Error code P1320 on Nissan Sunny: a complete analysis of causes and solutions

Error code P1320 on Nissan Sunny (especially on models with engines GA16DE, SR20DE or QG18DE) is one of the most common problems associated with the ignition system. This error indicates a fault in the circuit ignition coils or problems with sparking, which can lead to engine tripping, loss of power and increased fuel consumption.

Unlike universal errors like P0300 (misfires), P1320 is specific to Nissan vehicles and most often indicates a short or open in the primary coil circuit.. Owners Sunny in N14, N15 And N16 bodies encounter it especially often due to the design features of the ignition system. In this article, we will look at how to accurately diagnose the problem, which parts to check first, and how to avoid the reoccurrence of the error after repair.

What does error P1320 mean on Nissan Sunny?

Code P1320 stands for "Ignition Signal Primary". In technical documentation Nissan it is described as a malfunction in the ignition coil control circuit when ECU (electronic control unit) does not receive the expected signal from the primary winding. This can happen for several reasons:

• 🔧 Short circuit in the coil circuit (most often due to damaged wire insulation).
• 🔌 Broken wire between the ECU and the ignition coil.
• 🔥 Malfunction of the coil itself (breakdown, interturn short circuit).
• 📉 Poor contact in connectors or terminal oxidation.
• 🛠️ Incorrect operation of the transistor in the ECU (less common, but requires professional diagnosis).

It is important to understand that P1320 does not always mean a bad coil. In 30% of cases, the problem lies in the wiring or connectors, which lose reliability over time due to vibrations, temperature changes or corrosion. For example, on Nissan Sunny N15 with engine GA16DE The connector on the coil itself often suffers - its contacts oxidize due to their close location to the exhaust manifold.

Symptoms of error P1320: how does the problem manifest itself?

Error P1320 rarely appears “on its own” - it is usually accompanied by noticeable changes in engine operation. Here are the key signs to look out for:

• ⚠️ Engine tripping (especially when cold or at high speeds).
• 🚗 Jerks during accelerationas if the car is "jerking".
• ⚡ Check Engine lights up and goes out periodically (sometimes the error resets itself after restarting the engine).
• 💨 Increased fuel consumption (10–15% higher than usual).
• 🔊 Popping sounds in the exhaust system (due to unburnt fuel mixture).

On Nissan Sunny N16 with engine QG18DE error P1320 often accompanied by code P0300 (random misfires). This is due to the fact that the ECU detects not only a problem in the coil circuit, but also its consequences - misfires in the cylinders. If you notice simultaneous occurrence of these two errors, first eliminate P1320, since it is the root cause.

⚠️ Attention: If the error P1320 appears only in high humidity (for example, after washing the engine or in rainy weather), with a 90% probability the problem is in the oxidized contacts of the coil connector or ECU. In this case, it is enough to clean and treat the contacts contact lubricant (For example, CRC 2-26).

Step-by-step diagnosis of error P1320

To accurately determine the cause of the error, follow this algorithm. Let's start with the simplest checks and gradually move on to more complex ones:

1. Checking connectors and wiring

The first thing to do is inspect ignition coil connector And wires, going to the ECU. On Nissan Sunny they often rub against the intake manifold or cylinder head.

Inspect the coil connector for oxidation or damage.

Check the integrity of the insulation of the wires from the coil to the ECU

Make sure that the contacts in the ECU connector (pins 37, 101 - for GA16DE) are not bent

Test the wires with a multimeter for a break (resistance should be close to 0 Ohm) -->

2. Checking the ignition coil

If everything is in order with the wiring, we move on to diagnosing the coil itself. To do this:

1. Remove the coil from the engine (it is secured with 2-3 bolts).
2. Test the primary winding with a multimeter (the resistance should be within 0.5–1.0 Ohm for most models Sunny).
3. Ring the secondary winding (resistance - 8–12 kOhm).
4. Check the coil for breakdown: connect one multimeter probe to the central contact, and the second to the body. Resistance should tend to infinity.

On Nissan Sunny N14 with engine GA16DE Often there are fake coils that fail after 10–20 thousand km. The original reel is marked 22448-4M000 or 22448-4M010.

3. ECU check

If the coil and wiring are working properly, the problem may lie in electronic control unit. For diagnostics:

• Check the voltage on the ECU pin responsible for controlling the coil (for GA16DE this is a pin 101). It must be 12 V with the ignition on.
• Make sure that the ECU ground is securely connected (it often oxidizes at the junction with the body).
• If possible, flash the ECU to stock firmware - sometimes the error occurs due to “crooked” chip tuning.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Sunny N15 with engine SR20DE error P1320 may appear due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. Before replacing the coil, check its signal with an oscilloscope - the amplitude should be no less than 0.5 V.

Table: Decoding ignition coil resistances for Nissan Sunny

Engine model	Primary Winding (Ohm)	Secondary winding (kOhm)	Notes
GA16DE	0.6–0.9	9–11	Original reel: 22448-4M000
SR20DE	0.7–1.0	10–12	Often suffers from overheating
QG18DE	0.5–0.8	8–10	There are fakes with low resistance
CG13DE (1.3)	0.8–1.2	11–13	Rarely fails, but is sensitive to moisture

How to Resolve Error P1320: Step-by-Step Solutions

Depending on the diagnostic results, the methods for eliminating the error will be different. Let's look at the most effective methods:

1. Cleaning and restoring contacts

If the problem is oxidized connectors:

• 🧹 Clean the contacts of the coil connector and the ECU alcohol solution or a special liquid (for example, Contact Cleaner).
• 🔧 Bend the bent contacts in the ECU connector (use a thin screwdriver).
• 🛡️ Apply to contacts dielectric grease for protection against moisture.

2. Replacing the ignition coil

If the coil is faulty:

• 🔨 Buy original reel or a high-quality analogue (for example, Bosch or Denso).
• 🔧 Install a new coil, having first cleaned the seat from dirt.
• 🔌 Connect the connector and make sure it is locked until it clicks.

On Nissan Sunny N16 with QG18DE After replacing the coil, it is recommended to reset the ECU adaptations via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Delphi). This will help to avoid false mistakes in the first 100 km.

3. Wiring repair

If there is a break or short circuit in the wires:

• 🔍 Find the damaged area (most often this is a place near the intake manifold).
• 🔧 Replace the damaged wire or restore the insulation using heat shrink tube.
• 📏 Make sure that the wires are not stretched and do not rub against metal parts.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Sunny N14 with GA16DE often frays wiring harness, coming from the ECU to the coil, at the point of attachment to the cylinder head bracket. If you find any abrasions, be sure to secure the wires with additional clamps!

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan Sunny make typical mistakes when troubleshooting P1320, which causes the problem to reappear. That's what can't do:

• 🚫 Ignore ECU ground check. A bad ground can simulate a coil failure.
• 🚫 Install non-original coils without checking resistance. Counterfeits often have underestimated parameters.
• 🚫 Cover damaged wires with electrical tape. It comes off over time and the problem returns.
• 🚫 Reset the error without eliminating the cause. This can lead to catalytic converter failure.

Another common mistake is replacing the coil without checking the transistor in the ECU. On Sunny N15 with SR20DE a faulty transistor can “kill” new coils one by one. If after replacing the coil the error returns within a week, be sure to diagnose the ECU.

How to check a transistor in an ECU without an oscilloscope?

1. Disconnect the ECU connector (be sure to remove the terminal from the battery for 10 minutes before doing this!).

2. Ring with a multimeter in pin diode mode 101 (coil control) to ground.

3. If the resistance is close to 0 ohm in one direction and infinity in the other - the transistor is working.

4. If there is no resistance in both directions, the transistor is broken and the ECU needs to be repaired.

Prevention: How to prevent P1320 from coming back

To make a mistake P1320 did not return, follow these recommendations:

• 🔧 Every 30 thousand km Clean the coil and ECU contacts from oxidation.
• 🚿 Avoid washing the engine under high pressure - water may get into the connectors.
• 🔥Check regularly high voltage wires for breakdown (especially if the engine stalls in wet weather).
• 📊 Use quality fuel — bad gasoline accelerates coil wear.

On Nissan Sunny N16 with QG18DE it is recommended to install custom ignition coils instead of a standard module. They are more reliable and heat up less, which extends their service life to 150–200 thousand km.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error P1320 on Nissan Sunny

Is it possible to drive with error code P1320?

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

• Increased wear of the catalyst (due to unburned fuel).
• Engine overheating (improper ignition increases the thermal load).
• Risk of failure of adjacent coils (if the problem is in the ECU).

If the error appears for the first time, you can go to the service center, but do not put off repairs for long.

How much does it cost to repair error code P1320?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Cleaning contacts — 500–1000 rub. (if you do it yourself, it’s free).
• Replacing the coil — 2000–5000 rub. (original) or 1000–2500 rub. (analog).
• Wiring repair — 1000–3000 rub. (depending on the amount of work).
• ECU diagnostics — 1500–4000 rub. (if flashing is required).

Can P1320 be caused by bad gasoline?

No, direct communication between fuel quality and error P1320 no. However, bad gasoline can:

• Accelerate coil wear due to detonation.
• Lead to the formation of carbon deposits on the spark plugs, which indirectly affects the operation of the ignition system.

If the error appears after refueling, most likely it is a coincidence - look for a problem in the wiring or coil.

How to reset error P1320 after repair?

There are three ways to reset the error:

1. Disabling the battery for 10–15 minutes (does not always work).
2. Via diagnostic scanner (For example, ELM327 + program Torque).
3. Spontaneously — after 3–5 successful engine starts without misfires.

If the error returns after a reset, the repair was not performed correctly.

What other errors can appear along with P1320?

Most often P1320 accompanied by:

• P0300 - random misfires.
• P0301–P0304 - misfires in a specific cylinder.
• P0325 — a problem with the knock sensor (indirectly related to the ignition).
• P0171/P0174 - lean mixture (may be a result of omissions).