Honda Stock Ignition Timing

When installing a performance chip in cars that use an ignition distributor, the chip program is based on stock settings, so the ignition distributor must be set to the stock ignition advance setting.

Often, car owners have manually advanced the distributor to get more power from the engine. Correct this by returning the distributor to the stock setting before installing a performance chip. Otherwise, the chip’s electronically controlled ignition timing will add to the already advanced distributor setting, resulting in timing that is too advanced and can cause engine knocking and possibly engine failure, especially at high engine speeds.

The following stock ignition settings are for Honda cars, where performance chips are often installed.

92-95 Civic EX (P28 Chip, D16Z6 1.6 L SOHC VTEC Engine) and 92-95 Civic DX (P06 Chip, D15B7 1.5L SOHC Engine)

92-95 Civic CX (P05 Chip, D15B8 1.5L SOHC Engine)

94-95 Civic Del Sol (P30 Chip, B16A3 1.6L DOHC VTEC Engine)

All 94-95 Accord EX/LX (P0A, P0B Chips, F22 2.2L Engine)

All 93-94 Prelude S/Si (P12, P13, P14 Chips, H22, H23 2.2L/2.3L Engines)

93-95 Honda Prelude Ignition Timing Adjustment

To do the ignition distributor adjustment on the Prelude, you will need a timing light. First, warm up the car until the fan turns on. Expose the timing marks by removing the rubber cap from the inspection window on the cylinder block and from the bell housing. Also, jump the ignition timing check connector. It is located in the center of the dashboard. See the drawing below for its location.

Connect a jumper wire between the Blue/White and Brown/White wire terminals.

To adjust timing, loosen the distributor hold-down bolts and turn the distributor housing counter-clockwise to advance or clockwise to retard timing. Align the pointer with the Red timing mark.

When the job is done, tighten the distributor bolts to 16 ft. lbs. (22 N.m) and recheck timing.

If it is all OK, remove the jumper from the ignition timing check connector. Reinstall the cap into the inspection window on the cylinder block.

94-95 Honda Accord Ignition Timing Adjustment

Adjustment for the Honda Accord is similar to the Prelude described above, with the exception that timing marks are located on the timing belt cover itself, and the service connector is located under the glove compartment, as shown below:

92-95 Civic Ignition Timing Adjustment

The Civic procedure is the same as the two above. Like in the Honda Accord, ignition timing marks are located on the timing belt cover itself. The ignition check connector is located on the right side (passenger’s side) kick panel, near the ECU. Check the drawing below for the location:

Timing marks on the 1992 – 1995 Honda Accord

Timing Marks on 93-95 Honda Accord

In the picture above, the red mark is 15 degrees BTDC, while the white mark is TDC (0 degrees BTDC). If the colors are faded, clean off any dirt and/or grease, then highlight each mark with white and red chalk so it shows up under the timing light. Remember that the last mark on the right should be the white one (TDC).