Ignition Timing: Adjustments

Ignition Timing

Caution: To prevent possible personal injury from a moving vehicle or operating engine do the following before performing the checks:
1. Engage the parking brake and block the wheels.
2. Place the automatic transmission in park or the manual transmission in neutral.

1. Refer to the Vehicle Emissions Control Information label located on the radiator support panel. Follow all instructions on the label.
2. Refer to the Fuel and Emissions Service Manual for information on the bypass timing mode.
3. With the engine control switch off, connect the pickup lead of the timing lamp to the number one spark plug. Use a jumper lead between the wire and plug or an inducting type pickup. DO NOT pierce the wire or attempt to insert a wire between the boot and the wire. Connect the timing lamp power leads according to the manufacturer's instruction.
4. Follow all instructions on the Vehicle Emissions Control Information label. Start the engine, and aim the timing lamp at the timing mark. The line on the balancer or pulley will line up at the timing mark. If a change in necessary, loosen the distributor hold-down clamp bolt at the base of the distributor. While observeing the mark with the timing lamp, slightly rotate the distributor until the line indicates the correct timing. Tighten the hold-down bolt, and recheck the timing.
5. Turn off the engine and remove the timing lamp. Reconnect the number one spark plug wire, if removed.