Thread: Timing Mode?

What happens if you adjust timing when you're not in timing mode and how do you correct it?

I've was able to adjust idle screw and even ignition timing by that, doing it like 5 times, driving in between and try again try again.

Without feel for this it might be 50 times and its NOT RECOMMENDED since you can have a stalling engine which involves some danger for the driver and car, and also car might detonate on ignition timing or if you are really unlucky not even start.

Also, it's not very comforting to drive with a car of which you don't know your timing, since you can totally destroy the engine, especially with redlining it.

So maybe better to just disconnect TPS, rev engine 3 times beyond 3000rpm, reconnect TPS and adjust, which also is not recommended because you can't really tell the ECU got the message it is set in timing mode, however experienced ppl would know, so I recommend getting a timinglight for cheap, check your crank pulley how it jumps back and forth and then try to get it in timing mode and make sure you see a steady reading on the crank pulley.

However, to easy things, I recommend getting the OBD cable, buy Datascan, install that on your laptop and you are 100% sure you are in timing mode.

Besides, you really need to get the FSM you can download for free to lookup what the markings mean on the crank pulley and what the base setting is and also you need the FSM for knowing what proper idling is.

And usually you need all the other information which will take hours to comprehend, to get your engine in top shape yourself without replacing parts you are not sure of they are broken, therefore you will need Datascan and also experience not to be found in books.

You will atleast need Datascan, OBD cable, laptop, timing light and adjustment skills to pull this one off period

Well I did the timing with a timing light. But I wasnt in timing mode so it doesnt run very well and the timing doesnt advance with the rpms.

FWIU, timing mode really does nothing but 'lock' in base timing. Where you put the distributor and the timing that results does not depend if you're in timing mode or not.

Also, why don't you get into timing mode? Consult cable is good for that. I got one off Ebay for like $30 shipped.

There are 2 idle control systems in the ECU: One controls the idle speed with the IACV, adjusting the amount of air entering the intake manifold, the other adjusts the timing when the idle speed is more than 50rpm away from the target idle rpm (which is based on CLT). "Timing Mode" disables these two control systems so the ECU is not making any adjustments. If you try to adjust either timing or idle speed without being in "timing mode", the ECU will "fight" your attempts.

To put the ECU in "timing mode", warm the engine up (must be at least 140F). Turn engine OFF!. Disconnect the TPS. Restart, and then check and set the timing and idle speed. Turn engine off. Reconnect TPS.

If your neutral switch is disconnected/not working, you will never get into "timing mode". If this is the case, ground the neutral switch wire from ECU pin 35 while setting the timing.

Using consult to put the ECU into "timing mode" works regardless of TPS and/or neutral switch.

Dave

I tried to set mine in timing mode yesterday... WOW useless... It ended up making me go to about -5 when i was done but it said 15..... Reconnected everything and reset it did it the old fashion way without a "timing mode" and now she's running perfectly fine..

You never made it into timing mode. If you follow those instructions, and your neutral switch is working, and your water temp is above 140F, it will go into timing mode.

Dave

The timing was perfectly stable, stuck @ the same (until i moved diso of course). I guess I shouldn't really mess with it anyways since it runs like a champ.