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Ignition Timing

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING IGNITION TIMING

Requirement
^ Engine cold.

NOTE: Some vehicles require a Top Dead Center (TDC) sensor along with adaptor VAG 1367/9. Connect the ignition tester to these vehicles with the engine warm and without removing the distributor cap.

Procedure
- Remove splash shield from distributor.





- Connect VAG 1367 engine tester using VAG 1367/8 inductive pickup.
- Connect VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST).
- Start engine and let idle until until engine oil is at 80°C (176°F) minimum, and idle speed is below 1500 rpm.

NOTE: If the engine stalls or shuts off, it can run at increased idle speed for up to 4 minutes after re-starting. In this case, wait until engine speed drops before measuring the timing.

- Operate VAG 1551 with respect to the displays shown.
- Press 1 to obtain Rapid data transfer.
- Press 0 and 1 buttons to select address word "Engine electronics".
- Press Q button to enter input.
- Press --> button.
- Press 0 and 4 buttons to select Function 04 "Basic setting".
- Press Q button to enter input.

NOTE: When Function 04 is selected, the idle speed is coordinated with the engine via the Engine Control Module (ECM).

^ Display will appear as shown:

Introduction of basic setting HELP
Indicator group number input

- Press the 0 button twice to select the indicator group number.
- Press Q button to enter input.

^ Display will appear as shown:

System in basic adjustment
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

^ OR, If the display appears as shown:

Function unknown/or can not be conducted at this time

- Check the following possibilities:

^ Coolant temperature of 80°C (176°F) minimum not yet obtained.
^ Idle speed exceeds 1500 rpm.
^ Function 04 "Basic setting" using VAG 1551 Scan Tool is not possible.

- If YES:





- Disconnect blue Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness connector (with throttle removed) -arrow-.

NOTE: If the engine shuts off before restarting, re-connect the ECT harness connector. Otherwise, the Digifant ECM will default to an emergency program, making a test/adjustment impossible.

- Check ignition timing point between 2000 and 2500 RPM.
- Ignition timing must be between 4 and 8° BTDC and fluctuating.

Checking Ignition Timing with a Strobe Light





- Ignition timing mark flashes -arrow-.
- Adjust ignition timing point by turning the distributor.
- Press --> button to end Function 04 "Basic setting".

NOTE: Radiator cooling fan must not be running during measurement.

- Activate and erase Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) memory.

NOTE: This will erase the stored DTC caused by disconnecting ECT sensor G62.

- Correct idle adjustment if necessary.
- Press 0 and 6 buttons to select Function 06 "End data transfer".
- Press Q button to enter input.
- Allow engine to cool.
- Remove splash shield from distributor cap.
- Remove VAG 1367 TDC sender from bell housing.
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