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), 2000-2005 models (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ), 2006-2009 model (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ), and check for DTCs. If a DTC is present, diagnose and repair the cause before inspecting the ignition timing.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- 2006-2009 model: Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the engine control module (ECM). If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
- Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM without load (in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
- Check the idle speed:
- 2000-2005 models (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).
- 2006-2009 model (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).
- Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
- Free the service loop (A) from the engine wire harness, then connect the timing light to the service loop.
- Aim the light toward the pointer (A). Check the ignition timing under a no load condition (headlights, blower fan, and air conditioner are turned off).
Ignition Timing:
5+/-2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in neutral
- If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the cam timing is OK, update the ECM if it does not have the latest software 2006-08 model (see UPDATING THE ECM ), or substitute a known-good ECM, 2000-2005 models (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE ECM FOR TESTING PURPOSES ), 2006-2009 model (see UPDATING THE ECM ), then recheck. If the system works properly, and the ECM was substituted, replace the original ECM, 2000-2005 models (see ECM REPLACEMENT ), 2006-2009 model (see ECM REPLACEMENT ).
- Turn the ignition switch OFF.
- Disconnect the HDS and the timing light.
- Secure the service loop to the engine wire harness with wire ties.
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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