Question on base timing

[gonesurfing]

1994 Camry 5S-FE. After a lot of distributor and ignition work, I checked the timing using a standard timing light. Following the procedure to jump the diagnostic tool interface, the engine properly responds and lowers idle. Next I set the timing to 10 degrees BTDC. According to the Haynes manual, when the jumper is removed from the diagnostic interface, the timing should advance somewhere between 12 and 22 degrees. When I remove the jumper on the vehicle, the timing moves to 5 degrees BTDC, opposite of what the manual says should happen. If I open the throttle a little above idle, the timing advances, but otherwise stays at 5 degrees.

Is something wrong here, or is the manual incorrect?

Thanks.

[Mike Gerber]

"When I remove the jumper on the vehicle, the timing moves to 5 degrees BTDC, opposite of what the manual says should happen. If I open the throttle a little above idle, the timing advances, but otherwise stays at 5 degrees."

I believe what you are seeing is correct. The Toyota technical service manual says the timing mark moves between 0 and 10 degrees with the jumper removed. The Haynes manual is wrong.

There is a generation 3 Toyota factory service manual (I believe it is actually from a 94) stickied at the top of the Camry forum over at AutomotiveForums.com, that is available for free downloading. I suggest you go and download it for this and for future reference. Incidently, the ignition system section is section IG.

Mike