# Ignition timing — test mode (NB2 and Mazdaspeed)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/ignition-timing-test-mode-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

9–11° BTDC (10 ± 1°) 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-test-mode-nb2",
  "name": "Ignition timing — test mode (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": "9–11° BTDC (10 ± 1°) at 750–850 rpm",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Warm engine to normal operating temperature; fully charged battery. MT in Neutral or AT in P, electrical loads off and cooling fan stopped. Use a timing light on No.1-cylinder ignition lead. Connect TEN to GND / set the factory system selector to SELF TEST as specified by the factory procedure. Align the two pulley marks so that one is at T and one is at 10. Identify the marks by their positions, since aftermarket pulleys can have different paint colors. The factory step names the white mark at T while the value line names the yellow mark. Disconnect the jumper / select CANCEL after the test; the normal-mode 6–18° reading is listed separately."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-2003",
      "page": "Engine Tune-Up, Ignition Timing Inspection (PDF p. 567)",
      "as_printed": "Ignition timing\nBTDC 9°—11° (10° ± 1°) (TIMING MARK [YELLOW])",
      "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. 649)",
      "as_printed": "Ignition timing\nBTDC 9°—11° (10° ± 1°) (TIMING MARK [YELLOW])",
      "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-test-mode-nb2/"
}
```