Ignition timing problem part II :( need help.

Hey guys, so this is the story. 99 Nissan Altima with 49,000 miles, failed
the functional part of the smog test in CA because the ignition timing was
12 degree BTDC. The correct timing is 20 degrees.

So I decided to fix it my self. The shop manual I have says that the first
"mark" from the bottom of the pulley is the 20 degree mark so I set it to
that. When I drive the car the engine sounded harsh under acceleration, so
I moved the distributor and got the "mark" aligned to the 2nd mark from the
bottom which seems fine, but the book claims that the 2nd mark from the
bottom in 15 degrees. I really don't know what is wrong. One thing that I
did realized later on is that I am suppose to disconnect the throttle
Position Sensor before I take a measurement with the strobe light. I didn't
do that, do you think that could be my problem? How much of a difference
will that make?
Please help, I'm getting frustrated by this fairly new car.
The bumper to bumper warranty on this car is 3/36, but the powertrain is
4/60, which is still valid. Will this problem fall under the powertrain
warranty?

Thanks in advance.

 

Not disconnecting the throttle position sensor can make a big
difference. The engine control unit will advance or retard the timing
based on a number of factors including throttle position. When you do
the timing adjustment you are creating a base-line from which the ECU
will then do its own adjustments, and it is critical that you follow the
manual very carefully when doing this.

Could it be that the timing was actually correct, and that the
smog-check place also should have disconnected the throttle position
sensor but didn't?

I would think your 4/60 power train warranty would cover this,
particularly since you can show that the car failed emissions.

 

so

If the engine puuls roughly, its a sure sign the timing is too far advanced
for the octane despite knock-sensing retardation. Whats the fuel quality
like?

20 degrees at idle sounds too much Cab imagine some engines running 12 or
perhaps 15, but no more.

Jason

 

Obviously, it's where the smart people hang out.

 

To piss people off?



mike hunt