I've got a 97 civic stock d16y7. I checked my timing using a timing light, it is retarded about -3 degrees, and the distributor is advanced fully. What would cause this problem? A bad distributor or some sensor?

 

Did you jump the service connector? Was the engine idling to spec? Are you aligning to the red mark?

If so, timing belt may be off by tooth.

 

It idles low around 700 rpm or around that

 

I haven't tried jumping the service connector, how's it done? And yes, the red marks' still about a 1/2 inch away from the notch

 

You can find a diagram in the FAQs sticky.