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Ignition Timing

  1. Ensure all accessories are off. Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Connect a timing light and tachometer to diagnostic connector terminal IG(-). See Fig 1 . Connect jumper wire between diagnostic connector terminals TEN and GND.
  2. Check idle speed and adjust if necessary. Ensure Yellow timing mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with timing belt cover mark at proper setting. See PISTON ENGINE IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS  table. See Fig 2 .
  3. If marks are not properly aligned, loosen crank angle sensor lock bolt and turn crank angle sensor. Tighten lock bolt and recheck timing. Remove jumper wire. Increase engine speed and verify ignition timing advances.
Fig 1: Locating Diagnostic Connector
G90F18346Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
PISTON ENGINE IGNITION TIMING

Application Degrees BTDC @ RPM
Miata
M/T 10 @ 850
A/T (1) 8 @ 850
Protege
SOHC
M/T 5 @ 750
A/T (1) 5 @ 750
DOHC
M/T 10 @ 750
A/T (1) 10 @ 750
323
M/T 7 @ 750
A/T (1) 7 @ 750
(1) Automatic transmission in "P".
Fig 2: Locating Typical Piston Engine Timing Marks
G93137Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.