What is the normal range for ignition advance angle data?
2 Answers
Ignition advance angle refers to the crankshaft rotation angle from the ignition moment until the piston reaches the top dead center of compression. Different vehicle models have different ignition advance angles, typically ranging between 8°-15° during idle. Here is more information about ignition advance angle: 1. The ignition advance angle is controlled by the engine control unit (ECU), which receives signals including engine speed, air flow meter, throttle position, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, oxygen sensor, and knock sensor to determine the ignition advance angle. 2. Factors affecting the ignition advance angle are engine speed and the combustion speed of the air-fuel mixture. Higher engine speeds result in shorter time for the crankshaft to rotate through the same angle, requiring a larger advance angle to achieve the corresponding advance time. The combustion speed of the mixture is influenced by the mixture composition, engine design, and other factors such as combustion chamber shape and compression ratio.
After working in the repair shop for so many years, I often get asked about the normal value of ignition timing advance. There's no fixed number for this thing—it depends on the engine type and condition of the car. Generally, for gasoline cars at idle, the advance angle is around 10 to 15 degrees. When the RPM goes up, like when speeding on the highway, it might automatically increase to within 30 or even 40 degrees. But the key is to listen to the car's sound and performance. If ignition is too early, the engine will have knocking sounds, like metal clanging, which damages the engine and wastes fuel; if it's too late, the power feels sluggish, and acceleration lacks punch. It's best to use an OBD diagnostic tool to check the data from the car's computer—most cars' ECUs will automatically adjust this angle, so don't worry too much. Regular maintenance, like changing spark plugs and cleaning the throttle body, can prevent timing drift issues, ensuring smooth driving and saving some fuel costs. These tips come from hands-on experience—don't just guess parameters from forums. Every car is a little treasure.
