Equus 3568 - INNOVA Digital Timing Light - Manual (Page 10)

8
Checking Vacuum/Electronic Retard and
Electronic Advance
The procedures for checking vacuum/electronic
retard and electronic advance vary between
vehicles and manufacturers. Refer to your
vehicle's service manual for specifications and
procedures.
A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuum
gauge is required to check vacuum retard.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If the timing light fails to operate or operates
erratically, make the following checks:
1. Make sure the battery clips are firmly
connected to the battery terminals.
2. Make sure the battery clip polarity is
correct (red battery clip is connected to
the positive (+) battery terminal, black
battery clip is connected to the negative
(–) battery terminal).
3. Make sure the upper and lower ferrite
cores of the inductive pickup clip are
clean. If necessary, clean the inductive
pickup clip as described in MAIN-
TENANCE.
4. Make sure the inductive pickup clip is
properly connected to the No. 1 spark plug
cable.
5. Make sure the No. 1 spark plug is working
properly:
■ Connect the inductive pickup clip to
another spark plug cable, and press
the Flash switch.
■ If the timing light flashes, service the
No. 1 spark plug before continuing.
NOTE
Low spark plug voltage or a faulty spark plug
wire may cause the timing light to operate
erratically. Try moving the inductive pickup
clip to a new location on the plug wire to
improve operation.
Some ignition systems and/or specialty spark
plug wires (solid core wires, racing wires, off-
road wires) radiate above normal Electro-
Magnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI) which can
cause improper operation of testing equip-
ment. Contact the manufacturers of these
parts for instructions on how to use an
inductive pickup with their systems.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE INDUCTIVE
PICKUP CLIP
Dirt or grease on the inside surfaces of the induc-
tive pickup clip can result in erratic flashing or
poor operation of the timing light. Periodically
clean the contact surfaces inside the inductive pick-
up clip by wiping with a soft cloth. See Figure 6.
REPLACING THE INDUCTIVE
PICKUP LEADS
The timing light is equipped with detachable
leads which can be disconnected from the
timing light for easy storage after use. If the test
leads or clips become damaged, a replacement
set can be obtained from your dealer or directly
from the service center.
CLEAN
CONTACT
SURFACES
Fig. 6. Cleaning the Inductive
Pickup Clip