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Metro w/Electronic Spark Control (ESC)

  1. Inspect timing mark and timing mark notch. Clean marks if necessary. See Figure . Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Ensure idle speed is correct. See IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS table. Turn off engine and all accessories. Attach timing light to No. 1 spark plug wire.
  2. Unplug cap from diagnostic connector, located near ignition coil. Connect a jumper wire between terminals "C" and "D". See Fig 1 . Start engine and aim timing light at crankshaft pulley and note ignition timing.
  3. If timing is not within specification shown on underhood emissions label or in IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table, loosen distributor hold-down flange bolts and rotate distributor to obtain correct ignition timing. Tighten distributor hold-down flange bolts to 10 ft. lbs. (13 N.m) and recheck timing.
  4. Remove jumper wire between terminals "C" and "D" of diagnostic connector and install cap. Check ignition advanced timing with specification on underhood emissions label. Turn ignition off, remove timing light.
Fig 1: Identifying Diagnostic Connector Terminals (Metro With Electronic Spark Control)
G121573Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)

Application Man. Trans. (1) Auto. Trans.
Metro LSi w/o ESC
w/o Vacuum 6-7 @ 750 6-7 @ 850
w/Vacuum 12-13 @ 750 12-13 @ 850
Metro w/ESC (2) 5 @ 750 (2) 5 @ 850
(1) With automatic transmission in Park or Neutral.
(2) With jumper wire installed in diagnostic connector, located next to ignition coil. See Fig. .