Ignition Timing: Adjustments

Vehicle Preparation:

^ Visually inspect engine compartment to ensure all vacuum hoses and spark plug wires are properly and securely connected.

^ Examine all wiring harnesses and connectors for damaged insulation, burned, overheated, damaged pins, loose or broken conditions.

^ Be certain battery is fully charged.

^ All accessories should be off during diagnosis.

INITIAL TIMING

1. Place transmission in NEUTRAL (M/T) or PARK (A/T) with A/C and heater in OFF position.
2. Connect an inductive timing light.
3. Disconnect the single wire in-line Spark Output (SPOUT) connector or remove the shorting bar from the double wire SPOUT connector.
4. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature. With engine at timing rpm, check or adjust initial timing to specification.

NOTE: To set timing correctly, a remote starter should not be used. Use the ignition key only to start the vehicle. Disconnecting the start wire at the starter relay will cause Ignition Control Module (ICM) to revert to start mode timing after the vehicle is started. Reconnecting the start wire after the vehicle is running will not correct the timing.

5. Reconnect single wire in-line spout connector or reinstall the shorting bar on the double wire spout connector. Check timing advance to verify distributor is advancing beyond the initial setting.
6. Remove test instruments.