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 of HOW TO USE THE HDS OR A SCAN TOOL ), and check for DTC's. If a DTC is present, diagnose and repair the cause before inspecting the ignition timing.
- Start the engine. Hold the engine at 3,000 rpm with no load (in Neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
- Check the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).
- Follow the tester's prompts in the "SCS" menu (see the operator's manual).
- Connect the timing light to the service loop.
- Point the light toward the pointer (A) on the cam chain case. Check the ignition timing under no load conditions: headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner off.
Ignition Timing 8°+/-2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) during idling in neutral
- If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check cam timing. If cam timing is OK, update the engine control module (ECM) if it does not have the latest software or substitute a known-good ECM, then recheck. See ECM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING . If the system works properly, and the ECM was substituted, replace the original ECM (see HOW TO REMOVE THE ECM FOR TESTING ).
- 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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