Ignition Timing

Connect timing light and tachometer to vehicle. Check ignition timing with engine at normal operating temperature and distributor vacuum hoses disconnected. Adjust timing with engine at specified RPM. To correct timing, loosen distributor hold-down bolt, turn distributor, and tighten hold-down bolt.

1974 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Application

RPM

Timing

Type 1

800-900 7.5°BTDC

Type 2 & 4

Man. Trans.

800-900

10°ATDC

Auto. Trans.

900-1000

⁽¹⁾ 5°ATDC

Dasher

850-1000

3°ATDC

⁽¹⁾	Set to 7.5°BTDC on fuel injected models.

1975-77 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Application

RPM

Timing

Type 1

Man. Trans.

800-950

5°ATDC

Auto. Trans.

850-1000

TDC

Type 2

Man. Trans

850-950

⁽¹⁾ 7.5°BTDC

Auto. Trans

900-1000

⁽¹⁾ 7.5°BTDC

All Others

850-1000

3°ATDC

⁽¹⁾	Set to 5°ATDC on 1975 models.

Fig 1: Typical Type 1 Ignition Timing Mark

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Typical Type 2 Ignition Timing Marks

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

1978-79 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Application			RPM	Timing
Type 1			800-950	5°ATDC
Type 2
	Federal
		Man. Trans.	800-950	7.5°BTDC
		Auto. Trans.	850-1000	7.5°BTDC
	California
		Man. Trans.	800-950	5°ATDC
		Auto. Trans.	850-1000	5°ATDC
All Others			850-1000	3°ATDC

Fig 3: Typical Dasher Ignition Timing Marks

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Typical Rabbit A Scirocco Ignition Timing Marks

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.