Car owners Nissan Wingroad with gasoline engines of the HR15DE or QG15DE series, they often encounter an unpleasant situation: the Check Engine indicator lights up, and when connecting a diagnostic scanner, a code is issued P1320. This error indicates a malfunction in the camshaft position (CMP) sensor control circuit, which is critical to the correct operation of the ignition and fuel injection system.
Ignoring the signal P1320 can lead not only to increased fuel consumption, but also to serious problems with starting the engine, especially in cold weather. Unlike other brands, Japanese cars Nissan have a specific operating logic of the control unit, where even a minor failure in the sensor signal can cause a transition to emergency operation.
In this article, we will look in detail at why the failure occurs, how to distinguish a malfunction of the sensor itself from problems with the wiring, and how to carry out diagnostics yourself without contacting a service center. You'll learn what tools you'll need and how to correctly interpret scanner data to Nissan Wingroad.
The essence of the P1320 trouble code in the Nissan engine
Code P1320 in technical documentation Nissan stands for "Ignition Signal Circuit" or "Camshaft Position Sensor - Control Circuit". This means that the electronic control unit (ECU) does not receive correct pulses from the camshaft position sensor within a certain time or the signal is outside the permissible voltage limits.
For engine Nissan Wingroad this is especially important since the ignition system depends on the timing between the crankshaft and camshaft. If the ECU does not see the signal from the CMP sensor, it cannot accurately determine when sparking occurs, which leads to misfire or no starting at all.
It is worth noting that the error can be either permanent or floating. In the case of a floating error, the car may operate normally most of the time, but stall at idle or when the gas is suddenly pressed. A feature of QG series engines is that the sensor often fails due to overheating, rather than mechanical wear.
The main reasons for the error to appear on Nissan Wingroad
Reasons for the code P1320 there may be several, and they are not always associated with failure of the sensor itself. Often the problem lies in the electrical circuit, which is exposed to high temperatures in the engine compartment.
The first and most common cause is a failure of the camshaft position sensor itself. Over time, its internal element (Hall effect) degrades, ceasing to generate a signal. There may also be a problem with the magnetic ring on the camshaft, which may become contaminated with metal shavings or lose its magnetic properties.
The second group of reasons is related to wiring and connectors. Motor vibration, constant temperature changes and contact corrosion can lead to broken wires or short circuits. Particularly vulnerable are sections of the wire passing near the exhaust manifold, where the temperature reaches critical values.
- 🔥 Sensor overheating due to proximity to the exhaust manifold
- 🔌 Oxidation or destruction of contacts in the sensor connector
- ⚡ Broken signal wire in the wiring harness
- 💻 Engine control unit software failure
Symptoms and behavior of the car when there is an error
When the system records an error P1320, behavior Nissan Wingroad does not always change immediately. Sometimes the Check Engine light comes on, but the car drives like nothing happened until you connect the diagnostic scan tool.
However, in most cases the driver will notice clear signs of a problem. The engine may begin to operate unstably at idle, vibrations may appear, and when trying to start, the starter will spin the engine for a long time without results.
In more severe cases, the car may stall immediately after starting or when coasting. The loss of power becomes noticeable during acceleration, as the ECU goes into emergency mode, disabling the synchronization phase and working according to average tables, which reduces engine efficiency.
- Check Engine light came on
- Difficult start
- Floating speed
- Power Loss
Diagnostics and testing of the electrical circuit
Before changing the sensor, you need to make sure that the problem is in it and not in the wiring. To do this, you will need a multimeter and access to the camshaft position sensor connector. Start by visually inspecting the wiring harness for damage.
The test begins with measuring the supply voltage. Disconnect the sensor connector and turn on the ignition. There should be three wires on the connector: power (usually 5V or 12V, depending on the model), ground and signal wire. Measure the voltage between ground and power wire.
If there is no power, the problem is in the circuit from the ECU or the fuse. If there is power, check signal integrity. You can use an oscilloscope for this, but if you don’t have one, a simple multimeter in AC voltage measurement mode or checking for the presence of pulses when cranking the starter will do.
Pay special attention to the connector. Often moisture or oxides accumulate inside it, which block the passage of the signal. Clean the contacts with contact spray and try starting the engine again.
- 🔍 Visual inspection of the tourniquet for chafing
- 🔋 Checking the supply voltage at the sensor connector
- 📡 Circuit resistance measurement (open circuit test)
- 💧 Inspect the connector for oxidation or moisture
☑️ Checking the P1320 sensor circuit
Step-by-step sensor replacement and setup
If diagnostics show that the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced. For Nissan Wingroad This procedure is quite simple, but requires care, since the sensor is located in a hard-to-reach place on the cylinder head.
First you need to de-energize the car by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. Then disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor by pressing the latch. Unscrew the fastening bolt and carefully remove the old sensor. Be prepared for some oil to leak out of the hole.
Install the new sensor in place, making sure that the O-ring is seated tightly and is not twisted. Tighten the mounting bolt with moderate force so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum cylinder head. Reconnect the connector and restore power.
After replacement, you need to reset the error. This can be done through the OBDII diagnostic connector or simply by disconnecting the battery for 15-20 minutes. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the ECU to adapt to the new conditions.
Do I need to reset adaptations after replacing the sensor?
In most cases, the Nissan ECU adapts itself within a couple of driving cycles, but to be sure, it is recommended to reset the adaptations via a scanner or disconnect the battery. If the error persists, check the valve timing.
It is important to use an original spare part or a high-quality analogue. Cheap Chinese sensors often have inaccurate characteristics, which can lead to the reappearance of the error P1320 in a short time.
Repair cost analysis and prevention
The cost of repair depends on the selected spare part and the difficulty of access. Original camshaft position sensor for Nissan It costs more than its analogues, but lasts much longer. The average price on the market varies depending on exchange rates and region.
If you decide to replace the sensor yourself, the costs will be limited only by the cost of the spare part. The service may offer you a comprehensive wiring diagnostic, which will increase the final amount but ensure the reliability of the result.
| Parameter | Original (Nissan) | Analog (Kavachi) | Analogue (Denso) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | High | Low | Average |
| Service life | 100,000+ km | 30,000-50,000 km | 60,000-80,000 km |
| Signal accuracy | High | Low | Average |
| Warranty | 12 months | 6 months | 12 months |
To prevent errors from occurring P1320 It is recommended to periodically inspect the wiring harness in the engine area. If the wiring is frayed, it needs to be insulated or the entire section replaced. It is also useful to regularly clean the connectors from oxides.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to “warm up” the sensor with a hairdryer or other heat source to restore operation. This can lead to complete failure of the electronic components inside the case.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the sensor, error P1320 returns immediately, check the valve timing. Broken timing marks can also cause similar symptoms.
When purchasing a sensor, be sure to check the part number on the package with the number on the old sensor, since for different years of manufacture Nissan Wingroad Various modifications can be used.
Regularly checking the integrity of the wiring and using high-quality spare parts is the key to ensuring that error P1320 does not return after repair.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to drive with error code P1320?
Technically possible, but not recommended. The car will operate in emergency mode, fuel consumption will increase, and the engine may stall at any time, which is dangerous when driving in traffic.
Why does the error only appear when it's hot?
This is a classic sign of degradation of the semiconductor elements inside the sensor. When heated, the resistance changes and the signal is interrupted. Once the engine cools down, operation can be restored.
Do I need to change the timing belt when replacing the sensor?
No, the camshaft position sensor is located outside the cylinder head and does not require the timing belt to be removed for replacement.
Could P1320 be caused by bad fuel?
Directly - no. Bad fuel affects the spark plugs and ignition coils, but not the camshaft sensor. However, misfires due to poor fuel can confuse the diagnostic system.
What to do if the new sensor does not help?
If replacing the sensor does not solve the problem, you need to check the integrity of the wiring to the ECU, and also check the operation of the engine control unit itself. The problem may be a break inside the harness or a faulty controller.