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P1320

IC Module 4X Ref Circuit Intermittent No Pulses.

  • Chrysler
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • High severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
3
AreaIgnition system or misfire
20
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P1320 on a Chrysler is listed as 'IC Module 4X Ref Circuit Intermittent No Pulses'. The engine control unit expects a regular 4X reference pulse signal from the ignition control module, which is tied to crankshaft position. It saw that signal drop out intermittently while the engine was cranking or running. The exact signal path and components vary by model and engine, so confirm them against the wiring diagram for the vehicle.

Symptoms

  • Engine cranks but intermittently fails to start or starts then stalls
  • Random misfires or hesitation under load
  • Rough running or sudden cutting out that may clear itself
  • Engine management light on, possibly with a stored misfire or crank signal code
  • Poor fuel economy or reduced power

Possible causes

  • Loose, corroded or damaged connector on the 4X reference circuit or ignition control modulelikely
  • Chafed, broken or intermittently open or shorted wiring in the reference circuitlikely
  • Faulty crankshaft position sensor or its signal supply, depending on engine layoutpossible
  • Failing ignition control module producing dropouts when hot or vibratingpossible
  • Poor power or earth supply to the ignition control module or sensorpossible
  • Damaged reluctor or trigger wheel, or incorrect sensor air gap or mountingrare
  • Fault in the engine control unit input circuitrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes and note freeze frame data, such as engine speed, temperature and load when the fault set
  2. Check for related codes covering misfire, crank or cam signal and ignition circuits, and diagnose those together
  3. Inspect the ignition control module, crank sensor and engine control unit connectors for corrosion, bent pins, water ingress and poor terminal tension
  4. Check the wiring along the reference circuit for chafing, heat damage and rubbing points, using a wiggle test with live data or a scope connected
  5. Check the supply voltage and earths at the ignition control module and sensor against the wiring diagram for the model
  6. Scope the 4X reference signal at the engine control unit while cranking and running, and look for dropouts, noise or missing pulses
  7. Inspect the sensor mounting, air gap and trigger wheel for damage or debris, following the procedure for the specific engine
  8. Substitute-test or bench-test the ignition control module and sensor only after the wiring and supplies are proven good

How to fix

  • Clean, repair or replace faulty connectors and terminals on the reference circuit
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and secure it clear of heat and moving parts
  • Replace the crankshaft position sensor if its signal drops out or is out of specification
  • Replace the ignition control module if it is confirmed as the source of the dropouts
  • Restore faulty power or earth connections to the module and sensor
  • Repair or replace a damaged trigger wheel and set the sensor air gap to specification

Can I keep driving?

High severity

Avoid driving until it is diagnosed, because the engine may stall without warning, which is unsafe in traffic. Misfires can also damage the catalytic converter if the fault continues.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

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