Ignition

P1320 — Ignition Primary Circuit Failure (Nissan)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P1320 means

P1320 is a manufacturer-specific code most associated with Nissan. The engine control module did not see the expected feedback from the primary ignition circuit, which includes the coil, the power transistor (ignition module) and their wiring. Normally the ECM switches current through the coil's primary winding and the collapse of that current creates the spark. If the circuit is unstable, spark is lost or mistimed.

Symptoms

  • No-start
  • Engine stalling
  • Misfires on multiple cylinders
  • Rough idle and hesitation
  • Check Engine light on
  • Poor fuel economy

Possible causes

  1. Failed ignition coil
  2. Failed power transistor in the ignition module or distributor (older engines)
  3. Damaged or corroded wiring harness and connectors
  4. Poor power or ground supply to the coils
  5. Failed ignition driver inside the ECM (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, and look for misfire codes (P0300–P030x).
  2. Inspect the coil and ignition module connectors and harness for moisture, corrosion or chafed insulation.
  3. Check power and ground at the coil connector with the key on and while cranking.
  4. Measure primary and secondary coil resistance and compare with the spec for your model.
  5. Check the control signal at the coil connector with a scope or noid-style test light while cranking.
  6. Swap coils between cylinders and see whether the fault follows the coil.
  7. Test the power transistor or ignition module if it is a separate part.
  8. Test continuity of the wire from the ECM to the coil; suspect the ECM only after ruling out everything else.

Common fixes

  • Replace the faulty ignition coil
  • Replace the power transistor or ignition module
  • Repair damaged wiring and clean connectors and ground points
  • Replace worn spark plugs if they overloaded the coil
  • Repair or replace the ECM as a last resort

P1320 on different brands

Chevrolet · manuals
Defined as intermittent no pulses in the ignition control module 4X reference circuit.
Chrysler
Described as intermittent no pulses in the ignition control module 4X reference circuit.
Hyundai · manuals
Points to the ignition coil 4 circuit (IG.Coil.4).
Lexus · manuals
Indicates a circuit malfunction in the ignition control for cylinder No. 5.
Mitsubishi
Relates to ignition timing control for cold-start emission reduction.
Suzuki · manuals
Indicates a crankshaft segment malfunction.
Toyota · manuals
Indicates a circuit malfunction in the ignition control for cylinder No. 5.
VAG
Described as a short to ground in the knock sensor 2 circuit.

Questions and answers

What does P1320 mean on a Nissan?

It signals a fault in the primary ignition circuit: the coil, power transistor or their wiring. A bad coil or ignition module is the most common cause.

Can I drive with a P1320 code?

Only a short distance to a shop. Misfires can damage the catalytic converter, and the engine may stall without warning.

Is P1320 the same on every brand?

No. It is a manufacturer-specific code and its meaning differs between makes, so check the documentation for your exact vehicle.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.