Your Honda Accord engine ignition timing will be inspected during the smog
test. The smog technician will ensure ignition timing is set properly, and
the ignition system is supplying electrical current to the sparkplugs at the
correct intervals.
A 2001 Honda Accord with a 2.2 liter engine needs to have it's ignition
timing set to 15 degrees before top dead center, and ignition timing must be
tested while your Honda's engine is idling at 700 RPM.
Your Accord's engine ignition timing will be measured in degrees. An
ignition timing failure for example; your car's ignition timing is required
to be set at 15 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC) and instead is set to
10 After Top Dead Center (ATDC). This fault will cause a functional failure,
as well as increase Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. California's emissions
standards allow timing to be up to 3 degrees +/- off the manufacturer's
required setting; resetting is recommend. One or two degrees off will not
cause your vehicle to fail the ignition timing inspection.
