I went to autozone and the diagnostic tool read the code P1320, and said something about ignition misfire.

The autozone guy said something about "checking gaps" or something, but being the un-mechanically inclined person I am, I had no idea what he was talking about. He said that it was something I could take care of, but without some form of a write up, I have no idea what to do.

 

You have a 2000 Maxima. Replace all 6 ignition coils.

 

Somebody tell me he is kidding.

 

I'm not kidding.

 

hes not kidding about doing a search either


actually, you can find the failed coil, and just replace it, however, the next coil might fail next week, and youll be doing it all over again...

 

I did do a search, try it yourself.

http://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

So this is something that must be done by the dealer I'm assuming. I bought the car used and I was under the impression that coils usually went out while under warranty, not at 92,000 miles. Also, I haven't noticed anything different performance wise since the light came on. What should I look for?

 

If you go to the dealer, take some vaseline ...

You can do the job yourself in 1/2 hour if you know how to use a screwdriver, socket and/or hex wrenches (can't remember the 5th Gens exactly)...

Just order the coils from Dave B - check the stickies for contact info, and pop them in.... it's actually easier than changing spark plugs.

 

Anybody have a write-up?

Also, is there nothing else that could set off this code?

 

Check the stickies.

 

i got the same code but havent read it yet, last time the code was a bank 2 o2 sensor but i dont know 1320 is coils huh? i was actuly just about to search it since my manual for the obd2 doesnt go over 1300 but anyway thanks i will order some packs i only got one code so i dont know...should i replace the 02 sensor too? i only have 54k on my 2000 and i have it warrantied until 06 or 85k is this covered by warranty? i was told the 02 sensor shoudl be but not sure....

 

i have this code and I have replaced ALL 6 COILS and ALL SPARK PLUGS.

i still have this code and have no idea why.

 

Did you reset the ECU/unplug the battery overnight after replacing the coils?

 

I looked through the TSB's, Install Instructions, and FAQ and found nothing as far as an actual write up for replacing the coils.

 

From the how-to sticky:
http://zaiderman.com/plugs.html

This is for the 02-03 to give you an idea.. the fronts will be exactly the same. For your rear 3 coils, you don't have to pull the plenum like in the write-up - just do it the same way as the fronts.. you might have to undo a bracket to two to get one of the coils out.

If those instructions are not sufficient, it's time to find a mechanic you trust, or get a Haynes manual and put in some effort to learn the basics. Good luck.

 

You may have a bad replacement coil. It just happened to me when I replaced them all--didn't even make it 500 miles. Fortunately I bought an extra and was able to return the first. It's fine now. What sux is you have to ultimately get the P300x code to know which one is slowly dying.

 

or if you have a miss, you drop cylinders one at a time until you find the failed coil.

p1320 also applies to the circuits, so check for wire chafing and/or connector damage.

 

I also just found this write up for anyone who is mechanically savvy enough to do this themself:
http://www.greghome.com/Greg's%20Garage/2002MaxSE/SparkPlugReplacement.htm

After reviewing these write-ups, I really don't think I'm the guy to get into this kind of repair, and (unless somebody knows a trustworthy mechanic in indianapolis) I am planning on going to the $tealer$hip and shelling out (what I think will be around) $500 to get the coils and plugs replaced assuming the coils will cost around $350 and the labor is $50 an hour.

Thanks for all your help, guys.

 

dude its a joke to replace the coils/plugs in a 00 max u will pay like 100 for parts or goto the steeler and pay like 5-800? never i will get my hands dirty b4 i let them get my money

 

Most people report the dealer charging them $700-$800 to replace the coils. You can do it yourself for $300.

BTW, my coils failed at 91000 miles. The first one failed and I replaced just the one coil. Within 2 weeks, I had 2 more fail, so I ended up replacing them all. If you want to see a VQ cry, try running it on 4 cylinders with 2 of them misfiring.

 

Seriously change them yourself. First, you have to remove the little plastic cover that says Nissan 3000 V6 that is held down by 4 allen bolts. There's 6 electrical connecters to disconnect and (6) 10mm bolts to loosen that hold them in place and that's it.

 

Duplicate post-delete me

 

That procedure is for the 3.5L VQ in the 02, and 03s... yours is 10x simpler... the dealer will charge 700-800 bucks for plugs and coils. You can do the coils yourself for 300 bucks. It's up to you whether you want to put in the effort. If you can use a screwdriver, you can replace ignition coils. It really is that simple. Another option is to post in your regional forums - a local org'er might be willing to help you out for a few beers/lunch or a few $$$.

 

the coils were repaced before my dad sold me the car i think at around 70k or 90k miles. i have 133k now. and yes it has been reset since.

 

I have a 2k and when they replaced them, they replaced them with 2k1 coils. Lo and behold, 3 years later my coils went out again. I've been okay since with almost 90K miles.

 

when i do the coils do u think i should just change the plugs? also i think i need an 02 sensor i have 55k on the car almost. do u think its to soon for the plugs and sensors?

 

On my way home just now, in addition to my SES light, the SLIP and TCS OFF lights were on. I don't suppose this changes anything, but I still want to make absolutely sure that the coils are the problem.

Is there some kind of test I can do to be positive that I need to replace the coils?

 

You can test all of us who have give you advice to replace the coils.

FYI: On my buddies 2k Max, his CEL came on with his TCS and SES, with P1320. The consensus here was, "replace the coils".. I did that for him and he's been trouble free since.

 

Well, I just don't understand why I should spend $300 (assuming I don't go to the dealer) just to get the SES light to turn off ... I will admit; I'm mechanically ignorant , but if the light weren't on, I'd have no idea there was a problem with the car. I haven't noticed any kind of performance change. I'll look into what engine coils do, but if somebody would care to explain why I should bother to replace them I'd be muchos gracious.

 

If you wait long enough, you might start feeling some bucking/misfires/hesitation, at which point one or more coils have failed completely.

You can even try disconnecting your battery overnight - that will turn off the CEL/SES light. If it doesn't come back right away, you can just wait.

My buddies car showed no driveability symptoms when his SES light was on with the 1320 code (as in your case).

 

The ignition coils are what create the spark for the spark plugs. If you get no spark, you get no power out of that cylinder. If the spark comes too late, you'll get misfires and detonation. If you drive long enough with one cylinder not firing, you'll kill your cat with the unburned gas.

When you first get the 1320 code, you prolly won't notice anything for a few weeks. When the $hit hits the fan, you'll know it. You wouldn't be paying $300 to have the CEL light to go out, the CEL light is just warning you of an impending problem.

 

Thanks for the info foobeca, that's pretty much all I needed. I guess I'll be calling dave B soon to find out about getting those coils. My dad was intent on going to the dealership (I told him about the and he was like, no way we're paying that much) , so I found a guy in one of my classes that's a pretty good mechanic, so I'll have some help in the process.

Thanks for all your help guys. I really appreciate it.

 

Unplug the battery overnight to reset the ECU afterwards.

 

Prices went up $58 a coil now. I have the spark plug write up, i'm going to try and host it somewhere, but i have no ftp right now.

 

Well, I went ahead and called the local dealership today and they said they wanted $683.04 just to install 6 coils ... ridiculous, so then I called Dave B and he said he could have 6 coils and 6 plugs to my door in 3 days for $414.23. Obviously I ordered them.

Just out of curiosity I wanted to check at the dealership to see if they would let me bring in parts not purchased from them, and surprisingly, they said that wouldn't be a problem so long as they were OEM Nissan parts. They told me it would take them 45 minutes to an hour at $80/hr. I pretty much decided that it's worth ~ $60 - $80 to make sure it's done right (and with guaranteed warranty) and I'm saving ~ $265 any way you want to look at it. Most of you will probably just think I'm dumb for shelling out the $80, but (gay as it sounds) I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

Well - as long as you are happy, that's what matters. Not everyone is inclined to do their own things. Making educated decisions (even if it means paying someone else to do the work) is the important thing. If you hadn't asked, read and learned, you'd be out another $265! Get ready for a car that drives like new after the work is completed.

 

I changed all 6 coils today and went to Autozone to reset the ECU.
Autozone employee ( I believe it was some kind of manager) told me, that he can scan the code, but he's not gonna reset the computer...
That was something new for me. He explained, that CT Gov doesn't let do that or they would get a fat fine.

I hate unpluging the battery. Is any other way to reset it or the "servise engine soon" light going to go off by itself after computer will not get a problem signal ?

 

And a car that gets better than SEVENTEEN mpg lol. My gas mileage had me

Thanks.

 

You need to either unplug the battery or have the obd2 scanner (autozone tool) reset the code. There's no other way around it. There are some codes that go away after a period of time. The 1320 is not one of those.

 

where can one find coils for cheap?

looks like the going price is about 40-50 per coil.

does anyone know how/where to get em cheaper?

i'm going to give the infamous daveb a call tomorrow.

 

Dave B sells them for around $58 per coil (shipped). Like I said, the price for 6 coils and 6 spark plugs to my door was $414.23. There are a few online sites that claim theirs are cheaper.. but after shipping they cost about the same price.