Onyx98

My check engine light has been on for a while. I have to pass an emissions test. So I got it checked. The problem was the distributor. I replaced the distributor, but I believe the ignition timing is off. There is no ping, but she seems sluggish and is making a sort of muffled sound. Also not as gas efficient. My question is "can bad ignition timing cause an engine light code for TDC sensor error?"

ezone

When you replaced the distributor, the ignition timing has to be correctly adjusted, using a timing light and following the instructions in a service manual, and timing adjustment specification should be on the emissions label under the hood somewhere.

Incorrect ignition timing can and will cause poor engine performance and poor fuel economy, hard starting, failed emissions test, and probably some other things.

Incorrect timing should not cause a TDC censor code, that is typically caused by a bad TDC sensor.
However, I do recall some information about a missing metal shield from the coil could cause certain distributor related codes. Too lazy to look it up and I don't remember exactly which cars this info applied to, but I think I've mentioned it in this forum before.


Above all else, remember this: Aftermarket remanufactured distributors are crap.


HTH

Onyx98

Thank for the info. I figured I needed to correct the timing. Mainly wanted to know whether I bought a new distributor for nothing. I'ma correct the timing tomorrow. Let you know what I get. Thanks for the help.