I checked the timing on my car this weekend and it is around 5-8 degrees BTDC, I read in the Factory Service manual that it should be 15 +/- 2 degrees. So how do I advance it ??

 

You probably didn't check the timing right, either. The factory service manual lists a detailed, specific driving routine you must follow before checking the timing.

The timing is electronic. There's no adjustment you can make. The good thing is it's nearly impossible for the timing to be off more than a degree or two either way.

 

I have an AUTO so it must be in Neutral, car had to be in operating temperature which it was, rev the car 2-3 times to 3000 rpm and then let it idle for about 30 secs to stabalize, take reading. Am I missing anything ???? Or doing anything wrong ???? Please let me know. I switched out my ECU to the Stock ECU and it was still the same 5-8 degrees BTDC. Here is what it looks like:


__ First Marker

__ this is where my Timing is at(the little pointer)


__ 15 Degrees

__ 20 Degrees

 

But I seem to recall also needing to run the engine at like 2/3000 rpms for something like 2 minutes also. I'll need to check the manual to find out the exact specs.

 

Well, the 4th gen has a chain, not a belt. I don't think there is a way to adjust it. The only way I could see it being off is if it jumped a few teeth. If thats the case, I think you would know it was off.

 

I remembered checking mine, and the manual stated that there was a plug that had to be pulled first, that would change vacuum. Without doing this, the reading would be way off. The only way to change the timing is by connecting the computer of the car to the computer that they have at the Nissan service center. Since we have distributorless ignitions, it is entirely controlled by the computer. Any distributorless ignition works the same. If you think that your timing is off, take it to Nissan, and tell them that all you want is to check the timing. They should charge you no more than 10 bucks.