CKP sensor connector physically disconnected or partially unseated; Corroded, bent, or backed-out terminals inside the CKP sensor connector; Broken or chafed wire in the CKP sensor harness near the connector; Damaged connector lock tab allowing the connector to work loose over time; Oil or coolant contamination degrading the connector pins and insulation; Failed CKP sensor internal open circuit at the connector interface; ECM-side connector or harness fault on the CKP signal circuit (less common)

DTC codes / Nissan codes / P1359

P1359 · NissanCKP TDC Sensor Circuit Connector Disconnection

Q: What does code P1359 mean?

CKP TDC Sensor Circuit Connector Disconnection. P1359 on Nissan vehicles means the engine control module (ECM) has detected an open or disconnected circuit at the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor connector, specifically the top dead center (TDC) signal path. The ECM monitors the CKP sensor circuit continuously and sets this code when the electrical path through the sensor connector is broken, preventing the ECM from receiving the crankshaft position signal needed for ignition and fuel timing.

P1359 on Nissan vehicles means the engine control module (ECM) has detected an open or disconnected circuit at the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor connector, specifically the top dead center (TDC) signal path. The ECM monitors the CKP sensor circuit continuously and sets this code when the electrical path through the sensor connector is broken, preventing the ECM from receiving the crankshaft position signal needed for ignition and fuel timing.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeNissan specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Engine cranks but will not start, or starts only after long cranking
Engine stalls intermittently or dies while driving
Rough running, misfiring, or loss of power under acceleration
Check engine light illuminated, sometimes accompanied by a no-start condition
Tachometer may read zero or fluctuate erratically while cranking
Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the connector fault is intermittent

Common causes, most likely first

CKP sensor connector physically disconnected or partially unseated
Corroded, bent, or backed-out terminals inside the CKP sensor connector
Broken or chafed wire in the CKP sensor harness near the connector
Damaged connector lock tab allowing the connector to work loose over time
Oil or coolant contamination degrading the connector pins and insulation
Failed CKP sensor internal open circuit at the connector interface
ECM-side connector or harness fault on the CKP signal circuit (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the CKP sensor connector for full engagement, broken lock tabs, and corrosion; reseat or clean as needed
Check for stored pending or history codes and perform a wiggle test on the CKP harness while watching live crankshaft signal data
Measure resistance across the CKP sensor terminals and compare to specification to rule out an internal sensor open
Back-probe the CKP signal and ground circuits at the ECM and check continuity end-to-end to locate an open wire
Repair or replace damaged connector terminals, pigtail, or harness section as indicated by continuity and visual inspection
Clear codes and verify the CKP signal is present and stable during cranking and running before returning the vehicle
If the circuit tests good but the code persists, substitute a known-good CKP sensor and recheck signal integrity

Connector faults that mimic a bad CKP sensor

A partially seated CKP connector often passes a static visual check but loses contact when the engine torques, so always wiggle the harness while watching live data.
Technicians frequently replace the CKP sensor when the real fault is a backed-out terminal or corroded pin inside the connector, so inspect terminals with a pick before condemning the sensor.
Oil leaks from the front cover or valve cover can drip onto the CKP connector and degrade the pins, causing an intermittent open that only appears after the engine warms up.
The TDC signal in this code refers to the crankshaft position sensor's top dead center reference pulse, and a loss of that pulse will prevent the ECM from sequencing ignition and injection even if camshaft signals are present.
A loose or damaged CKP connector can set P1359 without any drivability complaint if the break is intermittent, so do not assume the vehicle is safe to drive indefinitely just because it runs normally.

Can I keep driving with P1359?

If the engine starts and runs normally, limit driving to a short trip to a repair shop and avoid high-speed or heavy-load conditions. If the engine cranks but will not start or stalls repeatedly, do not drive the vehicle because a sudden loss of crankshaft signal can cause an immediate stall in traffic.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Nissan vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.