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.
2012 Subaru Outback F6-3.6L DOHCFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition Timing: 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.
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±8°/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) Remove the collector cover.
NOTE:
Follow these procedures for removal of the collector cover.
(1) Lift up the rear side holding two positions (A).
(2) Lift up the front side holding two positions (B) while moving it in the forward direction of the vehicle.

5) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
6) Remove the air intake duct.
7) Disconnect the connector from mass air flow and intake air temperature sensor.
8) Remove the air cleaner case and element.
9) Connect the timing light to the power wire of #1 ignition coil.
10) Install the connectors of air cleaner case, element, and the mass air flow and intake air temperature sensor.
11) Connect the ground cable to battery.
12) Start the engine, turn the timing light to the crank pulley, and check the ignition timing through the chain cover gauge.
NOTE:
If ignition timing is out of standard, check the ignition control system.
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±8°/700

13) 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.
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±8°/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) Remove the collector cover.
NOTE:
Follow these procedures for removal of the collector cover.
(1) Lift up the rear side holding two positions (A).
(2) Lift up the front side holding two positions (B) while moving it in the forward direction of the vehicle.
5) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
6) Remove the air intake duct.
7) Disconnect the connector from mass air flow and intake air temperature sensor.
8) Remove the air cleaner case and element.
9) Connect the timing light to the power wire of #1 ignition coil.
10) Install the connectors of air cleaner case, element, and the mass air flow and intake air temperature sensor.
11) Connect the ground cable to battery.
12) Start the engine, turn the timing light to the crank pulley, and check the ignition timing through the chain cover gauge.
NOTE:
If ignition timing is out of standard, check the ignition control system.
Ignition timing [BTDC/rpm]:
Standard
15°±8°/700
13) After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
Factory Service Tools
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:
- 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.
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