Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Ignition Timing Inspection
- Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 on 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.
- Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
- Check the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT ).
- Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
- Connect the timing light to the No. 1 ignition coil wire.
- Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the oil pump. Check the ignition timing under no load condition. (Headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner are turned off.)
Ignition Timing:
12° +/-2° BTDC [RED mark (B)] at idle in P or N
position (CVT) or Neutral (M/T)
- If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the cam timing is OK, update the engine control module (ECM) if it does not have the latest software (2002-2006 M/T models and CVT model) (see ECM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING-2002-2006 M/T MODELS AND CVT MODEL ), or substitute a known-good ECM 2000-2001 M/T models (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE ECM FOR TESTING PURPOSES-2000-2001 M/T MODELS ), 2002-2006 M/T models and CVT model (see ECM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING-2002-2006 M/T MODELS AND CVT MODEL ), then recheck. If the system work properly, and the ECM was substituted, replace the original ECM (see ECM REPLACEMENT ).
- Disconnect the HDS and the timing light.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.
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