2001 QX4 HID PROBLEMS and P1320 CODE

[kuzminki1988]

Hello im new!
I have been reading about the HID problems with the QX4, but no one has the same symptoms as mine.
The passenger HID low beam light always goes out, it could be 20 seconds to 5 hours after turning on.I turn the car off and take the key out put it back and it works (20sec to 5-6 hours). I tried to turn the switch on/off/auto and usually wont come on.Weird huh?


Next problem



Check engine light on P1320 code, no misfire codes. Car runs great at low rpm`s. At and above 4000 rpm it starts to hesitate,kinda feels like misfire. I have reset the light plenty of time now and here is what I noticed: check engine light will stay off if its reset when the car is running. Drove 200+ miles with the light off, it seems like it lights up on start up.

Thanks everybody in advance!

[Towncivilian]

Welcome!

The HID problem is likely the ballast. If you swap the driver's side and passenger side ballast and the problem moves, the ballast is your problem.

You have 145K miles on your QX4. Were the spark plugs replaced around 105k? What's the manufacturing date of your QX4 (this can be found on the door jamb)? Hesitation around 4000 RPM is not necessarily indicative of an ignition problem. A clogged or partially restricted fuel filter can cause similar symptoms (but not the P1320 code, however). When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced?

[kuzminki1988]

Welcome!

The HID problem is likely the ballast. If you swap the driver's side and passenger side ballast and the problem moves, the ballast is your problem.

You have 145K miles on your QX4. Were the spark plugs replaced around 105k? What's the manufacturing date of your QX4 (this can be found on the door jamb)? Hesitation around 4000 RPM is not necessarily indicative of an ignition problem. A clogged or partially restricted fuel filter can cause similar symptoms (but not the P1320 code, however). When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced?

I will try to swap the ballast, is there anyway to test the ballast without swapping?

I just barely bought the Q a few days ago. I have no idea about the service history. Although I pulled one of the spark plugs out and it was light brown.

The date on the door jam is 06/00.

The hesitation/misfire/loss of power only happens when driving. Especially uphill on the freeway.When parked it redlines without any symptoms.

[Towncivilian]

As far as I know, there isn't a way to test the ballast without swapping it.

To get some idea of the service history, you can ask your local dealership to provide you with a copy of the vehicle's service history - at least then you'll know what got done at the dealership instead of being completely unaware.

For Pathfinders, there was a 2001.5 model year revision which corrected some issues with the ignition coil packs. The changeover was 08/00, so your QX4 probably uses the 2001.0 coil packs. You can look here to determine the condition of the spark plug you pulled out.

If you decide to replace the spark plugs, you can obtain 6 NGK PLFR5A-11 (6240) spark plugs for $40.54 + tax at Advance Auto Parts if you order online with discount code RETMENOT123 and pick-up in store. There is a guide on changing spark plugs here.

Your issues are also similar to those caused by a dirty or failing mass airflow sensor. You can try cleaning it with some MAF cleaner to see if that helps any. See the spark plug guide I linked for instructions on cleaning the MAF sensor.

[ARKQX33V6]

P1320 Ignition Control (IC) Module 4x Reference Circuit Intermittent No Pulses

Check your ignition module transistor or pulse slots via the LED in the distributor if you have a distributor. Replace unknown age of plugs but examine them as they come out.

Be sure static and dynamic timing is set and that advance works smoothly. What is idle RPM and does it cold start well and high idles with dropping as warm up takes place.

Since it is new to you you should investigate all oils, fluids, engine management looking closely at timing, plugs, distributor along with valves. Start a history.

[Towncivilian]

P1320 Ignition Control (IC) Module 4x Reference Circuit Intermittent No Pulses

Check your ignition module transistor or pulse slots via the LED in the distributor if you have a distributor. Replace unknown age of plugs but examine them as they come out.

Be sure static and dynamic timing is set and that advance works smoothly. What is idle RPM and does it cold start well and high idles with dropping as warm up takes place.

Since it is new to you you should investigate all oils, fluids, engine management looking closely at timing, plugs, distributor along with valves. Start a history.

2001 QX4 has no distributor.

I also suggest replacing fluids and filters all around as soon as it is conveniently affordable. Always a good idea, especially with an unknown history vehicle.

[kuzminki1988]

P1320 Ignition Control (IC) Module 4x Reference Circuit Intermittent No Pulses

Check your ignition module transistor or pulse slots via the LED in the distributor if you have a distributor. Replace unknown age of plugs but examine them as they come out.

Be sure static and dynamic timing is set and that advance works smoothly. What is idle RPM and does it cold start well and high idles with dropping as warm up takes place.

Since it is new to you you should investigate all oils, fluids, engine management looking closely at timing, plugs, distributor along with valves. Start a history.

2001 QX4 has no distributor.

I also suggest replacing fluids and filters all around as soon as it is conveniently affordable. Always a good idea, especially with an unknown history vehicle.

Can the dirty maf cause the P1320 code?

[Towncivilian]

I don't believe so.

[kuzminki1988]

It also has a delayed shift/hard shift if i floor it.

[Towncivilian]

What's the condition and level of the transmission fluid?

1. Drive around for 10 minutes in the city after the transmission is at operating temperature.
2. Park on level surface and apply parking brake.
3. With P selected, shift through every gear and return to P.
4. Pull transmission dipstick with engine idling, wipe clean, reinsert completely, and read level. It must be within the notched areas labeled "HOT". Check for fluid contamination after wiping on a paper towel.

The fluid should be red, and not smell burnt.

[kuzminki1988]

Fluid is good.
Ok i got it diagnosed. all 6 ignition coil have to be replaced. Any suggestions on good and cheap options?
AutoZone is 90 each

[Towncivilian]

Courtesy Parts has OEM ignition coils for $89.88 each (coil pack #1, coil packs #2-6). Aftermarket coils are available on RockAuto, but I don't know which brands users have had good experiences with. I'd probably go with the Standard Motor Products ones if you decide to go the aftermarket route. Be sure to use a 5% off discount code if you order from RockAuto.

Who diagnosed the coil packs as the definite cause?

[Azndjay]

Fluid is good.
Ok i got it diagnosed. all 6 ignition coil have to be replaced. Any suggestions on good and cheap options?
AutoZone is 90 each

im having the same problems your having . how did you figure it was the ignition coils? that was next on my list next year to replace. Let us know if this solves your problem..i might need to do this very soon

[asnorton44]

I replaced all my ignition coils last year on my 01 QX4, I got Philips OEM coils from PartsGeek.com. When I got them they were $72 a piece. Also be aware the coils are different depending on mfg date, for my 01 coil 1 is different then the other coils where as a 02 they are all the same. As for your HID issues I was having the same problems and it was the switch on the steering column. Replacement was $55 but you could try the junkyard.

[kuzminki1988]

I diagnosed it myself. Im going to the community college for AS Auto Tech program. Even though I have manual transmissions class right now I brought my car in and ran it by my instructor. We checked all of the wiring to the ignition coils and it was good. My instructor checked a cool site called identifix.com and it listed the top resolution for this problem as coils and spark plugs.

[Azndjay]

I diagnosed it myself. Im going to the community college for AS Auto Tech program. Even though I have manual transmissions class right now I brought my car in and ran it by my instructor. We checked all of the wiring to the ignition coils and it was good. My instructor checked a cool site called identifix.com and it listed the top resolution for this problem as coils and spark plugs.

keep us updated if that fixes the problem

[asnorton44]

Yeah good luck! New coils and plugs should take care of the 1320. 01s are notorious for coil problems.

[kuzminki1988]

Ok I had the electrical class diagnose my headlight problem. The igniter is bad

I got a donor headlight assembly. (expensive as motha faka)

Anyone have experience in removing the headlight assembly?
Going to do this in a few days,any tips or tricks would help.

[Towncivilian]

BT-14 section E might help, I think... looks kinda vague.

[Empty V]

Can the dirty maf cause the P1320 code?

I wouldn't rule it out.

[Towncivilian]

So, did new coils fix your P1320?