How to replace the automatic ignition advance unit

The engine has an automatic ignition advance unit that fails when the engine knocks, runs sluggishly, or emits too much black smoke.

The automatic ignition advance unit plays a key role in keeping the engine running smoothly and in keeping with all engine components. The automatic ignition advance unit is part of the gas distribution system located inside the front cover of the engine and on the distributors. Most new cars have this type of timing system.

When it comes time to replace the ignition advance unit, there are likely to be performance issues with your vehicle such as fuel consumption, sluggishness, lack of power and, in some cases, failure of internal parts. You may also notice engine knocking and even black smoke.

This service, in most cases, can only be diagnosed through drivability issues and diagnostics. Your vehicle may have a vacuum automatic ignition timing unit or be mechanically operated. Most vacuum powered units mount to the distributor, while the power nits mount to the engine front cover or valve cover. The instructions given here apply only to petrol engines.

Part 1 of 2: Vacuum Ignition Timing Replacement

Necessary materials

• ¼ inch torque wrench
• Socket set ¼" metric and standard
• ⅜ inch socket set, metric and standard
• ratchet ¼ inch
• ratchet ⅜ inch
• Automatic timing advance block
• Brake cleaner
• Phillips and slotted screwdriver
• Small mount
• Towels or rags

Step 1: Disconnect the battery. When disconnecting the battery, use 8mm, 10mm, or 13mm to loosen the battery terminals.

After loosening the terminal, rotate the terminal from side to side to release it, lift and remove. Do this with both plus and minus and move, wedge or pinch the bungee cord to prevent the cable from falling into place on the terminal.

Step 2: Remove the distributor cap. The distributor is located either at the rear of the engine or on the side of the engine.

• Attention: Your ignition wires go from the distributor to the spark plugs.

Step 3: Remove the vacuum line from the automatic ignition advance unit.. The vacuum line is connected to an automatic advance block.

The line goes into the block itself; the line enters the front of the round silver piece on the distributor.

Step 4: Remove Mounting Screws. They hold the distributor cap on the distributor.

Step 5: Mark the ignition wires if they need to be removed.. They usually don't need to be removed, but if they do, mark the wires and the distributor cap so you can install them correctly.

To do this, you can use a permanent marker and masking tape.

Step 6: Remove the automatic timing advance block. The automatic ignition advance unit should be easily visible after removing the distributor cap.

At this point, you should be able to see the mounting screws holding the auto ignition block, which you should remove.

Step 7: Place the new block in the mounting position. Run the mounting screws.

Step 8: Tighten Mounting Screws to Specification.

Step 9: Install the distributor cap. Install the cover and two fixing screws and tighten.

The distributor cap is plastic, so do not overtighten.

Step 10: Install a vacuum line to the automatic ignition advance unit.. The vacuum line is simply slipped onto the nipple, so no clamp is required.

The line will be neat when installed.

Step 11: Install the ignition wires. Do this in accordance with the numbering so as not to mix up the wire.

Reversing the ignition wires will result in a misfire or inability to start the vehicle.

Step 12 Connect the battery. Install the negative battery clamp and the positive battery clamp, and tighten the battery terminal firmly.

You don't want to over-tighten because that could damage the battery terminal and cause a bad electrical connection.

Part 2 of 2: Replacing the Automatic Ignition Timing Mechanical Sensor

Step 1: Disconnect the battery. Do this by loosening both battery terminals and removing the terminals by turning them from side to side and pulling up.

Move the cables out of the way and make sure they can't go back in place and power the car. You can use a bungee cord to secure the battery cables.

Step 2: Locate the Signal Sensor (Cam Position Sensor). It is located on the front of the valve cover or on the front of the engine cover.

The sensor in the image below is mounted on the front cover of the engine. In older vehicles, they are sometimes located on the distributor under the distributor cap.

Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector and step aside. Most connectors have a lock that prevents them from being removed easily.

These locks are disengaged by sliding the lock back; it will stop sliding when fully turned off.

Step 4 Remove the sensor. Locate and remove the mounting screws to the sensor.

Turn the sensor slightly from side to side and pull it out.

Step 5: Install the new sensor. Inspect the seal/ring to make sure it is not broken and that the seal is in place.

Take a couple of drops of engine oil and lubricate the seal.

Step 6: Tighten the mounting screws and torque them to specification.. Not much to tighten up.

Step 7 Connect the Electrical Connector. A slight squeeze together and a click reassures you that it is in place.

Lock the connector lock again by sliding it forward into place.

Step 8 Connect the battery. Tighten the battery terminals and reassemble anything that was removed or disconnected to access the sensor.

The automatic ignition advance unit is a very important component to ensure the correct operation of the engine. These components pass or receive very important data that tells the engine what it needs to do to perform at its best. If you prefer to entrust the replacement of the automatic advance block to a professional, entrust the replacement to one of AvtoTachki certified specialists.