Adjusted timing on car after removing distributor a few times; seems to be running great. Upon running across numerous articles that you are suppose to short the ECU under the passenger dash after I finished the job. Do I need to do anything now since I missed that step? Or, did I just get lucky or need to do a reset on ECU?

 

"Short the ecu out"... you mean jump the service connector? You have to jump the service connector when you adjust ignition timing or else the ecu will constantly try to fix the adjustments you're making. If you think you've properly set your ignition timing without jumping the service connector then you're wrong. Like I've already said in your other post, get a PDF copy of the Honda service manual and read how to set your ignition timing.

 

Thanks for reply. Yes, jump the service connector. But, what do I do in the case of timing is already set or messed up by not jumping the service connector? I have the service manual but doesn't mention the case I have where I already messed with timing without jumping the service connector. You advise jumping it and redoing timing light?

 

Yes, I do. It's very easy to jump it. I use a cotter pin personally as that seems to work best but anything like that will work. Paper clip or whatever. Just follow all of the instructions, use the red mark on your crank pulley for 16°.

 

Is jumping it the same thing as resetting? My thing is, if I jump the connector and look at the engine mark and I don't move it at all because it is 16 degrees. Did I really do anything? Or, when you do the service connector it resets it?

 

No, jumping the service connector does not reset your ecu. It just puts the car in a state that allows for some electronic service adjustments to be done without the ecu interfering and also reading a flashing check engine light code. If you checked the timing and it's at 16° at 750 rpm then you're good to go. You just have to jump the service connector if the timing needs adjustment.

 

similiar situation here, i already did the ignition timing via timing light and set the timing marks in 12deg(middle line out of the 3) but i didnt jump the ecu while doing it, any negative effects gonna happen?

 

The timing bounces around a lot when the service connector isn't jumped... making it hard to move the distributor to the correct place to align the crank pulley mark and the timing cover pointer. When you jump the service connector, the crank pulley variation is greatly reduced making it easier to align the mark with the pointer. It is not necessary to disconnect the battery to properly set your timing after you did it incorrectly... just do it again with what you know now and you will be just fine.