How to Set Timing on Dodge Ram

Internal combustion engines have long been the standard in vehicles, although recently car manufacturers are starting to move toward electric alternatives. The Dodge Ram truck still relies on an internal combustion engine and a set engine timing. The timing controls when a spark from the spark plug fires, which ignites the gasoline and fuels the engine. If the internal timing is off you are not going to receive as much power from the engine as you do with a correctly set timing. This becomes extremely noticeable when you attempt to accelerate and it takes a long lagging time before the car takes off. Adjusting the Dodge RAM completely corrects this problem.

Open the hood of your Dodge Ram. On the underside of the hood the exact degree at which the timing must be set is listed. If this display is no longer legible, check your owner's manual.

Remove any covering on the engine. This is an extra option on many models of Dodge vehicles and is essential for viewing the area around the engine, including the timing setting.

Remove the clamp holding the vacuum hose to the distributor and the plug, then remove the vacuum hose. The clamp has a small Phillips screw you must release before taking the clamp off of the vehicle.

Disconnect the no. 1 plug wire from the first cylinder of the engine and connect the wire running from your engine timing light here. Timing lights are available at auto parts stores.

Start the Dodge Ram and allow the engine to run for a few minutes to let the internal temperature of the engine rise before adjusting the timing. After a few minutes turn off the engine, then loosen the distributor on the side of the engine. A higher temperature allows you to move the equipment easier, but make sure to wear work gloves as you may burn your hands without proper protection.

Start the engine again and aim the timing light at the flywheel on the side of the engine. This has the timing marks displayed. Draw a small mark on the degree setting specified by the display under the hood, then rotate the distributor until it lines up with the marking on the flywheel.

Turn off the engine and tighten the distributor in its new location. Remove the timing light and reconnect the no. 1 wire and the vacuum hose. Reattach the engine cover and close the hood to completely the timing process.