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, QG15DE or QG18DE) is one of the most common problems associated with the ignition system. This error indicates a fault in the circuit camshaft position (CMP) sensor, but its true causes often lie deeper - from banal oxidation of contacts to serious problems with the timing belt or ECU. Owners Sunny (including restyled versions N16 And N17) are encountered on both cold and hot engines, and the symptoms can vary from “trouble” mode to complete engine failure.

In this article we will look in detail at:

• 🔍 What exactly does P1320 mean? and how it relates to other codes (e.g. P0340 or P0345).
• 🛠️ Step-by-step diagnostics - from checking the wiring to analyzing the oscillogram of the sensor signal.
• 💰 Repair cost in the service vs independent elimination (with calculation for Nissan Sunny B14/B15).
• ⚠️ Common mistakes during repairs, which lead to recurrence of the problem.

Important: error P1320 on a Nissan Sunny often masks a problem with the timing belt or its tensioner - ignoring it can lead to a collision of pistons with valves and a major engine overhaul. If the dashboard lights up CHECK ENGINE, and the engine runs erratically or stalls - immediately begin diagnostics.

What does error P1320 mean on Nissan Sunny?

Code P1320 stands for "Ignition Signal Primary" - the problem is in the primary ignition circuit. In context Nissan Sunny this almost always indicates:

• 🔌 Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Malfunction or its circuit (open circuit, short circuit, oxidation of contacts).
• ⚙️ Valve timing offset due to a stretched timing belt, worn tensioner or “jumped” teeth.
• 🖥️ Problems with the ECU (for example, damage to transistors in the ignition driver on the unit board).
• ⚡ Breakdowns in the high-voltage circuit (coils, wires, spark plugs) that indirectly affect the CMP signal.

On Nissan Sunny with distributed injection system ECCS The CMP sensor is responsible for synchronizing fuel injection and ignition. If the ECU does not receive the correct signal, it goes into emergency mode (Limp Mode), limiting speed and power. Often together with P1320 codes appear P0340 (“No CMP Signal”) or P0300 (“Random Misfire”), which narrows the scope of troubleshooting.

Feature Sunny — sensitivity of the CMP sensor to the gap between it and the drive disk (must be 0.5–1.5 mm). Even a slight displacement (for example, after replacing the timing belt) can trigger an error. Also on models before 2004 there are problems with soldering the sensor contacts — the solder cracks due to vibrations, and the signal disappears periodically.

Symptoms of error P1320: how it manifests itself on Nissan Sunny

Error P1320 rarely appears “on its own” - it is usually accompanied by noticeable changes in engine operation. Here are the typical signs for Nissan Sunny:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Danger level
The engine starts and immediately stalls	There is no signal from CMP, the ECU does not “see” the camshaft position	⚠️ High (risk of stopping in traffic)
Floating speed at idle (500–1500 rpm)	Unstable sensor signal or timing phase shift	⚠️ Medium (accelerated engine wear)
Loss of power, “dips” during acceleration	The ECU has switched to emergency mode, fuel is supplied “blindly”	⚠️⚠️ Critical (risk of overheating)
CHECK ENGINE lights up after the engine warms up	Thermal expansion of damaged wiring or sensor	⚠️ Low (but requires diagnostics)

On Nissan Sunny N16 (2000–2006) error P1320 often manifests itself only on a hot engine. This is due to the fact that when heated:

• 🔥 Microcracks in the solder joints of the CMP sensor are expanding.
• 🔌 The resistance of oxidized contacts in the connector increases.
• ⚙️ The gap between the sensor and the drive disk changes (due to thermal expansion of the metal).

⚠️ Attention: If the error P1320 appears along with P0325 (“Knock Sensor Circuit”), the problem may lie in common negative wire sensors On Sunny it often oxidizes under the intake manifold.

Step-by-step diagnosis of error P1320 on Nissan Sunny

To pinpoint the cause P1320, follow this algorithm (from simple to complex). To work you will need:

• 🔧 Multimeter (with diode test mode).
• 🔍 An oscilloscope (or a scanner with a signal graphical display function, for example, Launch X431).
• 🛠️ A set of socket wrenches for removing the timing cover.

Check the CMP sensor circuit for open circuit and short circuit|Measure the sensor resistance (normal: 500–1000 Ohms)|Check the gap between the sensor and the disk|Take an oscillogram of the CMP signal|Check the timing marks-->

Step 1: Test the CMP Sensor Circuit

Disconnect the sensor connector (located on the cylinder head, next to the camshaft). Multimeter in mode 200 Ohm measure the resistance between the contacts 1 And 2 (on the sensor connector):

• 🔹 Norm: 500–1000 Ohm (depends on temperature).
• 🔹 Break: resistance tends to infinity.
• 🔹 KZ: resistance close to 0 ohm.

Then check the circuit from the connector to the ECU (contacts A25 And A10 on the ECU block for Sunny B15): resistance should be no more 1 ohm (check for a break).

Step 2. Analyze the signal with an oscilloscope

Connect the oscilloscope to the signal wire of the CMP sensor (pin 2 on the connector). When cranking with the starter, you should see square wave with amplitude 0–5 V and a frequency proportional to the crankshaft speed. The absence of a signal or its “noisiness” indicates:

• 🔸 Malfunction of the sensor itself.
• 🔸 Damage to the master disk (chips, corrosion).
• 🔸 Timing timing phase shift (there is a signal, but it is shifted in time).

How to check timing marks without removing the cover?

On a Nissan Sunny, you can approximately assess the coincidence of the marks through the inspection window on the timing cover (to the right of the oil filler neck). When cranking with the starter, the mark on the crankshaft pulley should coincide with the mark on the cover, and the camshaft cams should be directed upward (for the 1st cylinder at TDC).

Step 3. Checking the mechanical part of the timing belt

If the electrical circuit is OK, but the error remains, remove the timing cover and check:

1. Coincidence of marks on the camshaft and crankshaft (for GA16DE The mark on the crankshaft pulley should coincide with the notch on the cover, and the camshaft cams should look up).
2. Condition of the timing belt: cracks, delaminations, oil smudges.
3. Tension roller play (permissible play - no more than 1 mm).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Sunny N17 (2006–2010) when the timing belt breaks always oppressive - even at low speeds. If the belt breaks, the engine is repaired only by replacing the valves and guides.

Common causes of P1320 and how to fix them

Based on repair statistics Nissan Sunny There are 5 main reasons P1320 and ways to eliminate them:

Reason	Diagnostics	Repair	Cost (independent/service)
CMP sensor faulty	Checking resistance and waveforms	Replacing the sensor (article: 23731-4M000 for GA16DE)	1 200 ₽ / 2 500–3 500 ₽
Oxidation of contacts in the connector	Visual inspection, multimeter check	Contact cleaning, processing Contact Cleaner	200 ₽ / 500–800 ₽
Timing phase shift	Mark check, CMP vs CKP waveform	Adjusting the timing belt or replacing rollers	1 500 ₽ / 4 000–6 000 ₽
Problems with the ECU	Diagnostics with a scanner, checking the power supply of the unit	Repairing the board or replacing the ECU (part number: 23710-4M010)	3 000 ₽ / 8 000–15 000 ₽

Most common cause (60% of cases) — malfunction of the CMP sensor itself. On Sunny it fails due to:

• 🔥 Overheating (the sensor is located next to the manifold outlet).
• 💧 Oil or antifreeze ingress (through a leaky timing cover).
• ⚡ Electrical interference from high-voltage wires.

Second most common problem — timing belt offset. On Sunny with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km it often wears out tension roller (item: 13070-4M000), which leads to the belt slipping by 1–2 teeth. This shifts the phases, and the ECU detects a mismatch between the CMP and CKP (crankshaft sensor) signals.

Rare but insidious case - problems with minus mass sensors On Sunny The CMP and CKP ground are combined and attached to the cylinder head under the intake manifold. Oxidation of this contact leads to "floating" errors P1320 And P0335. The solution is cleaning the contact and processing Lithol.

How to reset error P1320 after repair

After eliminating the cause of the error, it must be reset from the ECU memory. On Nissan Sunny this can be done in three ways:

1. Battery disconnection:

   Remove the negative terminal from the battery for 10–15 minutes. This will reset all adaptations and errors. Minus: The settings for idle speed, climate control, etc. will also be reset.

2. Scanner (for example, ELM327):

   Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel), select a function Clear DTC. Plus: ECU adaptations are saved.

3. "Secret" method for Sunny:

   1. Включите зажигание (не заводите двигатель).
   2. Нажмите педаль газа до упора и удерживайте 10 секунд.
   3. Выключите зажигание, подождите 20 секунд.
   4. Заведите двигатель — ошибка должна сброситься.

   This method works on models before 2004 due to the features of the ECU firmware.

⚠️ Attention: If the error P1320 appears again after a reset - the problem is not resolved. On Sunny with engine QG18DE this is often associated with malfunction of the ignition coil of the 4th cylinder (it is located closest to the CMP sensor and creates interference).

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan Sunny are faced with the fact that after repair there is an error P1320 returns. Here are common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Replacing the CMP sensor without checking the connector:

  A new sensor can quickly fail if the contacts in the connector are oxidized or damaged. Always clean them WD-40 and check with a multimeter.

• ⚙️ Incorrect timing belt installation:

  On Sunny tags need to be set strictly according to the manual - even a shift of 1 tooth will cause an error. Use special camshaft clamps (part number: KV10115000).

• 🔌 Ignoring the "mass" of sensors:

  If after replacing the sensor the error remains, check the negative sign on the head of the unit (next to the thermostat). Corrosion is often hidden there.

• 💻 Incorrect error reset:

  Resetting by disconnecting the battery does not always work Sunny N16/N17 — The ECU may store the error in non-volatile memory. Use a scanner.

💡

On a Nissan Sunny with a GA16DE engine, after replacing the timing belt, be sure to check the gap between the CMP sensor and the drive disc - it should be 0.5–1.5 mm. Too large a gap (more than 2 mm) will lead to a weak signal and error P1320.

Another common problem is use of non-original sensors. On Sunny Only sensors with article numbers are suitable:

• 23731-4M000 (Nissan original).
• SMP CAM-101 (analogue from Standard Motor Products).
• BOS 0261231016 (quality substitute from Bosch).

Sensors from No-Name brands (eg "AvtoVAZ" or "Phenox") often give an incorrect signal and cause an error P1320 already after 1–2 thousand km.

Prevention of error P1320 on Nissan Sunny

To avoid reappearance P1320, follow these guidelines:

Check the timing belt every 60 thousand km|Clean the contacts of the CMP sensor once a year|Use only original spare parts|Monitor the oil level (overfilling damages the sensor)|Check the “ground” of the sensors after washing the engine-->

1. Checking the condition of the timing belt

On Sunny Timing belt needs to be changed every 60 thousand km (or once every 4 years), even if outwardly it looks normal. Signs of wear:

• 🔹 Cracks on the inside of the belt.
• 🔹 Cord delamination (threads are visible).
• 🔹 Oil smudges (indicate wear of the seals).

When replacing the belt, be sure to change tension roller And support roller (item: 13091-4M000). On Sunny they wear out at the same time.

2. Protect the CMP sensor from overheating

The sensor is located near the manifold outlet and is therefore susceptible to overheating. To extend its life:

• 🔥 Install heat reflective screen from aluminum foil.
• 💧 Check the tightness of the timing cover - oil getting on the sensor kills it in 1-2 months.
• 🔌 Regularly clean the connector contacts from oxidation.

3. Diagnostics of engine masses

On Nissan Sunny The “mass” of sensors and ECUs often oxidize. Once a year:

1. Remove the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Clean all ground points on the cylinder head and body (use a metal brush).
3. Process contacts Lithol or Molykote.

4. Control of high voltage interference

On Sunny with mileage of more than 200 thousand km they often wear out high voltage wires And ignition coils, which interferes with the CMP sensor. Signs:

• 🔌 Error P1320 appears at high speeds.
• 🔌 The engine “troits” in wet weather.

The solution is to replace the wires (set 22430-4M000) and checking the resistance of the coils (standard: 0.5–1.0 Ohm on the primary winding).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error P1320 on Nissan Sunny

Is it possible to drive with error code P1320?

Short term - yes, but with caution. The ECU goes into emergency mode, limiting the speed to 3000–3500 rpm and turning off part of the systems (for example, VTC on QG18DE). Driving for a long time with an error will lead to:

• 🔥 Engine overheating (due to incorrect injection).
• ⚡ Increased fuel consumption (up to 15–20 l/100 km).
• ⚙️ Accelerated wear of the catalyst.

Recommendation: If the error appears for the first time, you can drive to the service center, but no more than 50 km. If the error is permanent, it is better not to start the engine.

How much does a P1320 diagnostic service cost?

The cost depends on the region and level of service:

Type of work	Cost (₽)
Computer diagnostics (reading errors)	500–1 500
Checking the CMP sensor and circuit (multimeter + oscilloscope)	1 500–3 000
Checking the timing marks (with removing the cover)	2 000–4 000
Comprehensive diagnostics (including ECU check)	4 000–7 000

Advice: if the service offers diagnostics for 500 ₽, most likely they simply consider errors with a scanner, without checking the sensors and wiring. Full diagnostics P1320 takes 1–2 hours.

Is it possible to replace the CMP sensor on a Nissan Sunny yourself?

Yes, this is one of the simplest procedures. You will need:

1. Disable the negative battery.
2. Disconnect the sensor connector (press the lock).
3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt (key on 10 mm).
4. Remove the sensor and install a new one (don't forget the O-ring!).
5. Connect the connector and reset the error.

Time: 20–30 minutes. Difficulty: 2/5.

Important! After replacing the sensor do not start the engine immediately - first check the gap between the sensor and the drive disk (should be 0.5–1.5 mm).

What should I do if the P1320 error remains after replacing the CMP sensor?

Probable reasons:

• 🔌 The new sensor is faulty (defect or fake). Check its resistance.
• ⚙️ Timing marks are shifted. Even if the belt was not changed, it could slip.
• 🖥️ Problems with the ECU. Check the power supply to the unit (12 V on contact A1) and "mass".
• 🔥 Breakdowns in the high-voltage circuit. Replace spark plugs and wires.

Actions:

1. Check the signal waveform of the new sensor.
2. Remove the timing cover and make sure the marks match.
3. Check the circuit from the sensor to the ECU for an open circuit.

What other errors can appear along with P1320?

On Nissan Sunny error P1320 often accompanied by:

Error code	Meaning	Probable Cause
P0340	No CMP Signal	Open circuit of the sensor or its complete failure
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