Timing light how to#

As the piston head moves upward, the gas and air are compressed (compression stage). As the intake valve opens, air and fuel are drawn into the chamber (intake stage). (This refers to the four positions a piston is in at any given time - Intake, Compression, Combustion, and Exhaust). Generally, the only cars that need a timing adjustment are older classic cars with a designated four-cycle stroke. The Four-Cycle Stroke of an Internal Combustion Engine They will be able to tell if the car’s timing is off or if there is a faulty sensor giving a bad reading. In that case, it is best to take the car to a certified technician to run the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code). Suppose the sensor lights are illuminated in the instrument panel (usually a check engine light).

Most modern cars have electronic ignition, which means that an internal computer adjusts the timing automatically. ‍ How Do I Know if My Car’s Timing Needs Adjustment?Ī car that is not running in time will show tell-tale signs of a rough idle, pinging, loss of power, or even a check engine light, but this does not always mean a car’s timing needs to be adjusted. (The first time I used a timing gun, I was so frightened that I asked a mechanic friend to come over and do it while I watched).

Timing light how to#

While most technicians know how to adjust the timing on a classic car, the process can be a bit intimidating for a novice. The correct timing can affect your engine's performance and ability to run smoothly. The car’s timing refers to the ignition and the “time” that the spark plug fires, creating an explosion inside the chamber.

Adjust the distributor until aligned and reading correctly.Īs a lover of classic cars, I know how frustrating it is if a car isn’t running at the right timing.

Attach padded clip to the Number 1 spark plug wire.

Connect the Red - Black Connectors to Battery.

The basic process of using a timing light to double-check the timing of the ignition is as follows. ‍ A timing light is an excellent tool for any car restorer's garage, but it can be intimidating to know how to use it.