Owners of brand cars Nissan, especially models with QR and VQ series engines, often encounter a problem when the Check Engine icon lights up on the dashboard, and when connecting a diagnostic scanner, an error code is displayed P1320. This code indicates a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor control circuit, which is a critical signal for the electronic engine control module. Without correct data on the crankshaft position, the ECU cannot synchronize fuel supply and spark generation, which makes starting the engine impossible or extremely unstable.
Ignoring this problem can lead to serious consequences, ranging from a complete engine stop on the road to damage to the catalyst or the engine itself due to unburned fuel. Many car owners try to solve the problem by simply replacing the sensor, but in the case of Nissan the reason often lies deeper - in the wiring, connectors, or even in the control unit itself. It is important to approach diagnostics systematically so as not to waste money on unnecessary spare parts.
The essence of error P1320 and its effect on engine operation
Error P1320 in technical documentation Nissan stands for βMalfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit.β This sensor, often called CKP (Crankshaft Position Sensor), generates an electrical signal that the ECU uses to determine the exact crankshaft angle and rotation speed. Without this signal, the fuel injection system and the ignition system lose synchronization, since they do not know which cylinder and at what moment to apply a spark.
When the ECU receives a signal that is outside the acceptable voltage limits or completely missing, it immediately writes a code P1320 and turns on the emergency lamp. Depending on the car model and year of manufacture, the car's behavior can vary: from the inability to start the engine to running in emergency mode with limited power. In some cases, the engine may start, but immediately stall, since the control unit cannot maintain speed without feedback from the crankshaft.
It is worth noting that on modern engines Nissan This sensor plays a key role not only in starting, but also in the operation of the variable valve timing system (CVTCS). The error may cause additional codes related to the phase shifters to appear, making diagnosis more difficult. If you notice jerky acceleration or floating idle speed, checking the crankshaft sensor circuit should be one of the first steps.
Main causes of malfunction
Reasons why an error might occur P1320, not so many, but it is important to identify them correctly. The most obvious reason is the failure of the crankshaft position sensor itself. Over time, the sensing element inside the housing may degrade, or the integrity of its internal winding may be compromised, resulting in a lack of signal. This is especially true for cars with a mileage of more than 100,000 km.
However, much more often the problem lies in the electrical wiring. Due to vibrations, temperature changes and exposure to aggressive liquids, the insulation of the wires can fray, which leads to a short circuit to ground or an open circuit. Connectors are also susceptible to oxidation, especially if the car is operated in high humidity conditions or frequently driven off-road. Oxidized contacts create high resistance, which the ECU perceives as a sensor failure.
Less commonly, but still possible, the problem lies in the electronic engine control unit (ECU) itself. The internal ECU circuits responsible for processing the signal from the sensor may fail due to power surges or moisture. It is also worth checking the toothed disk (rotor) on the crankshaft: if it has mechanical damage or missing teeth, the sensor will not be able to generate the correct signal, even if it is in good working order.
- π§ Failure of the sensor itself CKP (broken winding or sensitive element).
- β‘ Break or short circuit in the wiring harness going to the sensor.
- π§οΈ Oxidation or contamination of contacts in the sensor connector.
- π© Mechanical damage to the ring gear on the crankshaft.
- π» Malfunction of the internal circuits of the electronic control unit (ECU).
Symptoms and behavior of the car when there is an error
The first and most noticeable sign of an error is P1320 is the Check Engine light coming on. In some cases, if the malfunction was detected at the time of start-up, the engine may not start at all. The starter will turn the engine at normal speed, but there will be no flashes in the cylinders, since the ECU does not see the position of the pistons.
If you manage to start the engine, you may notice unstable idle speed. The car may vibrate, the speed will βfloatβ, and when you try to move away, jerking will occur. In emergency mode, the ECU can forcibly limit the fuel supply, causing the car to lose dynamics and not be able to accelerate above a certain speed.
Another symptom may be spontaneous stopping of the engine while driving. This is especially dangerous when overtaking or driving on the highway. If the error occurs intermittently (periodically), then the machine may work normally for a while and then suddenly stall. In such cases, diagnosis becomes more difficult, since when checking on a cold engine, the error may not appear.
β οΈ Attention: If the engine stalls while driving and does not start again, do not try to endlessly turn the starter. This can lead to battery discharge and damage to the starter, as well as flooding of the cylinders with fuel if the injection system continues to operate out of synchronization.
- Engine won't start
- The revolutions are floating
- The car stalls while driving
- Check Engine Lights Constantly
Step-by-step instructions for self-diagnosis
To start diagnosing, you need to make sure there is an error code P1320 using a diagnostic scanner. After this, you should visually inspect the crankshaft position sensor and its connector. The sensor is usually located at the bottom of the engine, near the flywheel or crankshaft pulley. Check to see if the wire insulation is damaged and if there are any traces of oil on the sensor body, as oil can interfere with the operation of the sensing element.
The next step is to check the sensor resistance. For this you will need a multimeter. Disconnect the connector from the sensor and measure the resistance between the contacts of the sensor itself. Resistance values ββmay vary depending on the motor model, but are typically in the range of 500 to 1500 ohms. If the multimeter shows βinfinityβ (open) or zero (short circuit), the sensor must be replaced.
It is also important to check the integrity of the wires from the sensor to the ECU. This is done by testing the chain. One multimeter probe is placed on the contact of the sensor connector, and the second is placed on the corresponding contact of the ECU connector. If the circuit resistance is high or the signal does not pass through, then there is an open in the harness. Also check for the presence of supply voltage at the sensor connector when the ignition is on (if the sensor is active) or the presence of a ground signal.