Ignition Timing: Testing and Inspection

Ignition Timing
1. Apply parking brake.
2. Warm up engine to normal operating temperature.
3. Turn OFF all electrical loads.
4. Connect timing light to number one spark plug wire.


NOTE: A rubber inspection plug has been provided in the plastic coil cover (center of the cylinder head cover) directly over the number one (1) spark plug wire. Remove the inspection plug and connect the inductive pick-up of your tachometer or timing light to the number one (1) spark plug wire. If your tachometer/timing light inductive pick-up is too large, the coil cover will have to be removed.

5. Verify that ignition timing marks on crankshaft pulley and timing mark on timing belt cover are aligned.

Ignition Timing: BTDC 8 ° ee 5 ° (at idle speed)


NOTE: Ignition Timing is not adjustable.




6. If timing is not within the specified range, replace the ECM.

Idle Speed
1.Apply parking brake.
2. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
3. Turn OFF all electrical loads.




4. Connect inductive tachometer to number one (1) spark plug wire or connect tachometer pick-up lead to terminal number three (3) in the data link connector (DLC).


NOTE; The base idle speed is not adjustable. The idle speed is automatically controlled by the engine control module. Incorrect idle speed indicates a potential problem with the IAC system or an intake manifold leak.

5. Check that idle speed is within specified range.

Idle Speed (Transaxle in "NEUTRAL"): 800 ± 50 rpm


NOTE: This is a "wasted spark" ignition system, some tachometers will indicate twice the actual engine speed.

6. Disconnect tachometer from DLC or spark plug wire.
7. Turn OFF engine.