Hey guys, just looking for some help.

Basically ever since I've owned my car the ignition timing has been out (you can hear it ticking away, especially when doing motorway miles)

So I was just wondering if anyone knows the original timing for a 1.4 8v (1999) 6n.

If there are more details needed Ill try and get them.

Any help is appreciated.

-David.

How do you mean ticking away exactly? Are you sure it's the ignition timing?

The 6N ignition is advanced and retarded by the ECU.. according to a few sensors in the engine. If the timing is 'out' then it may be because of the readings these sensors are getting. I think its called Programmed Ignition.

I don't think you can just re-set the timing to cure it like on older cars, but there is still some way of setting the base timing.. not too sure on how it's done and how it will help I'm afraid

^^ yes it is mapped ignition and it is electronically controlled by the ecu

however you can set the base timing on a 6n, by going into basic settings 04 in vag-com whilst the engine is running. the idle speed will rise to about 1100 and it locks the ignition advance to 6 btdc, you then set it up using an advance timing light till it reads a true 6 degrees by turning the dizzy... there is also trim adjustments you can make to the base ignition advance settings but i would strongly advise you leave them be unless you know what you are doing....

without going into basic settings the measured advance at tdc will dance about all over the place as the ecu uses varying ignition timing to stabilize the idle speed, hence why you need to lock it to a preset advance angle to get an accurate setting.. there are a few other prerequisites that need to be met also, such as coolant temp needs to be above 80 degree (i think it's 80?) plus there needs to be no fault codes strored in memmory, plus maybe a few others but i will have to look that up when it's not 3am in the morning

Edited 27 March, 201016 yr by SkodaBoy

Sorry to drag up this old thread, but I am finally going to look into checking my ignition timing.

Can the shareware version of VAG-COM set the engine at basic settings in group 004 as described above? Or will I need a registered version? Either way, I have been looking into timing lights that would be suitable.

As you have to check for 6 degs BTDC as the base timing, am I right in saying an "advance timing light" is required? Not any old "timing light"?

As in.. DRAPER PISTOL GRIP XENON TIMING LIGHT 52616 - NOT suitable..

but.. GUNSON 77008 ADVANCE TIMING LIGHT - suitable?

Have never used a timing light before, wonder if I'm on the right track with this

Sorry for the hi-jack and all :)

you dont need an advance timing light strictly speaking but it makes it easier particuarly if you cant find or have to make your own TDC marks

firstly, apologies for the dismal picture, i've been scouring thousands of my pics to try and find something suitable.. this is a 1.4-16v afh engine, and also ignore the blob of white paint on there..

if you look very carefully on your lower timing belt cover there are to markings on there, O and Z... O is the crank TDC mark, and Z is thje ignition timing setting mark. if you look on your outer auxillary drive belt pulley on the inner edge there is a small notch in it which lines up with the O mark when the engine is at TDC..

if you are using just a normal non-advance timing light, you turn the dizzy till the notch in the pulley lines up with the Z mark when it flashes (which should be 6 deg BTDC)

does this make any sense to you??

you dont need an advance timing light strictly speaking but it makes it easier particuarly if you cant find or have to make your own TDC marks

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/tefl...nitionmarks.jpg

firstly, apologies for the dismal picture, i've been scouring thousands of my pics to try and find something suitable.. this is a 1.4-16v afh engine, and also ignore the blob of white paint on there..

if you look very carefully on your lower timing belt cover there are to markings on there, O and Z... O is the crank TDC mark, and Z is thje ignition timing setting mark. if you look on your outer auxillary drive belt pulley on the inner edge there is a small notch in it which lines up with the O mark when the engine is at TDC..

if you are using just a normal non-advance timing light, you turn the dizzy till the notch in the pulley lines up with the Z mark when it flashes (which should be 6 deg BTDC)

does this make any sense to you??

Ohh yes it does! Legendary, thanks again dude!

Sorry, my car isn't with me at the moment to check, but I'm guessing I can just point the light and see the notches between the chassis crossmember and upper timing belt cover? No taking off the wheel or moving the engine at all?

Edited 27 April, 201016 yr by CWA

yes possibly, but the engine mount does get in the way somewhat, it makes it a lot easier if you put a dap of white paint on the aux belt pulley timing mark, it makes it so much easier to see

yes possibly, but the engine mount does get in the way somewhat, it makes it a lot easier if you put a dap of white paint on the aux belt pulley timing mark, it makes it so much easier to see

Awesome, I've still got the pulley off anyways so that's no biggie. Cheers again dude

"if you are using just a normal non-advance timing light, you turn the dizzy till the notch in the pulley lines up with the Z mark when it flashes", Skodaboy , how does this type of timing light looks like,pls? Can I make one by myself somehow using the signal from Hall sender I suppose?

Also I noticed two marks, one on the distributor body and the other closely poiting to this being on the plate the distributor is bolted on. They never been aligned.

I tried to aligh them thinking the manufacturer made the notches for this matter but the car became slugish,then I wanted to put the distributor back but I realised this could be anywhere ,makes me wondering where is the best position..

Thanks !

Edited 29 April, 201115 yr by zenza