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P1300

Ignitor Circuit.

  • GMC
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
3
AreaIgnition system or misfire
00
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On GMC vehicles P1300 means the powertrain control module has detected a fault in the ignitor circuit, which is the part of the ignition system that switches the coil primary current. The module saw the ignition control or reference signal missing, out of range or not matching what it commanded. The exact layout (separate ignitor module, coil packs or distributor) depends on the model and engine.

Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp on
  • Engine misfiring or running roughly
  • Hard starting or long cranking
  • Hesitation or loss of power under load
  • Engine stalling or cutting out intermittently
  • Poor fuel economy

Possible causes

  • Faulty ignitor or ignition control module or failing coil driverlikely
  • Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connectors in the ignitor control or reference circuitslikely
  • Failed ignition coil or coil pack drawing abnormal currentpossible
  • Poor power or ground supply to the ignition modulepossible
  • Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor giving a poor reference signalpossible
  • Fault within the powertrain control module itselfrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including engine speed, load and temperature when the code set.
  2. Check for other ignition, misfire or position sensor codes, as these help narrow down the circuit at fault.
  3. Visually inspect the ignition module, coil and sensor wiring and connectors for damage, heat, moisture, corrosion or chafing.
  4. Check the battery and charging voltage, then test the power and earth supplies to the ignition module against the manufacturer's data.
  5. Inspect the spark plugs and leads or coil boots for wear, tracking or fouling.
  6. Test the ignition coil primary and secondary resistance and compare with the specification for that engine.
  7. Check the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals with a scope or suitable test equipment.
  8. Test the control and reference circuits for continuity, shorts and signal presence following the model-specific wiring diagram.

How to fix

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors or terminals in the ignitor circuit.
  • Replace a faulty ignitor or ignition control module.
  • Replace a failed ignition coil or coil pack, and fit new spark plugs if they are worn or fouled.
  • Restore good power and earth connections to the ignition system.
  • Replace a faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor.
  • Check for a software update and have the control module repaired or replaced only if all other tests point to it.

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

It may be driven a short distance if it runs reasonably, but get it fixed soon. Persistent misfiring can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, so avoid hard driving, and stop if the engine runs badly or the warning lamp flashes.

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

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