get a mechanic
if it has a distributor you can.
Yes ANSWER No - a 1998 3.0 L Ford Ranger does not have a distributor which would allow you to adjust the ignition timing - it has a coil pack and the ignition timing is controlled by the PCM ( powertrain control module )
Adjusting the distributor sets the ignition timing. To set timing you need to align the timing marks as specified by the manufacture using a timing light.
I believe that a 89 Cutlass Sl does not have a distributor because of the type of ignition system, the spark and timing are controlled by the the computer if it has one.
Right from the 1991 Explorer , the 4.0 L OHV engine was EDIS ( electronic distributorless ignition system ) using a coil pack instead of a distributor
All 1994-96 vehicles, use a new distributor ignition system which was originally developed for use on Corvette. The new system known as the Opti-Spark ignition system consists of a distributor assembly which is mounted on the front engine cover, under the water pump assembly, control circuitry an external coil. I the Opti-Spark system, all ignition timing is controlled by the PCM based on signals from the distributor
To set the ignition timing on a Ford Probe GT 95 with an MX engine, remove the two 12 mm head bolts holding the distributor in place. Then rotate the distributor to set the ignition timing.
If you have the 3.8L engine, ignition timing is controlled by the computer and cannot be altered without making changes to the computer. If you have the 3.1L engine, which has a distributor, you can set the timing as you would on any engine with a distributor.
Even so eclipse uses distributor based ignition system, I'm not sure that you can adjust timing. The timing you can adjust is idle timing. But it basically never needs to be adjusted.
Check distributor Check timing and timing chain Check wires and all electrical parts pertaining ignition system
The ignition timing is probably controlled by the computer, and cannot be manually set. Check to see if it has a distributor, if it does it may be adjustable, if not, it is not adjustable.
I have given instructions on how to do a timing belt listed under the topic questioned "How soon should you change the timing belt on a 1989 Ford Ranger 2.3 engine?" You can refer to that. On the 2.3L Ford Timing is adjusted by turning the distributor clockwise and counterclockwise on distributor driven engines and set to 10 degrees BEFORE TOP DEAD CENTER. On later years with the Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) this is not adjustable. The most important thing to remember when doing a timing belt is to make sure the marks on the gears line up with the marks on the cover for both styles of engines.