Code P1320 on Nissan AD (and other models with engines SR20DE, QR25DE, VQ35DE) is one of the most common problems associated with the ignition system. This error indicates misfires in one or more cylinders, which can lead to loss of power, increased fuel consumption and even damage to the catalyst. Unlike universal errors like P0300, P1320 often has specific reasons specific to Nissan.
Owners AD (especially those with mileage over 150,000 km) encounter this problem most often due to wear of the ignition components or malfunctions in the control circuit. In this article we will look at:
- 🔍 What exactly does it mean error P1320 and how to decipher it.
- 🛠️ Top 5 reasons occurrence on Nissan AD (with photos and diagrams).
- 📊 Step-by-step diagnostics - from scanner to multimeter.
- 💰 Repair cost in service vs. self-removal.
Important: P1320 does not always require expensive repairs. In 30% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing spark plugs or cleaning contacts. But if you ignore the error, the consequences can be many times more expensive, including replacing the catalytic converter.
- Less than a week
- 1-3 months
- More than 6 months
- Appears periodically
What does error P1320 mean on Nissan AD
Code P1320 in the diagnostic system Nissan stands for "Ignition Signal Primary" - the problem is in the primary ignition circuit. Unlike common misfire errors (P0300-P0306), this code points to malfunction in the ignition coil control circuit or the coil itself. On AD with engines SR20DE And QR25DE The error is often accompanied by:
- ⚡ Triple engine at idle or under load.
- 🚗 Jerks when accelerating (especially at speeds of 60–90 km/h).
- 💨 Increased fuel consumption by 10–15%.
- 🔥 By lighting up the check (
Check Engine) with possible flashing.
On Nissan AD with the system Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS) each coil is controlled separately via ignition module (IGN coil driver), built in ECU. Error P1320 means that the control unit has detected abnormal signal in the primary circuit of one or more coils. It could be:
- 🔌 Open or short circuit in the coil wires.
- 🔥 Insulation breakdown coils (often due to oil or moisture).
- 🛠️ Transistor fault in the module ECU (rare, but possible).
Critical feature for Nissan AD: error P1320 can appear even with serviceable spark plugs and coils due to oxidation of contacts in the ECU connector or unstable voltage in the on-board network (for example, when the battery is discharged).
Top 5 causes of error P1320 on Nissan AD
Forum analysis (Drive2, Nissan Club) and data from diagnostic scanners shows that in 80% of cases P1320 on AD caused by one of five reasons:
| Reason | Frequency of occurrence | Cost of elimination (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Malfunction of the ignition coil | 45% | 1,500–4,000 (for 1 piece) |
| 2. Worn or dirty spark plugs | 25% | 800–2,500 (set) |
| 3. Problems with wiring (break, short circuit) | 15% | 500–3,000 (repair/replacement) |
| 4. ECU (ignition module) malfunction | 10% | 5,000–15,000 (repair/firmware) |
| 5. Low voltage on-board network | 5% | 1,000–5,000 (battery/generator) |
1. Ignition coils
On Nissan AD Individual coils are installed Hitachi or Denso (original article number - 22448-4M015). Over time, the insulation cracks and the windings lose resistance. You can check the coil with a multimeter:
- 🔧 Primary winding: there must be resistance
0.5–1.0 Ohm. - 🔧 Secondary winding:
10–15 kOhm(depending on the model).
2. Spark plugs
Candles on AD serve 30–50 thousand km, but when using low-quality fuel or oil, their service life is reduced. Error P1320 may appear when:
- 🔥 Increased clearance (more
1.1 mm). - 🛢️ Oily coating on the electrodes (indicates problems with the valve stem seals).
How to check spark plugs without tools?
If, while the engine is running, you disconnect the connectors of the coils one by one, and when you disconnect one of the cylinders, the nature of the engine’s operation does not change - the problem is in this cylinder (spark plug/coil/wiring).
Step-by-step diagnosis of error P1320
To pinpoint the cause P1320, follow this algorithm (from simple to complex):
1. Check error codes with a scanner (ELM327, Launch)
2. Visually inspect the coils and spark plugs for damage
3. Check the resistance of the coils with a multimeter
4. Measure the voltage at the coil connector (with the ignition on)
5. Check the circuit for open/short circuit (wire continuity)
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Step 1: Read codes
Use a scanner (ELM327, Launch CReader) or program Nissan DataScan. Please note:
- 🔍 If together with P1320 There is
P030X(where X is the cylinder number), the problem is localized. - 🔍 Error
P1320without additional codes often indicates common problem (for example, malfunction ECU).
Step 2: Checking the Coils
Disconnect the coil connector and measure the resistance:
Первичная обмотка: между контактами 1 и 2 → 0.5–1.0 Ом
Вторичная обмотка: между контактом 2 и высоковольтным выводом → 10–15 кОм
If the values are outside the limits, the coil is faulty. Also inspect it for cracks or signs of breakdown (dark spots on the body).
Step 3. Checking the spark plugs
Unscrew the spark plugs and assess their condition:
- ✅ Norm: light brown coating, gap
0.8–1.1 mm. - ❌ Problem: black carbon deposits (rich mixture), oil on threads (wear of rings/caps), melted electrodes (detonation).
If the spark plugs are in oil, check the compression in the cylinders before replacing - low compression (less than 10 bar) may indicate wear on the CPG.
How to Fix Error P1320: Step-by-Step Instructions
Depending on the cause, repair methods vary. Below are detailed instructions for each case.
1. Replacing the ignition coil
Procedure:
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Remove the decorative engine cover (if equipped).
- Disconnect the coil connector and unscrew the mounting bolt (usually
10 mm). - Remove the coil and install a new one (original or analogue Beru, Bosch).
- Connect the connector and check for errors with a scanner.
2. Cleaning or replacing spark plugs
If the spark plugs are dirty, they can be cleaned sandblaster or a special means (Liqui Moly). However, when:
- 🔧 Wear of electrodes (gap more
1.3 mm). - 🔧 Cracks in the insulator.
- replacement required. For Nissan AD recommended candles:
- 🔥 Original: Nissan 22401-4M015 (platinum).
- 🔥 Analogues: NGK PLFR5A-11, Denso FK16HR11.
3. Wiring repair
If the problem is in the wires, proceed as follows:
- Ring the chain from the coil to ECU (the diagram is in the manual).
- If there is a break, replace the wire or connector.
- If contacts become oxidized, clean them contact cleaner (CRC).
If after replacing the coils and spark plugs the P1320 error remains, check the voltage at the ECU connector (pin 105) - it should be 12V when the ignition is on.
Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them
Many owners Nissan AD make typical mistakes that lead to reoccurrence P1320:
⚠️ Attention: Never use candles with an inappropriate heat rating! For SR20DE requiredNGK BCP6ESor analogues, and for QR25DE —NGK PLFR5A-11. Incorrect spark plugs cause detonation and rapid wear of the coils.
Error 1: Replacing only one coil
If one coil is faulty, there is a high chance that the others are also worn out. It is recommended to replace it as a set, especially if the mileage is more than 100,000 km.
Error 2: Ignoring the condition of high-voltage wires
On AD there are no wires with individual coils, but if you have a model with a distributor (for example, GA16DE), check the resistance of the wires - it should be 5–10 kOhm.
Error 3: Failing to check compression
If P1320 accompanied by errors P030X and tripping, be sure to measure the compression. Low compression (less than 10 bar) may indicate:
- 🔧 Piston ring wear.
- 🔧 Valve problems (gaps, burnout).
⚠️ Attention: After replacing coils or spark plugs, always reset errors with a scanner! Some codes (for example, P1320) can remain in memory ECU even after the cause has been eliminated.
Repair cost: service vs. on your own
Elimination prices P1320 vary depending on cause and region:
| Type of repair | Cost of service (RUB) | Cost yourself (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics (scanner + check) | 1 500–3 000 | 0 (if there is a scanner) |
| Replacing 1 coil (labor + part) | 3 000–6 000 | 1 500–4 000 |
| Replacing spark plugs (set) | 2 000–4 000 | 800–2 500 |
| Wiring repair | 2 000–5 000 | 500–2 000 |
| ECU cleaning/repair | 5 000–15 000 | 3,000–8,000 (self-soldering) |
Self-repair is beneficial if you have:
- 🔧 Multimeter to check the coils.
- 🔧 Scanner to reset errors.
- 🔧 Tool set (heads
10 mm,12 mm).
If the problem is ECU, it is better to contact the service - repairing microcircuits requires experience and soldering equipment.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error P1320 on Nissan AD
Is it possible to drive with error code P1320?
Short term - yes, but not recommended. Long-term driving with misfires leads to:
- 🔥 Catalyst overheating (risk of melting).
- 💨 Increased fuel consumption by 15–20%.
- 🛠️ Wear of CPG parts due to improper combustion of the mixture.
If the error appears for the first time, you can drive to your home/service, but no more than 50–100 km.
Why does P1320 appear after washing the engine?
Water or detergent may have entered:
- 💧 Into the coil connectors (oxidation of contacts).
- 💧 On high-voltage wires (if any).
- 💧 To the block ECU (rare, but possible).
Solution: dry the engine (with a hairdryer or compressor), clean the contacts alcohol and apply dielectric grease.
Which ignition coils are best for Nissan AD?
Recommended options:
- 🔝 Original: Nissan 22448-4M015 (the most reliable, but expensive).
- 🔝 Analogues:
- Hitachi C1016 (good price/quality ratio).
- Denso 550-0103 (long life).
- Beru ZSE014 (budget option).
Avoid cheap Chinese coils - they often fail after 10-20 thousand km.
Could P1320 be due to bad fuel?
Yes, but indirectly. Low quality fuel leads to:
- 🔥 Dirty candles (plaque, soot).
- 🔥 Detonation, which damages the coils.
If after refueling there is a tripping and P1320, try:
- Drain bad fuel.
- Add a cleaning additive (Liqui Moly).
- Drive 50–100 km at high speed (3,000–4,000 rpm) to self-clean.
What should I do if error P1320 remains after replacing the coils?
Probable reasons:
- 🔌 ECU malfunction (diagnosis with an oscilloscope is required).
- 🔌 Wiring problems between ECU and coils.
- 🔌 Wrong candles (inappropriate heat rating).
- 🔌 Low voltage in the on-board network (check the battery and generator).
Solution: check voltage at pin 105 ECU connector (must be 12V) and mass integrity engine.