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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSUBARU2012IMPREZA WRX STI F4-2.5L DOHC TURBOREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTTUNE-UP AND ENGINE PERFORMANCE CHECKSIGNITION TIMINGTESTING AND INSPECTION
2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI F4-2.5L DOHC Turbo
Ignition Timing: Testing and Inspection
2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI F4-2.5L DOHC TurboSECTION Testing and Inspection
Ignition Timing
INSPECTION
CAUTION:
After warming-up, engine becomes very hot. Be careful not to burn yourself at measurement.
METHOD WITH SUBARU SELECT MONITOR
1) Before checking the ignition timing, check the following item:
(1) Check the air cleaner element is free from clogging, spark plugs are in good condition, and hoses are connected properly.
(2) Check the malfunction indicator light does not illuminate.
2) Warm up the engine.
3) Read the ignition timing using Subaru Select Monitor.
NOTE:
If ignition timing is out of standard, check the ignition control system. Refer to "Engine Control System".
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±10°/700
METHOD WITH TIMING LIGHT
1) Before checking the ignition timing, check the following item:
(1) Check the air cleaner element is free from clogging, spark plugs are in good condition, and hoses are connected properly.
(2) Check the malfunction indicator light does not illuminate.
2) Warm up the engine.
3) Stop the engine, and turn the ignition switch to OFF.
4) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.

5) Remove the air intake duct.
6) Remove the air cleaner case.
7) Connect the timing light to the power wire of #1 ignition coil.
8) Install the air cleaner case.
9) Connect the battery ground terminal.

10) Start the engine, turn the timing light to the crank pulley, and check the ignition timing through the timing belt cover gauge.
NOTE:
If ignition timing is out of standard, check the ignition control system. Refer to "Engine Control System".
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±10°/700
11) After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
INSPECTION
CAUTION:
After warming-up, engine becomes very hot. Be careful not to burn yourself at measurement.
METHOD WITH SUBARU SELECT MONITOR
1) Before checking the ignition timing, check the following item:
(1) Check the air cleaner element is free from clogging, spark plugs are in good condition, and hoses are connected properly.
(2) Check the malfunction indicator light does not illuminate.
2) Warm up the engine.
3) Read the ignition timing using Subaru Select Monitor.
NOTE:
If ignition timing is out of standard, check the ignition control system. Refer to "Engine Control System".
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±10°/700
METHOD WITH TIMING LIGHT
1) Before checking the ignition timing, check the following item:
(1) Check the air cleaner element is free from clogging, spark plugs are in good condition, and hoses are connected properly.
(2) Check the malfunction indicator light does not illuminate.
2) Warm up the engine.
3) Stop the engine, and turn the ignition switch to OFF.
4) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
5) Remove the air intake duct.
6) Remove the air cleaner case.
7) Connect the timing light to the power wire of #1 ignition coil.
8) Install the air cleaner case.
9) Connect the battery ground terminal.
10) Start the engine, turn the timing light to the crank pulley, and check the ignition timing through the timing belt cover gauge.
NOTE:
If ignition timing is out of standard, check the ignition control system. Refer to "Engine Control System".
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±10°/700
11) After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.