Ignition Timing: Adjustments

Fig. 51 Connecting A Tachometer To Engine Speed Terminal:

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 engine.
3. Insert a paper clip into the engine speed detection connector and connect a tachometer to the clip. Fig. 51
4. Start the engine and check the curb idle speed setting. (If not correct, refer to adjustment procedure.)

Curb Idle Speed:
700 ± 100 RPM

Fig. 116 Component Locations (Ignition Timing Adjustment Connector):

5. Stop the engine and ground the terminal for ignition timing adjustment with a jumper wire. Fig. 116
6. Start the engine and check the ignition timing at idle speed.

Base Ignition Timing:
5° BTDC

Fig. 50 Checking Ignition Timing:

7. If not as specified, loosen the distributor hold down nut and rotate the housing until the marks align. 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
7 - 9 Ft lbs (10 - 12 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.