my chilton's manual says to use part# 07PAZ-0010100 on the service check connector when checking the ignition timing. do i really need this? my accord only needs to short 2 pins...so i'm assuming this part just does the same thing.

 

use a (plain, metal) paper clip

 

thanx...that's what i thought. btw, the service check connector port is that one with the black and brown/white wires under the glove box, right? i have a 97 teg GS.

 

you are correct

 

hmmm...now that i'm thinking about it....what does shorting those 2 wires actually do?

 

it trips the ECU into diagnostic mode.

 

hmmm....why does the ECU need to be in diagnostic mode when adjusting the timing?

 

You're setting 'base' ignition timing. You don't want the ECU to be making little adjustments of it's own. Diagnostic mode tells the ECU to leave it alone.

 

^what he said.

 

Yeah... it automatically retards the timing at idle, and if you're watching it with a strobe, you can see it fluctuate around 14 BTDC even if your stock timing is set correctly at 16 BTDC.

FYI, I have my GS-R set at 19° timing, and it works great with 91 octane on even really REALLY hot days.