Calibrating Ignition Timing

Calibrating Ignition Timing

Now is the time to triple-check your ignition settings in the software. If the settings are correct, turn off power to your ignition system and connect your ignition system to the ECU. It is a good idea to check your ignition coil temperatures periodically on a newly wired system. If you find that a coil is getting hot, then turn off the ignition power immediately and double check your wiring and ignition settings.

Setup the ignition lock timing to a value that corresponds to an easy to read timing mark on your crank pulley. Select a value that will allow you to easily start the engine too. Typically, engines will be clearly marked at 10 degrees BTDC, which will also allow for easy starting. Your injectors should still be disabled at this point.

Crank your engine while someone is watching the timing with a timing light. Check for consistent ignition pulses while watching what engine position the spark occurs. Adjust the TDC Offset Angle to adjust the timing to correspond to the Lock Timing value that you have set. Typically the Angle will be 50 - 100 degrees, however a value from 0 - 720 is acceptable. Once this is set, your ECU is now calibrated for ignition timing. Using the timing light, attach to each spark lead and check that every spark plug is firing a spark. Don't forget to disable the Ignition Timing Lock when you are done.