Note. If the information in this section differs from the information on the release control label (located on the right front shock absorber in the engine compartment of the car), the information on the plate should be considered correct.
1. The engine must be warmed up to normal operating temperature, and the air conditioner must be turned off.
2. Apply the parking brake and block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. The gearbox must be in the park position.
3. If the lamp is on "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" ("urgent engine maintenance"), do not start the ignition timing test (For more information on this subject, see chapter 6).
4. Before checking the ignition timing, inspect the electronic spark control system (EST). Locate the single black stripe wire attached to the engine wiring harness on the front right shock mount (next to the release management information plate) and disconnect the connector (see illustration). Do not disconnect the 4-wire harness connector at the distributor.
34.4. Disconnect the EST wire before checking the ignition timing
5. Locate the timing marks on the front of the engine (they should be visible from above after opening the hood) (see illustration). The crankshaft pulley or vibration damper has a mark and a small metal plate with teeth and numbers attached to the timing cover. Clean the plate with solvent so that the numbers can be seen better.
34.5. Marks for setting the ignition timing (indicated by an arrow) located on the front of the engine
6. Using chalk or white paint, mark the indentation or groove on the pulley/antivibrator.
7. Highlight the mark on the timing plate that matches the ignition timing data on the exhaust control information plate (most often it says 0 degrees or TDC).
8. Connect a stroboscope following the manufacturer's instructions. In general, the supply wires are attached to the battery terminals, and the sensor wire is attached to the spark plug wire of the 1st cylinder. To find this cylinder, see section "Technical data" in chapter 2, part 2.1.
9. Make sure the timing lamp wires are routed away from the drive belts and fan, then start the engine.
10. After the engine idle has stabilized, point the strobe lamp at the timing marks, but beware of moving engine parts!
11. The mark on the pulley/vibration damper will appear stationary. If it is aligned with the indicated point on the timing plate, then the ignition timing is set correctly.
12. If the marks are not aligned, adjustment is required. Loosen the distributor mounting bolt and turn the distributor very slowly until the marks line up. Since access to the bolt is difficult, a special key may be required.
13. Tighten the bolt and check the ignition timing again.
14. Stop the engine and remove the stroboscope and adapter (if it was used).
15. Connect the EST harness connector and clear any ECM error codes that are set during the ignition timing procedure (see chapter 6).