P1320 Nissan and Infiniti: the engine computer is not seeing the expected ignition primary signal back from the ignition coils

Ignition signal, primary (Nissan/Infiniti)

P1320 in short

On Nissan and Infiniti, P1320 means the engine computer is not getting the expected ignition primary signal back from the coils. Nissan bulletins tie it to ignition coils on the 2000-2001 Maxima and 1999-2001 Infiniti I30. Get it inspected soon, and stop driving if the light flashes.

Each ignition coil on these engines has a power transistor that switches the coil primary. The engine computer watches a return signal from that primary circuit; P1320 sets when the signal is missing or irregular.

Nissan and Infiniti bulletins for the 2000-2001 Maxima and 1999-2001 I30 blame the ignition coils, sometimes with spark knock (detonation). Technicians also point to wiring in the primary circuit, the coil condenser and the crankshaft sensor.

The engine can run normally with the code set, and technicians report that replacing coils does not always clear it, so the wiring deserves a check before buying a full set of coils.

Pick your make

P1320 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Failing ignition coil or its built-in power transistor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan and Infiniti bulletins say P1320 on the 2000-2001 Maxima and 1999-2001 I30 is due to ignition coils.
    What would change this
    Rises with misfire or pinging, or a coil that tests weak; a dealer can check the VIN against the bulletins.
    How to test the ignition coil

  2. Open or shorted ignition primary wiring or connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    An experienced mechanic lists open or shorted primary circuit wiring first, and an iATN case on a 2000 I30 shows coil replacement does not always clear the code.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code returns after coils are replaced or connectors are corroded.

  3. Faulty ignition condenser

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Listed as a possible cause for the I30 by an experienced mechanic; no bulletin names it.
    What would change this
    Rises after coils and wiring test good.

  4. Crankshaft position sensor or its circuit

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The ignition timing reference comes from the crank sensor, so its signal is listed as a possible cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if crank sensor codes or stalling also occur.
    How to test the crankshaft position sensor

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes and freeze frame; note any misfire or crank sensor codes and ask a dealer to check the VIN against the Nissan/Infiniti coil bulletins.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

  2. Have a shop check the coil connectors, primary wiring and condenser, and test each coil's power transistor following Nissan service information.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, oscilloscope, service information

    Warning:Ignition primary circuits carry high voltage spikes; testing with the engine running can give a dangerous shock.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on, often with the engine running normally
  • Pinging or spark knock under load
  • Misfire or rough running
  • Flashing check engine light or stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Car shaking with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. Ask a Nissan or Infiniti dealer to check whether bulletin NTB01-059 (Maxima) or ITB01-052/ITB01-053 (I30) applies to your VIN.

  2. Look at the coil connectors for looseness or corrosion before replacing coils.

    Warning:Engine off; ignition coils produce high voltage.

Parts and cost context

  • Ignition coil:On these engines the power transistor is built into each coil. Technicians report replacing coils does not always clear P1320, so confirm with testing.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2000–2001 · Maxima

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan ties P1320 and spark knock to ignition coils on these Maximas. Ask a dealer about NTB01-059.

  • NTB01-059Status unverified

    MIL with P1320 and/or spark knock due to ignition coil(s)

    2000–2001maxima · NHTSA 628197

    Ties P1320 and detonation to the ignition coils.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Infiniti

  • 1999–2001 · I30

    Supported by vehicle data

    Infiniti ties P1320 to ignition coils on the I30; wiring is worth checking if new coils do not clear it.

  • ITB01-052Status unverified

    MIL with P1320 and/or spark knock due to ignition coil(s)

    2000–2001i30 · NHTSA 623137

    Same condition as the Maxima bulletin.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • ITB01-053Status unverified

    MIL with P1320 due to the ignition coil

    1999i30 · NHTSA 623696

    P1320 stored in the ECM due to the ignition coil.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0300Random or multiple-cylinder misfire detected

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    A failing coil that sets P1320 can also cause misfire, which sets P0300 or a cylinder-specific code.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P1320 questions

My car runs fine. Do I need to fix P1320?

Have it checked soon. Nissan and Infiniti link it to ignition coils that can also cause spark knock, which can damage the engine over time. The light also hides any new fault that might set.

Sources and review

  1. Nissan NTB01-059: MIL with P1320 and/or spark knock (detonation) due to ignition coil(s), 2000-2001 Maxima — Nissan North America
  2. Infiniti ITB01-052: MIL with P1320 and/or spark knock due to ignition coil(s), 2000-2001 I30 — Nissan North America (Infiniti)
  3. 2000 Infiniti I30 code P1320 — 2CarPros (answer by ZACKMAN, experienced mechanic)
  4. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  5. 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
  6. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  7. What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft sensor? — Delphi Technologies
  8. Infiniti ITB01-053: MIL with P1320 due to the ignition coil, 1999 I30 — Nissan North America (Infiniti)
  9. 2000 Infiniti I30 3.0L: P1320 ignition primary — iATN (International Automotive Technicians Network) ,
  10. How To Diagnose & Repair Engine Misfires — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley, automotive technical writer)
  11. Scandata code P1320 (Nissan): Ignition Signal, Primary — TaT (Technical Assistance Team, Australia)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.