What are the symptoms of advanced or retarded ignition timing?
3 Answers
Advanced ignition timing can cause engine vibration and kickback during startup, and in severe cases may even lead to engine reverse rotation. Retarded ignition timing results in sluggish engine performance, lack of power, and even overheating. When suddenly opening the throttle, the engine speed fails to increase accordingly while fuel consumption rises. Below are relevant explanations: 1. A well-designed ignition system features automatic advance angle and anti-knock functions, automatically adjusting ignition timing according to engine speed changes while effectively suppressing knocking caused by rapid acceleration at low speeds in high gears, thus protecting the engine. 2. For fixed-angle ignition engines, both excessively advanced and retarded ignition timing negatively impact engine performance, but adjustments can be made based on actual needs: For urban short-distance low-speed driving, appropriately selecting a larger advance angle improves fuel economy, while for long-distance high-speed driving, a slightly smaller advance should be chosen. In fact, properly reducing advance angle can achieve maximum vehicle speed. 3. Overly advanced ignition timing adversely affects the entire engine system, with most noticeable impacts including: increased piston slap, severe connecting rod bearing impacts, loud engine noise, and high temperatures. Overly retarded ignition timing mainly causes slow power response without significant hardware damage to the engine.
Having driven for over a decade, I can confirm that ignition timing being advanced or delayed makes a significant difference. When ignition is advanced, the engine produces a harsh knocking sound known as detonation, resembling metal clashing, with the hood vibrating intensely. Acceleration becomes abruptly powerful, but fuel consumption spikes, and prolonged use can damage engine components like piston erosion. With delayed ignition, the car feels sluggish, struggles on inclines, fails to reach higher RPMs, and emits black, foul-smelling exhaust. I recall when my old car's ignition system malfunctioned—even idling was shaky. A later inspection revealed a loose timing belt, which replacement fixed. These symptoms are more pronounced in summer, so I regularly maintain the ECU system to prevent faults and ensure safe driving.
As an auto mechanic, I've dealt with many ignition issues. Advanced ignition timing mainly causes loud knocking noises, rapid engine overheating, red warning lights on the dashboard for temperature, and sudden jerks during acceleration. Delayed ignition leads to incomplete combustion, strong exhaust odors, fuel consumption more than doubling, and severe engine shaking at idle. These problems stem from sensor or ECU failures, such as worn timing chains or spark plug carbon buildup. During inspections, it's necessary to use diagnostic computers to read error codes. The cost of replacing parts isn't high. Pay attention to sound changes while driving and repair promptly to avoid engine failure—safety comes first.
