Ignition Timing: Adjustments

Ignition Timing Inspection and Adjustment

1. Before inspection and adjustment, verify in the following conditions:

Engine coolant temperature: 80-95°C (176203°F)
Electric cooling fan and all accessories: OFF
Transaxle: Neutral (P range on vehicles with A/T)

Note: In the case of vehicles for Canada, the headlight, tail light, etc. will remain lit even when the lighting switch is turned OFF but this is no problem.






2. Insert a paper clip into the 1 pin connector (blue) as shown in the illustration.






3. Connect a primary-voltage-detection type of tachometer to the paper clip.

Note: The scan tool must be disconnected. Nothing can be connected to the data link connector. Using the scan tool to read engine speed or ignition timing, will result in an incorrect basic ignition timing adjustment.

4. Set up a timing light.
5. Start the engine and run at idle.
6. Check that engine idle speed is within the standard value.

Curb idle speed: 700 +/-100 rpm

7. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.






8. Remove the waterproof connector from the ignition timing adjustment connector (brown).
9. Connect the jumper wire to the ignition timing adjustment terminal, and a good ground as illustrated.

NOTE: Grounding this terminal sets the engine to basic ignition timing.

10. Start the engine and run it at idle.






11. Check that basic ignition timing is within the standard value.

Basic ignition timing: 5°BTDC +/-2°






12. If not within the standard value loosen distributor hold down nuts and adjust by rotating distributor body.
13. Tighten hold down nuts after adjusting.

Tightening torque: 12 Nm (8 ft.lbs.)

14. Stop the engine, remove the jumper wire from the ignition timing adjustment connector (brown), and return the connector to its original condition.
15. Start the engine and check that ignition timing is at the standard value.

Actual ignition timing: approx. 5°BTDC

Note: Ignition timing is variable within about +/-7° even under normal operating and it automatically advances by about 5° from 5° BTDC at higher altitudes.