Timing Advance

The 2.2L Probe non-turbo has a vacuum operated advance/retard control unit, and a centrifugal advance inside the distributor housing. To check centrifugal advance, disconnect and plug vacuum hoses at distributor.
Start engine and verify proper timing at idle. Slowly accelerate engine and observe timing advance at designated RPM. See IGNITION TIMING ADVANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. If advance is incorrect, repair or replace distributor as necessary.
To check vacuum advance/retard control unit, disconnect and plug vacuum hoses at distributor. Install timing light. Start engine and verify base timing. Using a vacuum pump, apply vacuum to advance/retard control unit and observe timing. See IGNITION TIMING ADVANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. If advance/retard is incorrect, replace vacuum control unit.

IGNITION TIMING ADVANCE SPECIFICATIONS