ignition timing mod fail

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So I tried to do the ignition timing mod on my 97, only to never get the CEL to blink. I even tried two different paper clips. This is the procedure I attempted:

http://www.lcool.org/technical/80_series/timing.html

I doubt my paper clips lacked continuity and I very likely got the E1 and TE1 terminals correctly.

Any ideas? Thanks, Jon
 
try it again, and make extra extra sure its E1 and TE1. I adjusted my timing after replacing the dizzy O ring and put it back to factory spec with the TE1 and E1 connected. the check engine light flashed like its supposed to.

Edit: I see yours is OBDII it might not flash and still be in service mode. use a timing light to check with the paper clip connected and when disconnected.
 
Do note that during Smog test they DO check the timing - they plug into the service port to verify timing. This I've seen them do it in our 'wonderful' state when smogging my 80. So, something to be aware of.

I presume you had your engine warmed up, A/C off etc etc? You CEL light bulb works, yes?

With the EI-TE1 shorted, you should notice that the engine timing is static with a timing light versus it 'wandering' around otherwise.

cheers,
george.
 
Thanks for the smog heads up. I would have walked right into that one.

Yes, the CEL works and the rig was warmed up and the A/C was off. Nevertheless, I will double check all this.

I will check the continuity of my paper clips (for sanity) and give it another shot.

I will check for differences in timing with and without the paperclip (even without the CEL).

Would I need to disconnect my Scangauge?

Thanks again.
 
^^ I would disconnect scan gauge to be on the safe side. I smogged my 80 a year ago when I got it, tech never checked my timing. that was a test only though, im sure the new STAR smog is more strict now.
 
Do note that during Smog test they DO check the timing - they plug into the service port to verify timing. This I've seen them do it in our 'wonderful' state when smogging my 80. So, something to be aware of.

I presume you had your engine warmed up, A/C off etc etc? You CEL light bulb works, yes?

With the EI-TE1 shorted, you should notice that the engine timing is static with a timing light versus it 'wandering' around otherwise.

cheers,
george.


Timing is not checked through the DLC, only any trouble codes set and completed self-test monitors

^^ I would disconnect scan gauge to be on the safe side. I smogged my 80 a year ago when I got it, tech never checked my timing. that was a test only though, im sure the new STAR smog is more strict now.

If the timing is adjustable, it must be checked during the inspection.
 
Timing is not checked through the DLC, only any trouble codes set and completed self-test monitors



If the timing is adjustable, it must be checked during the inspection.

timing is adjustable, its obd1. the tech never checked mine. he performed the tank pressure test though.
 
Timing was DEFINITELY checked on my '97. This test was done this year (Jan) for the new Star testing procedure. The tech specifically searched for the engine bay service port (not the OBD2 port in the cabin) - which was a bit harder for him to find due to the s/c and my relocated washer bottle. So, I know he searched for it, located it and told me he was testing for timing. This in the SF south bay.

I did not ask him what the timing range needs to be - though it does specifically state on the Smog printout as 3 degrees.

My 80 is s/c so I have the timing set to 3 degrees as required.

cheers,
george.
 
timing is adjustable, its obd1. the tech never checked mine. he performed the tank pressure test though.



I think OBD 1 goes through a different pre check for smog compared to OBD 2. OBD 2 doesn't get the tank pressurization and whatever else. I'm assuming since OBD 2 port can be used to check for errors/problems that the monitors monitor.
 
With the EI-TE1 shorted, you should notice that the engine timing is static with a timing light versus it 'wandering' around otherwise.

cheers,
george.

George, BlackLS1, et al.,

Thanks for this tip (above).

Well I tried it again. CEL light comes on when ign is ON but engine not running. AC is OFF. Double checked I am hitting E1 and TE1 with clip (tried it 5 times). I disconnected the scangauge. Engine coolant at 177 deg. F. Still no CEL with paperclip in and engine running.

But...the timing sat right at 3 deg. with the clip in, but jumped around between 3 and 7 deg. with the clip out. So, it sounds like I can adjust the timing with the paper clip in, even if the CEL is not lit up. Correct???? Thoughts???

Edit: I adjusted it to 7 deg.

Thanks,

Jon
 
Last edited:
CEL does not blink on OBD-II vehicles (95-97) when setting the timing. Does blink on older vehciles.

So I tried to do the ignition timing mod on my 97, only to never get the CEL to blink. I even tried two different paper clips. This is the procedure I attempted:

http://www.lcool.org/technical/80_series/timing.html

I doubt my paper clips lacked continuity and I very likely got the E1 and TE1 terminals correctly.

Any ideas? Thanks, Jon
 
CEL does not blink on OBD-II vehicles (95-97) when setting the timing. Does blink on older vehciles.

Thanks. Good to know. I eventually figured something like that was going on. :cheers:
 
Thanks. Good to know. I eventually figured something like that was going on. :cheers:

Help! Was there ever a solution/fix to this?
I can't seem to pull code-

I have replaced:
Fuel Pump
Fuel filters x2
Oxygen Sensor
MAF Sensor
Throttle Position Sensor
Plugs and wires.
Now I sent in my ECU because we can't pull a code even when the engine light is on. The OBD1 does NOT read anything (used several different OBD1 devices). I also tried to trigger the code by using metal contact pin in the Diagnostics box (to watch the engine light flash)

Please help. This is my 1992 Toyota Pickup 3.0 (Winibego) , I am currently stranded in North Utah, My home is in Seattle.

Took it to a shop they said had to be the ECU since it wasn't allowing the OBD1 to pull a code. The ECU was sent in and tested and they couldn't find ANY issues with it.

I was having the same issue as described above.
I found a temporary fix that lasted awhile-until the past week, If I disconnected the + battery and removed the EFI fuse after each use, put them back before I decided to drive (both immediately). Engine Light would often not appear. Then it would work like nothing is wrong. When light is on I have very little HP.
Now I can't get the Engine light off 99/100 times.

Thanks for any immediate help, expertise or thoughts!
 
Hi
I just tried and found the CEL does not blink even in normal ignition on mode! My 80 is 1996! How can I know this is the ODB 1 or 2? Thanks for any advice.
IMG_20200128_122908.webp
 
Hi
I just tried and found the CEL does not blink even in normal ignition on mode! My 80 is 1996! How can I know this is the ODB 1 or 2? Thanks for any advice.
OBDII is standard on 96 and newer US 80 models.
Your CEL should not blink at any point in time in normal operation.
 
I just study the ODB for my 80! Any clues for me to understand more about it? Which thing I should go for it to detect the fault? Thanks.
 
I just study the ODB for my 80! Any clues for me to understand more about it? Which thing I should go for it to detect the fault? Thanks.
Your 1996 is a diesel. There is a diesel forum listed below this forum on the forum page that covers all vehicle diesel. Therein your path shall emerge.
 
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