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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA2004TL AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCETUNE-UPIGNITION SYSTEMIGNITION TIMING INSPECTION
2004 Acura TL Automatic

Ignition Timing Inspection

2004 Acura TL AutomaticSECTION Ignition Timing Inspection
  1. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 in HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ), and check for DTCs. If a DTC is present, diagnose and repair the cause before inspecting the ignition timing.
  2. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm with no load (in park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  3. Check the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).
  4. Select the SCS mode with the HDS.
  5. Remove the right side engine compartment cover (see step 1 in DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).
  6. Connect the timing light to the No.1 ignition coil harness.
    Fig 1: Connecting Timing Light To No.1 Ignition Coil Harness
    G03653679Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the timing belt cover. Check the ignition timing under a no load condition, (headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner are turned off).

    Ignition Timing 

    • M/T: 10° +/- 2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in Neutral 
    • A/T: 10° +/- 2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in Park or Neutral 
    Fig 2: Aiming Light Toward Pointer (A) On Timing Belt Cover
    G03653680Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  8. If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the cam timing is OK, update the engine control module (ECM)/ powertrain control module (PCM) if it does not have the latest software (see HOW TO UPDATE THE ECM/PCM ), or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the system works properly, and the ECM/PCM was substituted, replace the original ECM/PCM (see ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ).
  9. Disconnect the HDS and the timing light.
  10. Reinstall the right side engine compartment cover (see step 1 in DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.