1.8L & 2.0L

Warm engine to normal operating temperature (cooling fan should cycle at least once). Remove the 27-mm plastic plug from timing check hole on transaxle bellhousing.
With ignition off, connect a tachometer and timing light to vehicle. Start engine. Disconnect Blue coolant temperature connector. Increase speed to 2000-2500 RPM for the 1.8L or 800-1000 for the 2.0L engine. Timing mark on flywheel should appear at pointer in hole.
NOTE: After checking engine timing, erase any fault codes. This must be done each time coolant sensor is disconnected to clear ECU memory.
If an adjustment is needed, loosen distributor hold-down bolt (2.0L has 2 hold-down bolts) just enough to move distributor by hand. Bring engine to correct RPM. Turn distributor until timing mark is aligned with pointer in bellhousing.
On 1.8L, tighten hold-down bolt to 18 ft. lbs. (24 N.m). On 2.0L, tighten hold-down bolts to 87 INCH lbs. (10 N.m). On all models, check and readjust if necessary and install plastic plug in inspection hole.
Connect VAG 1551 scan tool to 2 diagnostic connectors located in center console (Black connector to Black and White connector to White). Alternatively each connector can be jumpered to itself. Maintain connection approximately 5 seconds. On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) light will blink. Disconnect connectors. Repeat procedure until OBD light flashes 4444 or scan tool reads "0000 end of output".
After checking or adjusting ignition timing, raise engine speed above 2100 RPM at least 3 times. Recheck idle speed and adjust as necessary. See IGNITION TIMING table under V6 IGNITION TIMING.

NOTE: After checking or adjusting ignition timing, erase any fault codes (if equipped). This must be done whenever coolant sensor is disconnected to clear ECU memory.