Ignition Timing

Engine must be at operating temperature. Connect timing light to engine. Connect tachometer to negative terminal of coil, engine check connector, or remove rubber cap and connect probe to service connector on distributor (if equipped).
CAUTION: Some tachometers may not be compatible with ignition system. Consult tachometer manufacturer before connecting tach to system. DO NOT allow tachometer terminal to become grounded as this can damage igniter and/or coil.
Adjust idle speed to specification. Install jumper wire, to fix idle speed, across terminals "E1" and "T" of engine check connector (if equipped). Check base ignition timing. Remove jumper wire and check advance timing.
On Tercel, Corolla 4A-C and 4A-F engines, and Pickup and 4Runner 22R engine, disconnect and plug distributor vacuum hose(s). Adjust timing by turning distributor.

Fig 1: Ignition Timing Adjustment (Camry)

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Fig 2: Ignition Timing Adjustment (Celica)

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Fig 3: Ignition Timing Adjustment (Corolla)

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Fig 4: Ignition Timing Adjustment (MR2)

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Fig 5: Ignition Timing Adjustment (FX & FX-16)

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Fig 6: Tach Hook-Up For Idle Speed & Ign Tim Adj (Camry, Celica W/35-FE Engine)

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Fig 7: Tach Hook-Up For Idle Speed & Ign Tim Adj (Corolla FX W/4A-C Engine) Tercel Sedan/Wagon

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Fig 8: Tach Hook-Up For Idle Speed & Ign Tim Adj (Corolla & FX16 (W/4A-GE Engine) Pickup & 4Runner (W/22R-TE Engine) & MR2)

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Fig 9: Tach Hook-Up For Idle Speed & Ign Tim Adj. (Celica W/3S-GE Engine)

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Fig 10: Tach Hook-Up For Idle Speed & Ign Tim Adj (P/U & 4Runner W/22R Engine)

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Fig 11: Tach Hook-Up For Idle Speed & Ign Timing Adjustments (Van)

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IGNITION TIMING

Application

Base Timing

Advance Timing

Camry & Celica

3S-FE

10 @ 650

13-22 @ Idle

3S-GE & 3S-GTE

10 @ 700

14-19 @ Idle

Corolla, FX & FX-16

4A-C

5 @ 650 ⁽¹⁾

13 @ 950

4A-F

5 @ 650 ⁽¹⁾

10-16 @ 900

4A-GE

10 @ 800

⁽²⁾ More than 12 @ Idle

MR2

10 @ 800

⁽²⁾ More than 12 @ Idle

Pickup & 4Runner

22R

0 @ 700 ⁽³⁾

N/A

22R-E

5 @ 750

10-14 @ Idle

22R-TE

5 @ 800

10-14 @ Idle

Tercel Sedan

3 @ 700 ⁽⁴⁾

12-18 @ 950

Tercel Wagon

Auto. Trans.

5 @ 800 ⁽⁵⁾

13 @ 950

Man. Trans.

5 @ 650 ⁽⁶⁾

13 @ 950

Van

Auto. Trans.

12 @ 750

20 @ Idle

Man. Trans.

12 @ 700

20 @ Idle

⁽¹⁾	At 750 RPM on automatic transaxle models.

⁽²⁾	More than 16 degrees BTDC at idle on manual transaxle models.

⁽³⁾	Maximum allowable timing setting is zero degrees BTDC at 950 RPM.

⁽⁴⁾	At 900 RPM on automatic transaxle models.

⁽⁵⁾	At 900 RPM on models with power steering.

⁽⁶⁾	At 800 RPM on models with power steering.