My buddy has a 99 Maxima. He's been having problems with it recently. He got a service engine soon light, and when the codes were scanned, we got a P1320. The code comes up as a general ignition system. It doesnt tell any more than that. We cleared it, and replaced spark plugs, and are gonna see if it comes back. Most likely, its an ignition coil. Is there any way at all to tell which specific coil is bad? I know there's a way to test it, but Im unsure how.

Any helpful replies are welcome.

Thanks guys!

- Chris

 

take the suspect coil pack out and switch it with a good one and see how the car run

 

But the problem is, the car isnt misfiring, so there's no way to tell which one is bad. I need a way to try and test them first.

 

0201
Diagnostic Trouble Code 0201 indicates a problem with the ignition coil and power transistor. The ignition signal from the Engine Control Module is sent to and amplified by the power transistor. The power transistor turns on and off the ignition coil primary circuit. This on-off operation induces the proper high voltage in the coil secondary circuit.

The malfunction is detected when the ignition signal in the primary circuit is not entered during engine cranking or running.

The items to check include
- Harness or connectors (the ignition primary circuit is open or shorted.)
- Power transistor unit built into ignition coil
- Condenser
- Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF)
- Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF) circuit

A misfire on any individual cylinder should set a code, and a problem with the CPS should also set a code.

I would have expected to see DTC 0201 along with one of the following DTCs.
0407 - Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF)
0608 - Cylinder 1 misfire
0607 - Cylinder 2 misfire
0606 - Cylinder 3 misfire
0605 - Cylinder 4 misfire
0604 - Cylinder 5 misfire
0603 - Cylinder 6 misfire

You didn't get one of these "companion" DTCs, and that is puzzling. Maybe one of them will show up in the next few days.

 

Thanks for all the info. I know for a fact the car isnt misfiring yet, so maybe it will start that soon and make this a whole lot easier. I just got some information on how to check the coil packs, and I'll definately check those things out that you mentioned. Thanks