### Ignition Timing

#### ADJUSTMENT

##### 1.6L (GA16DE), 2.0L (SR20DE) and 2.4L (KA24DE) Engines

Visually check the air cleaner, intake hoses, ducts, EGR valve operation and electrical connections prior to the adjustment of the ignition timing. Correct or repair any problem as required. Be sure to inspect the throttle valve and the throttle position sensor for proper operation.

1. Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the front of the engine.
2. Clean the timing marks.

   Fig. 1: Timing indicator — 1.6L (GA16DE) engine

3. Using chalk or white paint, color the mark on the crankshaft pulley and the mark on the scale which will indicate the correct timing when aligned with the notch on the crankshaft pulley.
4. Attach a tachometer to the engine.
5. Attach a timing light to the engine, to No.1 cylinder's ignition wire.
6. Check to make sure all of the wires clear the fan; start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperatures.
7. Block the front wheels and set the parking brake. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL for automatic and manual transaxles; do not stand in front of the vehicle when making adjustments.
8. Perform the following procedures:
   1. Race the engine at 2000 rpm for about two minutes under a no-load condition; make sure all of the accessories are turned off.
   2. Perform on board engine diagnostics and repair any fault code.
   3. Race the engine 2–3 times under no-load then run the engine it for one minute at idle.
   4. Stop the engine and disconnect the throttle position sensor.
   5. Race the engine at 2000 rpm for about two minutes under a no-load condition; make sure all of the accessories are turned OFF.
   6. Run the engine at idle speed.
   7. 1.6L (GA16DE) — 6–10 degrees BTDC
   8. 2.0L (SR20DE) — 13–17 degrees BTDC
   9. 2.4L (KA24DE) — 18–22 degrees BTDC
9. Aim the timing light at the timing marks. If the marks on the pulley and the engine are aligned when the light flashes, the timing is correct. Turn the engine OFF and remove the tachometer and the timing light. If the marks are not in alignment, proceed with the following steps.
10. Turn the engine OFF.
11. Loosen the bolts that secure the distributor just enough so it can be turned.
12. Start the engine. Keep the wires of the timing light clear of the cooling fan.
13. With the timing light aimed at the pulley and the marks on the engine, turn the distributor for the proper adjustment.
14. Race the engine 2–3 times under no-load then run the engine it for one minute at idle.
15. Aim the timing light at the timing marks. If the marks on the pulley and the engine are aligned when the light flashes, the timing is correct.
16. Tighten the bolt that secures the distributor and recheck the timing.
17. Turn the engine OFF and remove the tachometer and the timing light.
18. Connect the throttle position sensor.

    Fig. 2: View of the timing marks — 2.4L (KA24DE) engine

##### 3.0L (VE30DE and VG30E) Engines

Before the ignition timing can be checked, there must be no trouble codes stored in the ECM. Also, the physical condition of the ignition components must be inspected and any suspect parts replaced.

1. Run the engine until the water temperature indicator points to the middle of the gauge.
2. Run the engine for 1–2 minutes with no load at 2000 rpm; all electrical accessories in the off position.
3. Race the engine 2 or 3 times and allow to idle for a minute.
4. Connect a timing light to cylinder 1 and check timing. The timing must be 13–17 degrees BTDC.
5. To adjust timing, stop the engine and loosen the distributor hold-down bolt just enough to allow the distributor to be turned by hand.
6. Start the engine and race it 2–3 times with no load and then allow the engine to run at idle speed.
7. Adjust the ignition timing by rotating the crank angle sensor located at the front of the cylinder head either clockwise or counterclockwise. Adjust the ignition timing to 15 degrees BTDC at idle speed.
8. Tighten the crank angle mounting bolts and recheck the timing.

##### 3.0L (VQ30DE) Engine

NOTE: The ignition timing is not adjustable. If not within specifications, further diagnostic inspection is required. The following procedure is for viewing the ignition timing setting.

Visually check the air cleaner, intake hoses, ducts, EGR valve operation and electrical connections prior to the adjustment of the ignition timing. Correct or repair any problem as required. Be sure inspect the throttle valve and throttle position sensor for proper operation.

Fig. 3: View of the timing marks — 3.0L (VQ30DE) engine

1. Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the front of the engine.
2. Clean the timing marks.

   NOTE: The ignition timing specification is 15 degrees ±2 BTDC.

3. Using chalk or white paint, color the mark on the crankshaft pulley and the mark on the scale which will indicate the correct timing when aligned with the notch on the crankshaft pulley.
4. Attach a tachometer to the engine.
5. Attach a timing light to the engine to number one cylinder ignition wire.
6. Turn all electrical equipment and accessories off.
7. Check to make sure all of the wires clear the fan, then, start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperatures.
8. Block the front wheels and set the parking brake. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL for manual transmission and automatic transmissions. Do not stand in front of the vehicle when making adjustments.
9. Perform the following procedures:
   1. Race the engine at 2000 rpm for about two minutes under a no-load condition; make sure all of the accessories are turned off.
   2. Perform on board engine diagnostics and repair any fault code.
   3. Race the engine at 2000 rpm for about two minutes under a no-load condition.
   4. Turn the engine OFF and disconnect the throttle position sensor.
   5. Start and race the engine 2–3 times under no-load then run the engine at idle speed.

      NOTE: The ignition timing specification is 15 degrees ±2 BTDC.

10. Aim the timing light at the timing marks. If the marks on the pulley and the engine are aligned when the light flashes, the timing is correct. Turn the engine OFF and remove the tachometer and the timing light. If the marks are not in alignment, proceed with the following steps.
11. Turn the engine OFF.
12. Check the camshaft position sensor (PHASE), crankshaft position sensor (REF) and crankshaft position sensor (POS). Replace if necessary.
13. If the ignition timing is still not correct, substitute a known good ECM.

    NOTE: The ECM may be the cause of the problem but this is rarely the case.

14. Turn the engine OFF and remove the tachometer and the timing light.

##### 3.0L (VG30DETT and VG30DE) Engines

###### 1993–94 Models

Visually check the air cleaner, intake hoses, ducts, EGR valve operation and electrical connections prior to the adjustment of the ignition timing. Correct or repair any problem as required.

1. Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the front of the engine.
2. Clean the timing marks.

   NOTE: The ignition timing specification is 15 degrees ±2 BTDC.

3. Using chalk or white paint, color the mark on the crankshaft pulley and the mark on the scale which will indicate the correct timing when aligned with the notch on the crankshaft pulley.
4. Attach a tachometer to the engine.
5. Attach a timing light to the engine to number one cylinder ignition wire.
6. Turn all electrical equipment and accessories off.
7. Check to make sure all of the wires clear the fan, then, start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperatures.
8. Block the front wheels and set the parking brake. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL for manual transmission and automatic transmissions. Do not stand in front of the vehicle when making adjustments.
9. Perform the following procedures:
   1. Race the engine at 2000 rpm for about two minutes under a no-load condition; make sure all of the accessories are turned off.
   2. Perform on board engine diagnostics and repair any fault code.
   3. Run the engine at idle speed.
   4. Race the engine 2–3 times under no-load then run the engine it for one minute at idle.

      NOTE: The ignition timing specification is 15 degrees ±2 BTDC.

10. Aim the timing light at the timing marks. If the marks on the pulley and the engine are aligned when the light flashes, the timing is correct. Turn the engine OFF and remove the tachometer and the timing light. If the marks are not in alignment, proceed with the following steps.
11. Turn the engine OFF.
12. Loosen the camshaft position sensor securing bolts just enough so it can be turned.
13. Start the engine. Keep the wires of the timing light clear of the cooling fan.
14. With the timing light aimed at the pulley and the marks on the engine, turn the crankshaft position sensor for the proper adjustment.
15. Race the engine 2–3 times under no-load then run the engine it for one minute at idle.
16. Aim the timing light at the timing marks. If the marks on the pulley and the engine are aligned when the light flashes, the timing is correct.
17. Tighten the bolts securing the sensor and recheck the timing.
18. Turn the engine OFF and remove the tachometer and the timing light.

###### 1995–97 Vehicles

NOTE: The engine should be in good mechanical condition and all electrical connectors and vacuum hoses connected before making this adjustment.

1. Start the engine and let it warm up to normal operating temperature.
2. Open the hood and run the engine under no load at about 2,000 rpm for about two minutes.
3. Perform Diagnostic Test Mode II and repair any causes of trouble codes as needed.
4. Run the engine under no load at 2,000 rpm for about two minutes. Rev the engine two or three times and let it idle for one minute.
5. Turn off the engine and disconnect the throttle position sensor connector. Remove the No. 1 ignition coil. Connect the coil to the spark plug using a spare piece of high-tension wire so you have a place to connect your timing light. Start the engine.

   Fig. 4: Throttle position sensor connector — 3.0L (VG30DE and VG30DETT) engines

6. Run the engine under no load at 2,000 rpm for about two minutes. Rev the engine two or three times and let it idle.
7. Check the ignition timing and adjust if needed. Correct ignition timing is 10°±2°BTDC on non-turbocharged vehicles; 15°±2°on turbocharged vehicles. Adjustment is made by loosening the screws and turning the camshaft position sensor. Tighten the mounting screws and confirm ignition timing has not changed.

   Fig. 5: Location of timing marks — 3.0L (VG30DE and VG30DETT) engines

8. Turn the engine OFF and connect the throttle position sensor connector.