Ignition Timing

IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS - Degrees BTDC @ RPM ⁽¹⁾

Application

Man. Trans.

Auto. Trans.

Prizm

⁽²⁾ 10 @ 650-750

⁽¹⁾	If specification differs from emission label, use specification listed on emission label.

⁽²⁾	With jumper wire installed between Black 23-pin data link connector terminal No. 3/E1 (Brown wire) and terminal No. 8/TE1 (Blue/White wire), located on left strut tower. With jumper wire removed, timing will vary between 5-15 degrees BTDC.

Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Turn engine off. Remove cover from Data Link Connector (DLC) located on left strut tower. Connect a tachometer with an inductive pickup, between battery and terminal No. 19/IG- (Black wire) of DLC. See Fig 1 .
CAUTION: DO NOT ground terminal No. 19/IG- in Data Link Connector (DLC). Grounding this terminal could result in ignitor or ignition coil damage.
Start engine. Ensure all accessories are off. With transaxle in Neutral, ensure idle speed is 650-750 RPM. If idle speed is not as specified, see IDLE SPEEDS under IDLE SPEED & MIXTURE.
Turn ignition to LOCK position. Connect timing light to No. 1 spark plug wire. Install jumper wire between terminals No. 3/E1 (Brown wire) and No. 8/TE1 (Blue/White wire) of DLC. See Fig 1 .
Start engine and check timing mark on crankshaft pulley with timing marks on timing belt cover. Notch on crankshaft pulley should line up at 10 degrees BTDC on timing indicator.
If adjustment is required, loosen distributor mounting bolts and rotate distributor until a 10-degree BTDC reading is obtained. Tighten distributor mounting bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (20 N.m). Recheck timing.
Turn engine off. Remove jumper wire from DLC. Turn engine on and recheck timing. Ignition timing should be varying between 5 degrees and 15 degrees BTDC. Remove timing light.

Fig 1: Identifying DLC Terminals (Prizm)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.