So need some help, I'm trying to set the timing on my 1991 civic si. Engine is d16a6. So about a week ago I installed a new distributor and marked it's position. I take it to get it smogged and it fails bad. The tech tells me my timing is off. So I get under the service port so I can bypass it. When I connect a wire in there to bypass the engine the check engine light won't turn on. I tried a different wire to maybe get a better connection but still no luck. Am I forgetting a step?

 

Does your check engine light work? Should come on for a few seconds when you key on.

 

Yes when I turn the keys to on before I crank it the check engine light turns on.

 

Jumping the connector essentially run a ground wire to B20 on your ECU.
It's possible that the ground wire isn't connected to your service connector so you can try hooking a ground to your paperclip.
If that doesn't work, then attach a ground directly at B20 on the ECU.

 

if you are OBD0, jumping the service connector to set the ignition timing will not turn on the Check Engine Light and you don't reset the ECU when finished