Ignition Timing Inspection

Connector the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the date link connector (DLC) (see step 2 on GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ), and check for DTC's. If a DTC is present, diagnose and repair the cause before inspecting the ignition timing.
Start the engine. Hold the engine at 3,000 rpm with no load in N or P (A/T, CVT) or neutral (M/T) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
Check the idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).
Follow the tester's prompts to get the tester in the "SCS" mode (see the operator's manual).
Remove the ignition coil cover, then connect the timing light to the No. 1 ignition coil wire.

Fig 1: Removing Ignition Coil Cover
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Aim the light toward the pointers (A) on the timing belt cover. Check the ignition timing under no load conditions: headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner off.
Ignition Timing
1. M/T: 8°+/-2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in neutral
2. A/T, CVT: 8°+/-2° BTDC (RED mark (B)) at idle in P or N
Fig 2: Aiming Light Toward Pointer On Timing Belt Cover
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check cam timing. If cam timing is OK, update the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) if it does not have the latest software (see ECM/PCM UPDATING, SUBSTITUTION AND REPLACEMENT ), or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see ECM/PCM UPDATING, SUBSTITUTION AND REPLACEMENT ), then recheck. If the system work properly, and the ECM/PCM was substituted, replace the original ECM/PCM (see HOW TO RESET THE ECM/PCM ).
Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Disconnect the HDS and the timing light.