Attention! 1. If the information in this section differs from that given in the engine compartment VECI plate, then refer to the data in this plate.
2. On models since 1996 and models with SFI engines, the ignition timing is not adjustable. On models with a 4.3 l V6 engine, the ignition distributor cannot be turned, but if this happens, the ignition timing will not be disturbed. On models with an SFI V8 engine, ignition timing is not adjustable; however, if the ignition distributor has been removed, it may need to be turned slightly to avoid «cross» flashes in the adjacent cylinder (when the tongue of the slider is between the two terminals of the ignition distributor cover, a breakdown may occur on the adjacent terminal and the engine will be disturbed). A special scanner is used to set the distributor, therefore, the position of the distributor on these engines should be adjusted at the dealer's car service.
1. Warm up the engine. The air conditioner must be turned off.
2. Put the car on the parking brake and block the wheels. The transmission selector must be in the Park position (on automatic transmission) or in neutral on a manual transmission).
3. If the SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator starts to glow, then the ignition check is not allowed (see Chapter 6).
4. Before checking the ignition timing in the EST electronic ignition system, remove the cover of the relay box (see photo) and disconnect the brown wire with black stripes (see photo).
5. Locate the alignment marks on the front of the engine (they should be visible from above after opening the hood) (see photo). There are notches or grooves on the crankshaft pulley or vibration damper. A metal plate with marks and a scale must be fixed on the cover of the gas distribution mechanism drive. Clean the plate so that the scale is clearly visible.
6. Mark the groove on the pulley/vibration damper with chalk or white paint.
7. Find the division on the plate scale that corresponds to the ignition timing indicated in Technical Data, or on the underhood plate.
8. Connect the stroboscope following the manufacturer's instructions. Almost all strobe lights are battery powered. In addition, an induction stroboscope sensor is put on the high-voltage wire of the 1st cylinder.
9. Warm up the engine, transfer to idle. Point the strobe light at the scale. The mark on the crankshaft pulley should be opposite the corresponding division of the scale. If necessary, loosen the distributor mounting bolt and, slowly turning the distributor, set the ignition timing (see «Technical data»). Tighten the distributor bolt and check the ignition timing again. Access to the mounting bolt is difficult, so a special wrench is used to unscrew this bolt.
10. When finished, connect the wire in the relay box.