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
- Apply parking brake.
- Warm up engine to normal operating temperature.
- Turn OFF all electrical loads.
- 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.
- Verify that ignition timing marks on crankshaft pulley and timing mark on timing belt cover are aligned.
Ignition timing: BTDC 5° +/- 10° (at idle speed)
NOTE: Ignition timing is not adjustable. - If timing is not within the specified range, replace the ECM.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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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