Inductive timing light manual#

On some vehicles, the crankshaft pulley has a bunch of degree marks and numbers on it. The degrees refer to how far the crankshaft has rotated relative to the Number 1 cylinder's piston at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke. Instead, the timing of the spark is measured in terms of degrees. Obviously, you don't see the actual piston's location. Through a phenomenon known as the stroboscopic effect, a properly aimed timing light will indicate where the Number 1 piston is in its up-and-down travel when the spark fires. When you pull the trigger of the timing light (with the engine running), each time the Number 1 plug fires, the timing light flashes a beam of light. These inductive timing lights are able to detect the jolt of electricity each time the spark plug fires, similar to a doctor using a stethoscope to determine your body's pulse. Most light units on the market today, however, clip right to the spark plug wire itself.

With a few of the timing lights out there, you might have to attach the unit's spark signal pick-up wire directly to the spark plug tip.

Inductive timing light manual#

(If you're not sure which is the 'Number 1' spark plug wire, stop! And get thee to a service manual or online owners' forum for your vehicle.) Lastly, you take the signal wire and clamp it directly to the Number 1 spark plug wire. With the engine off, you merely clamp the timing light's red wire to the battery's positive terminal, then the black wire to the battery's negative terminal. Getting your timing light ready for action is breathtakingly simple. That is, as long as your car runs and is connected to a working 12-volt battery. One cool thing about timing lights is that unlike a flashlight, you never have to worry about running out of juice to power the light. Newer cars with distributorless ignition systems use a computer to control the ignition process.) (This information, by the way, applies to mostly older vehicles, which use a distributor to send electrical energy to the spark plugs. More importantly, the more expensive the timing light is, the more likely it will be easier to read even in bright conditions. But most people would probably prefer the much cooler, ray gun-shaped, 'pistol grip' variety.because they're more ergonomic inside the close confines of a car's engine bay (yeah, that's it). The simplest and least expensive timing lights fit into a basic pen shape. And who doesn't want that?įirst, you should know that timing lights come in a few different shapes and sizes, and range in features from bare-bones functionality to lots of bells and whistles. Properly adjusted timing, in turn, helps to make sure your engine works at peak power and efficiency. And to ensure long-lasting quality, each product undergoes rigorous testing on-site at state-of-the-art facilities and are supported with expert technical assistance from a team of ASE-certified technicians.Simply put, a timing light helps to fine tune when the spark fires from the spark plug and ignites your car's fuel. Innova OBD2 tools are also engineered to diagnose potential problems that lead to excess emission output before it grows worse.

Distributed from facilities across Canada and United States, Innova products are designed and developed to provide innovative diagnostics based on a comprehensive database of more than 3 million automotive issues for all types of foreign or domestic vehicles, be it a hybrid hatchback or a utility truck. Innova Electronics Corporation® is North America's #1 supplier of scan tools and other diagnostic equipment for the automotive aftermarket industry.

Patented Skip Circuitry Test up to 9,990 RPM.

Detachable leads, metal inductive pickup.

Slim, rotating barrel for better aim at timing mark.Check timing, diagnose a no-spark condition, check for electronic advance/retard and more.Works with most ignition systems: DIS, conventional, electronic and computer controlled systems - domestic and imports This best seller is a must have for every tune-up kit.