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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA2008TSX STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCEIGNITION SYSTEMIGNITION TIMING INSPECTION
2008 Acura TSX Standard

Ignition Timing Inspection

2008 Acura TSX StandardSECTION Ignition Timing Inspection
  1. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) (see HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).
  2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
  3. '07-08 models: Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM). If it doesn't communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see '07-08 MODELS ).
  4. Check for DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ). If a DTC is present, diagnose and repair the cause before continuing with this test.
  5. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm with no load (in the N or P position (A/T) or the N position (M/T)) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  6. Check the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).
  7. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
  8. Free the service loop from the wire harness, then connect the timing light to the service loop.
    Fig 1: Connecting Timing Light To Service Loop
    G05489924Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the cam chain case. 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: 8° ± 2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in the N position 

    A/T: 8° ± 2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in the N or P position 

    Fig 2: Checking Ignition Timing
    G05489925Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  10. If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the cam timing is OK, update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software (see UPDATING THE ECM/PCM ), or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the system works properly, and the ECM/PCM was substituted, replace the original ECM/PCM, '04-05 models (see '04-05 MODELS ), '06-08 models (see '07-08 MODELS ).
  11. Disconnect the HDS and the timing light.
  12. Secure the service loop to the wire harness with wire ties.
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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.