I just got my first toyota, a 95 pickup, 2wd with the 2.4l 22RE. I am doing various repairs and maintenance. I got my TPS adjusted and got the idle set in diagnostic mode. i put the timing light on and the timing is about 4 degrees ATDC. How could it be so far off? I am also getting code 25, engine running too lean. Could these be related? Thanks so much.

 

What you need to do if moving the distributor doesn't fix the 4 degrees, put crank keyway at 12 o'clock at intake TDC where rotor is pointing at the number 1 spark plug and take off valve cover and see if the cam gear timeing dot is at 11 o'clock and the cam gear dowel at 12 o'clock and if they are then your timing it set right, I think I did the write up right, if I got it wrong someone let me know :}LOL

 

Do the easy things first; set the timing. (Loosen one bolt on the distributor, turn it until it's what it says on the hood-sticker, then tighten the bolt.)

While it is 'possible' that a mis-installed timing belt could cause the ignition timing to be off, it's very unlikely.

What if you can't turn the distributor far enough to set the timing? One possibility is that the distributor was installed with the gear one tooth off. Since there are 13 teeth on the gear, that would put you off 28 degrees, and you're close to that. Fixing it is easy, but read the manual. (The gear is a helical gear, so it is twisted to a mark on the distributor before you slide it in.) Still, much easier than looking at the timing belt or the cams.