) this is especially true.

Step 2: Checking the ignition coils.

The resistance of the primary winding must be within 0.5–1.5 Ohm, secondary - 8–15 kOhm (see the manual for your model for exact values). If the readings are outside the limits, the coil needs to be replaced. Please note: on engines VQ (for example, in Nissan 350Z) coils often “die” in pairs, so when replacing one, it is recommended to check the adjacent ones.

Step 3. Diagnostics of sensors.

To check the crankshaft sensor (CKP) measure the resistance between its terminals - it should be in the range 500–900 Ohm. Also inspect the toothed disk on the crankshaft: if the teeth are damaged or contaminated with metal shavings, the sensor will produce an incorrect signal. On engines SR20DE (for example, in Nissan Primera P12) this problem is especially common.

Step 4: Check the wiring.

Use a multimeter in test mode to check the integrity of the wires from the ECU to the coils and sensors. Pay attention to the connectors: oxidation or corrosion may cause intermittent contact. On cars with mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the harnesses often rub against the brackets or pipes of the cooling system.

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the error P1320 it appears again after 5-10 km, the problem is most likely a wiring or mechanical fault (for example, a crack in the coil). In this case, in-depth diagnostics with an oscilloscope is required.

How to resolve error 1320: from a simple reset to replacing parts

The method for eliminating the error depends on its cause. Below are solutions from the simplest to the most radical.

1. Reset ECU adaptations

If the error appears after disconnecting the battery or chip tuning, try resetting the control unit:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 15–20 minutes.
2. Reconnect and start the engine.
3. Let it idle for 10–15 minutes (this time is needed to retrain the adaptive parameters).

On some models (for example, Nissan Juke with engine HR16DE) may require a reset via the diagnostic connector using a scanner (command ECU Reset or Throttle Relearn).

2. Replacing ignition coils

If the diagnostics showed a coil malfunction, it must be replaced. When choosing a spare part, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Manufacturer: original coils Nissan (numbers start with 22448-...) or analogues from Denso, Hitachi, NGK.
• 🔹 Winding resistance: Should match the old coils.
• 🔹 Complete set: Some coils come with integrated spark plug tips, which also need to be replaced.

On engines QR25DE (for example, in Nissan X-Trail T31) coils often “die” due to overheating. In this case, it is recommended to install heat-resistant analogues and check the operation of the cooling system fan.

3. Wiring repair

If the problem is in the wires, proceed as follows:

1. Clean oxidized contacts in coil and sensor connectors (use a special contact fluid, e.g. CRC Contact Cleaner).
2. Replace damaged sections of the harness using heat shrink tubing for insulation.
3. Secure the wires so that they do not rub against moving or hot parts.

On vehicles with the system Multiplex Wiring (For example, Nissan Teana J32) damage to even one wire can cause a chain reaction of errors. In such cases, flashing the ECU may be required.

4. ECU firmware update

On vehicles with the system Nissan Connect (For example, Ariya or Leaf) error P1320 may be related to a firmware bug. In this case, flashing through an official dealer scanner will help. Consult-III+ or specialized software like EcuTek.

Updating the firmware yourself is fraught with risks, so it is better to turn to experienced chip tuners. The cost of the service varies from 3 to 10 thousand rubles depending on the region and car model.

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many car owners trying to fix P1320, make mistakes that only make the problem worse. Here are the most common of them:

• 🚫 Ignoring related errors. For example, if together with 1320 There is P0340 (camshaft sensor), but it is not eliminated, then replacing the coils will not work.
• 🚫 Installation of non-original coils without checking. Cheap analogues (for example, from NoName-brands) may have inappropriate resistance, which will cause the error to reappear.
• 🚫 Incorrect ECU reset. Simply disconnecting the battery does not always reset adaptations. Some models require a special procedure using a scanner.
• 🚫 Replacement of only one coil. If the life of the coils comes to an end, the rest may soon fail. It is optimal to replace it as a set.

Another common mistake is failure to check engine weight. Poor ground contact between the engine and the body can simulate an ignition fault. To check the weight:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Clean the attachment points of the ground wires to the engine and body.
3. Check the resistance between the battery negative and the engine block - it should be close to 0 ohm.

Prevention of error 1320: how to prevent recurrence

To minimize the risk of P1320, follow these guidelines:

• 🔧 Check the condition of the coils and spark plugs regularly. On engines HR16DE And MR20DE coils should be checked every 60 thousand km, even if there are no symptoms of a malfunction.
• ⚡ Use quality fuel. Gasoline with an octane rating below 92 can cause detonation, which the ECU perceives as an ignition error.
• 🛠️ Monitor the condition of the wiring. Once a year, clean the contacts in the connectors of the coils and sensors from oxidation.
• 📡 Update ECU firmware. If bugs are detected in the software (especially true for new models like Nissan Ariya), install official updates.
• 🚗 Avoid “lighting up” from other cars. Voltage surges can damage the ECU and cause an error 1320.

Pay special attention ignition system after washing the engine or driving through deep puddles. Moisture that gets into the coil connectors can cause a short circuit and, as a result, an error. After washing, it is recommended to blow out the area around the coils and sensors with compressed air.

On vehicles with turbo engines (e.g. Nissan GT-R or 370Z) error 1320 may appear due to increased loads on the ignition system. In this case, it is worth considering installing reinforced coils (for example, from NGK or MSD) and spark plugs with iridium electrodes.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error 1320 on Nissan

Is it possible to drive with error code P1320?

Short term - yes, but not recommended. Driving for a long time with this error can lead to:

• Damage to the catalyst due to improper fuel combustion;
• Overheating of ignition coils and their final failure;
• The ECU goes into emergency mode with power limitation.

If the error appears for the first time, you can go to a service station, but it is better not to delay diagnosis.

Why does error 1320 only appear on a cold engine?

This is a typical symptom:

• Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Malfunctions — The ECU receives incorrect data and incorrectly adjusts the ignition timing;
• Problems with coils - at low temperatures, the resistance of the windings changes, and defective coils begin to “glitch”;
• Condensation in connectors — moisture can cause a short circuit, which disappears after warming up.

In this case, check the ECT sensor (resistance should be ~2.5 kOhm at 20°C) and blow out the connectors with compressed air.

How much does it cost to repair error 1320 in the service?

The cost depends on the reason and car model:

Type of repair	Cost (RUB)	Notes
Diagnostics with a scanner	1 000–2 500	Includes error reading and parameter checking
Replacing one ignition coil	3 000–8 000	Cost of spare parts + labor
Replacing the crankshaft sensor	2 500–5 000	Includes engine protection removal
ECU flashing	5 000–15 000	Relevant for new models with software bugs

At official dealer stations, prices may be 20–30% higher. Do-it-yourself repairs (for example, replacing coils) will be cheaper, but require skills in working with electrical equipment.

Could error 1320 be caused by bad gasoline?

Yes, but indirectly. Low quality fuel leads to:

• Detonation — The ECU detects abnormal vibrations and may generate an error 1320 or P0325;
• Dirty candles — carbon deposits change the resistance, which affects the operation of the coils;
• Clogged injectors — improper fuel atomization disrupts the combustion process.

If the error appears after refueling, try:

1. Add high-quality gasoline (for example, 98);
2. Add fuel system cleaner (such as Liqui Moly Injection Reiniger);
3. Drive 50–100 km at high speeds (3,000–4,000 rpm) to “burn through” the carbon deposits.

Which ignition coils are best for Nissan?

Recommended options:

• Original Nissan — reliable, but expensive (from 5,000 rubles per piece);
• Denso (items start with 550-...) — optimal price/quality ratio;
• Hitachi (series C1005) - often installed on a conveyor;
• NGK (series U5000) - a good option for turbo engines;
• Bremi (articles 24480-...) - a budget analogue, but the quality varies.

On engines VQ35DE (for example, in Nissan 350Z) it is better to use coils with reinforced insulation, since standard ones often break through due to high temperatures.