That's it exactly. Installing the distributor, with no P1345 afterward, is the "rough" adjustment of the distributor. Adjusting camshaft retard is the "fine" adjustment. It must be done with a scan tool capable of viewing camshaft retard streaming data. The $500 el cheapo scan tools that the auto parts stores use, are not capable of viewing it.

FYI: Camshaft retard and ignition timing advance are two totally different things.

 

I don't mean to thread jack, but Captain, what is spec for timing advance applied by the PCM? Mine sits at about 20° advanced at idle and up to 30° on acceleration, but i remember you saying acceleration values don't mean much.

That is also running premium with my tuned pcm (which i was told advances timing depending on octane)

 

Timing advance depends which fuel trim cell the engine is operating in, (there are a ton of cells) but: engine at idle, throttle fully closed, coolant at operating temperature, fuel control in closed loop, trans in park or neutral, all accessories off, (should be operating in fuel trim cell 17) the timing should be 21 degrees.

 

Ok. I'll just get it to where the light is off and that'll be good for now. I doubt the mechanic is letting me borrow an expensive scan tool. Thanks a lot captain hook! That will help my gas mileahe too!

 

Ok, I thought i'd post about what I did today incase anyonr has the p1345 code. Well, all I really did was follow what captain hook said, and I no longer have te SES light!! I loosened the distributor hold down bolt until I could lift it enough to move it a tooth over (You'll feel the teeth as you turn). First I went forward, but it didnt start.. so I went two back from there. So now I was at 1 tooth back from where icsrarted, and the light was gone. I took it for a ride and it rode terrible. So after feeling the distributor it had a lot of play, so I tightened the bolt more and now it runs perfectly! Thanks so much captain!

 

Cool, good job. You've got it in the ball park now. If you have someone adjust camshaft retard for you, it may run even better!

 

Awesome. I'll get that done eventually.