Ensure vehicle is at normal operating temperature, all accessories are off and transmission is in Park or Neutral. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position and curb idle speed is set to specification. See CURB IDLE SPEED.
Ground ignition timing adjustment connector. See IGNITION TIMING ADJUSTMENT CONNECTOR LOCATION table. Check ignition basic timing. See IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table. Disconnect ground wire on ignition timing adjustment connector. Check ignition actual timing.
On 1.5L and 3.0L engines, if timing is incorrect, loosen distributor hold-down nut and turn distributor until timing is correct. On 1.5L engine, ignition timing will be advanced if distributor is turned to left and retarded if turned to right. On 3.0L engine, ignition timing will be advanced if distributor is turned to right and retarded if turned to left. After adjustment, tighten hold-down nut. Ensure distributor does not move when tightening hold-down nut.
On 1.6L, 1.8L and 2.0L engines, if timing is incorrect, loosen Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) hold-down nut. Ignition timing will be advanced if CAS is turned clockwise and retarded if turned counterclockwise. After adjustment, tighten hold-down nut. Ensure CAS does not move when tightening hold-down nut.

IGNITION TIMING ADJUSTMENT CONNECTOR LOCATION

Application	Wire Color	Location
Excel	Lt. Grn/Red	Between Air Cleaner Housing And Upper Radiator Hose

IGNITION TIMING (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)

Application

⁽¹⁾ Basic

⁽²⁾ Actual

1.5L

Excel

3-7 @ 725-925

10 @ 725-925

⁽¹⁾	With ignition timing adjustment connector grounded.

⁽²⁾	With ignition timing adjustment connector ungrounded.

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.

Safety Warning

Ignition Timing