# Ignition timing at normal idle (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/ignition-timing-normal-idle-nb2/

Applicability: NB 2001–2005 (BP-Z3) — Other years inferred within NB2 non-turbo family from actual 2003/2005 factory evidence.; NB 2004–2005 (BP-Z3-TURBO) — Actual2005 factory evidence; 2004 inferred within MSM family.

Confidence: fsm

6–18° BTDC at 750–850 rpm

Always confirm against your factory manual. Match every restriction and follow all stages and procedure notes. Disputed claims must not be automatically resolved. The complete record below preserves every printed unit, source claim and procedure.

```json
{
  "id": "ignition-timing-normal-idle-nb2",
  "name": "Ignition timing at normal idle (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2001,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3"
      ],
      "note": "Other years inferred within NB2 non-turbo family from actual 2003/2005 factory evidence."
    },
    {
      "gen": "NB",
      "years": [
        2004,
        2005
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP-Z3-TURBO"
      ],
      "note": "Actual2005 factory evidence; 2004 inferred within MSM family."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "6–18° BTDC at 750–850 rpm",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Warm engine to normal operating temperature; fully charged battery. Start with MT in Neutral or AT in P, electrical loads off, and cooling fan stopped. Read engine-speed RPM PID with factory-compatible diagnostic equipment. Measure using timing light on No.1-cylinder ignition lead. This is the normal-mode reading after disconnecting the test-mode jumper/system selector and selecting CANCEL. It is separate from the 9–11° test-mode reading. Engine Technical Data confirms reference idle750–850rpm."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2003",
      "page": "Engine Tune-Up, Ignition Timing Inspection (PDF p. 568)",
      "as_printed": "Specification\nBTDC 6°—18°",
      "verified_years": [
        2003,
        2003
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-2003",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2003,
              2003
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3"
            ]
          }
        ],
        "note": "Normally aspirated BP procedures audited; turbo procedures are covered separately."
      }
    },
    {
      "source": "fsm-2005",
      "page": "Engine Tune-Up, Ignition Timing Inspection (PDF p. 650)",
      "as_printed": "Specification\nBTDC 6°—18°",
      "verified_years": [
        2005,
        2005
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-2005",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual (electronic manual capture)",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2005,
              2005
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3"
            ]
          },
          {
            "gen": "NB",
            "years": [
              2005,
              2005
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP-Z3-TURBO"
            ],
            "trans": [
              "6MT"
            ]
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [],
  "system": "ignition-electrical",
  "component": "inventory-pass-2026-10",
  "componentName": "Service measurements and fasteners",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/ignition-timing-normal-idle-nb2/"
}
```