Ignition Timing: Adjustments

1. Confirm initial inspection conditions:
a. Engine coolant temperature is 185 - 205°F.
b. Lights, cooling fan and all accessories are OFF.
c. Transaxle is in neutral or park.
d. Steering wheel is in straight-ahead position, (on vehicles with power steering).
2. Connect a strobe timing light to the #1 ignition cable (R.H.).

Engine Idle Speed Inspection:

3. Insert a paper clip into the engine speed detection connector and connect a tachometer to the clip.
4. Start the engine and check the curb idle speed setting. (If not correct, refer to adjustment procedure.)

Curb Idle Speed:
700 ± 100 RPM

Grounding Ignition Timing Adjustment Connector:

5. Stop the engine and ground the terminal for ignition timing adjustment with a jumper wire.

Fig. 50 Checking Ignition Timing:

6. Start the engine and check the ignition timing at idle speed.

Base Ignition Timing:
5° BTDC

7. If not as specified, loosen the distributor hold down nut and rotate the housing until the marks align.

Adjusting Ignition Timing:

NOTE: Rotating the distributor to the right retards timing and to the left advances timing.
8. Tighten the hold down nut and stop the engine.

Torque Spec
1.1 - 1.8 Ft lbs (1.5 - 2.5 Nm)

9. Disconnect the jumper wire from the terminal for ignition timing adjustment.
10. Start the engine and check the idle advance timing at idle speed.

Idle Advance Timing:
10° BTDC

11. This timing specification is controlled by the ECU and is NOT adjustable.
12. Disconnect and remove the tachometer, timing light and paper clip from the engine.