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 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 ).
- Using the HDS, go to the SCS mode and then follow the screens to ground the 16-pin DLC.
- Connect the timing light to the service loop.
- Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the timing belt cover. Check the ignition timing under a no load condition. Headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner are turned off.
Ignition Timing:
10 ° +/-2 ° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in Park or Neutral
- If the ignition timing differs from the specification. Update the powertrain control module (PCM) if it does not have the latest software (see PCM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE PCM ), then recheck. If the ignition system works properly, replace the original PCM (see HOW TO REMOVE THE PCM 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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