#Autozone timing light manual#
#Autozone timing light software#
#Autozone timing light professional#

You can manipulate the distribution cap, turning it slightly clockwise or anti-clockwise to adjust the timing of delivery of the sparks. This allows you to see if the spark is firing before or after the TDC and by how many degrees. Because of the stroboscopic effect, the timing light 'freezes' the motion of the pulley. The engine will also have a mark right next to the pulley for representing TDC. The crankshaft pulley on some vehicles is marked in degrees and numbers. Since the timing of the spark is measured in degrees, you will rather see how far the crankshaft has rotated relative to the Number 1 piston at the TDC or top dead center of the compression stroke. Actually, you will not be seeing the location of the piston. If you aim the timing light properly, as the spark fires, it will light up to indicate the position the Number 1 piston is in as it travels up and down. The timing light uses the stroboscopic effect for working. Therefore, as you pull the trigger of the timing light with the engine running, each time the spark plug Number 1 fires you see a flashing beam from the timing light. The inductive nature of the timing lights allow them to detect when the spark plug fires by detecting the jolt of electricity on the plug. However, most of the currently available light units work with their signal wire clipped right on the spark plug wire itself. Some of the older type of timing lights needs the signal wire to be connected directly to the tip of the spark plug.

#Autozone timing light manual#

Look up the service manual or the owner's manual for your vehicle in case you are not sure of which of the spark plugs is the first one. Lastly, connect the signal wire of the timing light and clamp it to the directly to the wire of spark plug number 1. Then, locate the BLACK wire of the timing light and clamp it to the negative terminal of the battery. Next, locate the RED wire of the timing light and clamp it to the positive terminal of the battery. First, you must switch off the engine of your car. As long as you have a working car battery, the timing light will also function.Ĭonnecting a timing light is very simple. Timing lights are different from normal flashlights because they do not require separate batteries to power them up and you do not need to worry about them running out of juice. However, if you prefer one that is easier to read in bright conditions, it will likely be more expensive. The pistol grip type is more ergonomic to hold inside the close confines of a car's engine. While the smallest and the least expensive timing light fits into the simple shape of a pen, people generally prefer a timing light that is in the shape of a ray gun. These features range from bare-bones functionality to a plethora of bells and whistles. There are various types of timing lights available in different shapes and sizes. A timing light helps to find out if the sequence and timing of the firing is correct and if not, helps to fine-tune it. However, spark plugs must fire at the right time and in the proper sequence for the engine to operate at peak power and efficiency. In general, cars have spark plugs that ignite the fuel in the engine, generating energy for driving the car. If your car has a distributor, using a timing light is enough to let you know what is wrong with the car. However, if your car is not the latest type with computerized controls, you could probably save some money by diagnosing the problem on your own. Your local auto repair shop will likely charge you for telling you exactly what is wrong with your car during the estimate process and he will charge you for fixing it up. At moments such as this, you have only two choices â€“ take your car to your local auto repair shop or take it home and diagnose it yourself. This is commonly known as knocking and it could be the result of the engine's timing being a little off or it could also mean something more serious. When your car engine suddenly starts to thump and shudder, you are naturally concerned and do not feel very confident. U-Joint/Slack Adjuster/Bearing Cup Etc.Nut Drivers, Star/Hex Handrivers & Screwdrivers.

#Autozone timing light professional#

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#Autozone timing light software#

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