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Electronic Ignition

  1. Warm engine to normal operating temperature, then turn ignition switch off. Connect tachometer and timing light, following manufacturer's instructions. On Vanagon, make test equipment connection at fuse 10, not from coil terminal 15 (+). On Rabbit models with carburetor, use adapter to connect tachometer. See Fig 1.
  2. Disconnect both plugs at idle stabilizer unit (squeeze connector to loosen). Connect plugs together. On Rabbit models with carburetor, disconnect and plug hose at distributor vacuum retard diaphragm. On all models, check idle speed, then adjust timing by turning distributor.
    Ignition Timing Specifications

    Application RPM Timing
    Vanagon
      Fed. 850-950 7.5°BTDC
      Calif. 850-950 5°ATDC
    Rabbit (Carburetor) 800-1000 7.5°BTDC
    All Other Models 850-1000 3° ATDC
    Fig 1: Tachometer Adapter for Rabbit Carbureted Models
    G09310250Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.