How do you set the ignition timing on a 1996 Jeep Cherokee?

Answer 1

You cannot "set the ignition timing" Timing is adjusted by the computer as it monitors the "CPS" Crankshaft Position Sensor.

True statement Gregg, but! Your forgetting the whole picture. The camshaft sensor is in the distributor which is gear driven by the camshaft, the camshaft is then driven by the crankshaft by the timing chain. Technically, when you install the Camshaft sensor (distributor) you turn the engine (crankshaft) to position the piston on #1 cylinder at TDC (top dead center). The timing mark on the harmonic balancer should read 0. You then install the distributor with the rotor lined up to the center of the #1 cylinder lug on the distributor cap. Theoretically, from this position the computer adjusts the timing as needed.

However, on occasion the rotor does NOT line up dead center of the lug on the distributor and I have had vehicles then backfire and stumble, even after following the above procedure. For a number of reasons the timing is off! To correct this misalignment I have adjusted the timing by turning (advancing) the crankshaft position a few degrees on the harmonic balancer and then re-installed the distributor with the rotor dead center on #1 lug on the cap!

Seemed to make the computer happy and eliminated the stumble and backfire! So, in short! The timing can be played with!

Answer 2

How do you go about setting the timing on a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6 cylind