Ignition Timing: CAMRY

If Toyota hand-held tester is not available, go to next step. If Toyota hand-held tester is available, connect hand-held tester to data link connector No. 3 at driver's side of instrument panel. See Fig 1. Start engine and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Using hand-held tester manufacturer's instructions, read ignition timing with engine idling. Ignition timing should be 8-12° BTDC. Shut engine off. Remove hand-held tester.
If Toyota hand-held tester is not available, start engine and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Shut engine off. Remove No. 2 cylinder head cover located on top of engine, above ignition coils and valve cover. Pull out wiring harness near ignition coil so timing light lead may be connected. See Fig 2. Connect timing light lead to the wire in wiring harness.
Apply parking brake. Place transaxle in Neutral. Note location of data link connector No. 3 at driver's side of instrument panel. See Fig 1. Install Jumper Wire (SST 09843-18040) between terminals No. 4 (CG) and 13 (TC) on data link connector No. 3. See Fig 3. Start engine. Engine speed should increase to 1000-1300 RPM for 5 seconds and return to idle.
Check ignition timing with engine idling. Timing marks are located on timing chain cover, near crankshaft pulley. Ensure base timing is within specification at idle with transaxle in Neutral, and with A/C, electric cooling fan and all accessories off. See IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table.
Remove jumper wire from data link connector No. 3. Ensure ECM controlled timing is within specification. See IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS table. Increase engine speed and check that ignition timing advances when engine speed is increased. Allow engine to idle. Shut engine off. Remove timing light. Tape wire back to wiring harness. Reinstall No. 2 cylinder head cover.

IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (DEGREES BTDC @ IDLE)⁽¹⁾

Application

Base Timing

ECM Controlled Timing

Camry & Camry Solara

⁽²⁾ 8-12

⁽³⁾ 5-15

Celica

1.8L (1ZZ-FE)

⁽²⁾ 10-18

⁽⁴⁾

1.8L (2ZZ-GE)

⁽²⁾ 8-12

⁽⁴⁾

Corolla

⁽⁵⁾ 8-12

⁽⁶⁾ 10-18

ECHO

⁽²⁾ 8-12

⁽⁴⁾

Highlander

⁽⁵⁾ 8-12

⁽³⁾ 5-15

Matrix

1ZZ-FE

⁽²⁾ 10-18

⁽³⁾ 8-12

2ZZ-GE

A/T

⁽²⁾ 8-12

⁽³⁾ 10-18

M/T

⁽²⁾ 8-12

⁽³⁾ 4-12

MR2

⁽⁵⁾ 8-12

⁽³⁾ 6-15

Prius ⁽⁷⁾

⁽⁵⁾ 7-15

⁽⁴⁾

RAV4

⁽⁵⁾ 8-12

⁽³⁾ 5-15

Tacoma

⁽²⁾ 3-7

⁽³⁾ 4-17

⁽¹⁾	Check with engine at normal operating temperature, transaxle/transmission in Neutral (except Prius, in Park on Prius), parking brake applied, and A/C and all accessories off.

⁽²⁾	With Jumper Wire (SST 09843-18020 or SST 09843-18040) installed between terminals No. 4 (CG) and 13 (TC) on data link connector No. 3.

⁽³⁾	With jumper wire removed from data link connector No. 3.

⁽⁴⁾	Information is not available from manufacturer.

⁽⁵⁾	With Jumper Wire (SST 09843-18040) installed between terminals No. 4 (CG) and 13 (TC) on data link connector No. 1.

⁽⁶⁾	With jumper wire removed from data link connector No. 1.

⁽⁷⁾	Read service precautions before proceeding with service procedure. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Check with transit in inspection mode and transaxle in Park.

Fig 1: Locating Data Link Connector No. 3 (Camry)

Fig 2: Locating Wire For Connecting Timing Light (Camry & Highlander)

Fig 3: Identifying Data Link Connector No. 3 Terminals (Camry, Camry Solara, Celica, Corolla, ECHO, Highlander, MR2, Prius, RAV4 & Tacoma)