LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Ford >> 1986 >> Escort Pony >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> 1.9L/2.3L Turbo Testing >> Circuit Tests >> Test Mm - Spark Timing Check
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Test Mm - Spark Timing Check

To prevent replacement of good components, be aware that the following non-EEC related areas may be at fault: engine condition (valves, vacuum leaks, valve timing, EGR valve, etc.), PIP sensor, TFI ignition module.

  1. Perform ENGINE RUNNING SELF-TEST and verify that SELF-TEST is activated. Check and record timing while in ENGINE RUNNING SELF-TEST. System locks timing then returns to normal 2 minutes after last service code is displayed. If timing is 27-33°, spark timing is correct. Go to ENGINE RUNNING SELF-TEST. If timing is not 27-33°, go to next step.
  2. Locate Spark Output (SPOUT) connector and open the connection. Start engine and check for 10° BTDC base timing F 3°. If base timing is correct, go to next step. If base timing is not correct, adjust base timing. After timing is adjusted, connect SPOUT and perform TIMING CHECK . See TIMING CHECK  in QUICK TEST  (ALL VEHICLES) section of this article.
  3. Turn key off and wait 10 seconds. Disconnect ECA 60-pin connector. Inspect for and repair any damaged wiring. Install breakout box. Turn key on, leaving engine off. With DVOM on 20-volt scale, measure voltage between test pin 37 and 40, and between test pin 57 and 60. If either reading is less than 10.5-volts, go to TEST B - VEHICLE BATTERY , step 1). If both readings are 10.5-volts or more, go to next step.
  4. Turn key off and wait 10 seconds. Disconnect harness connector at TFI module. With DVOM on 200-ohm scale, measure resistance between test pin 36 and pin 2 (SPOUT circuit) at TFI harness connector. If reading is greater than 5 ohms, repair open circuit. Connect SPOUT connector and check timing as described in step 1). If reading is 5 ohms or less, go to next step.
  5. Leave breakout box installed and TFI harness disconnected. Turn key off and set DVOM on 200-ohm scale. Measure resistance between test pin 16 and pin 6 (IGN GRND circuit) at TFI harness connector. If reading is less than 5 ohms, go to TEST A - NO START , step 7). If reading is 5 ohms or more, repair harness as necessary and repeat QUICK TEST .
Fig 1: Spark Advance Circuit
G4297
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals