Innova 5568A issue

[Richard S.]

I purchased a new 5568a timing light recently and have an issue with the device showing advance in deg. Other modes function normal including rpm. The device does go into the rpm advance mode correctly.
Not sure if the problem is related to noise pickup. I tried putting the magnetic pickup at the distributor and at number one plug (yes orientation for the sensor is correct). The timing light visual function appears to operate correctly showing normal degrees as viewed on the damper at idle when compared to another timing light I have. Not sure if there is some obscure other button pressing required but following the instructions did not correct the problem. I would appreciate anyone who has the timing light comments.
PS I have a standard ignition points/cap and coil.
Thanks
Rich

[David H.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Richard,

My 5568 wakes up in "Battery Voltage Mode". Repeatedly pressing FUNCTION switch (lower right side) cycles through "ADVANCE", "DWELL", and "RPM" modes.

In ADVANCE mode, make sure your Ignition Mode Symbol (#16 page 4 of your manual) is set to "4" cycle ignition. This symbol "4 or 2" also is displayed on VOLTAGE/RPM mode screen.

In DWELL mode make sure Cylinder Symbol (#17) is set to the number of cylinders you have: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 12.

My response presumes you have INNOVA's on-line manual downloaded. If not, it is here:

https://www.innova.com/Support/Download/5568a/Pro-Digital-Timing-Light

Dave

Not sure if I'm helping. My 5568 works well.

[Richard S.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Thanks Dave for the information. I will recheck the setup later today and let you know how I make out.
Rich

[Richard S.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Dave
I tried again today with same results. No adv degrees shown. 4 cyl is shown in the display. I would to confirm with you the initial setup for dwell mode. I depressed the function key to select dwell mode (car off not running). Then hit the #5 button to select 8 (8cyl). At that point the display shows 8 and 45. Starting the car the display stays at 8 and shows 30 deg. This should be correct if it is truly indicating the 30 deg dwell I had setup previously with another instrument. Then moving to advance mode I depressed the function key and the display appeared normal. 00 deg and rpm, 4cyl indicated. Display arrows indicating correct mode. Normal except for 00 deg. I tried moving the magnetic pickup from the distributor #1 wire to the plug wire at the plug. Same results. Double checked the connections all appears ok. I shut off the car and disconnected the +12 power connection for the timing light and reconnected started car same results. Any idea of what might be wrong.
Thanks again
Rich

[David H.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

.... Normal except for 00 deg. ....

[Richard S.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Dave
The timing light never shows any advance in degrees (other than 00 degrees) with engine acceleration. Only zero degrees. The only action I see on the timing display,in the advance mode, is rpm variation. I am able to use the adv/retard keys to add or subtract increments of degrees about zero. But the unit with the engine speed variation should show other than zero degrees?
Rich

[David H.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Dave
The timing light never shows any advance in degrees (other than 00 degrees) with engine acceleration. Only zero degrees. The only action I see on the timing display,in the advance mode, is rpm variation. I am able to use the adv/retard keys to add or subtract increments of degrees about zero. But the unit with the engine speed variation should show other than zero degrees?
Rich

Rich

You are saying that pressing the increment/decrement (advance/retard) keys has no effect

[Richard S.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Dave
What happens is that depressing the up/down keys for movement of the timing display as seen on the damper toward zero degrees is that there is a small flicker of movement as seen on the damper. That's it. the display shows about 0.05 degrees max when depressing the up/down function keys. Interesting is that the timing light illuminates the damper at a nominal, initial 10 degrees (similar to an old timing light I have). Other timing functions appear to operate normally. I had hoped there was some software reset function that would correct the problem. But if there is iI have not found it.
Rich

[David H.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Dave
What happens is that depressing the up/down keys for movement of the timing display as seen on the damper toward zero degrees is that there is a small flicker of movement as seen on the damper. That's it. the display shows about 0.05 degrees max when depressing the up/down function keys. Interesting is that the timing light illuminates the damper at a nominal, initial 10 degrees (similar to an old timing light I have). Other timing functions appear to operate normally. I had hoped there was some software reset function that would correct the problem. But if there is iI have not found it.
Rich

Rich

Looks like R&R is needed. My INNOVA dial back function works very well.

Have you tried INNOVA's Troubleshooting suggestions?

Dave

TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: If the timing light readout becomes inoperative or locks up during use,disconnect and reconnect the timing light's positive battery clamp from thebattery to reset the unit.
If the timing light fails to operate, make the following checks:

1. Make sure the battery clips are firmly connected to the battery terminals.
   
2. Make sure the battery clip polarity is correct (red clip to positive terminal, blackclip to negative terminal).
   
3. Make sure the upper and lower ferrite cores of the inductive pickup clip areclean. Clean the inductive pickup clip if necessary (refer to Chapter 3).
   
4. Make sure the inductive pickup clip is properly connected to the No. 1 spark plugcable.
   
5. Make sure the No. 1 spark plug is working properly:
   
   • Connect the inductive pickup clip to another spark plug cable.
     
   • If the timing light flashes, service the No. 1 spark plug before continuing.
     
     Maintenance
     CLEANING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP CLIP
     Dirt or grease on the inside surfaces of the inductive pickup clip can result in erraticflashing or poor operation of the timing light. Periodically clean the contact surfacesinside the inductive pickup clip by wiping with a soft cloth.
     REPLACING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP LEADS
     The timing light is equipped with detachable leads which can be disconnected fromthe timing light for easy storage after use. If the test leads or clips become damaged,a replacement set can be obtained from your dealer or directly from the servicecenter.
     
     
     
     

[Richard S.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Dave
Thanks for all the information but I have tried trouble shooting with no success. Not sure if I want to stick with this timing light or look for another brand. The unit is under warranty. I pay shipping for return about $32. Not sure what the success rate is with these devices. I may end up with another dud. Then with return shipping I will have more than half the cost of the unit. Not to mention the time lost. I could probably get my money back. It would be interesting to know if other members have had issues with this timing light.
Anyway, I greatly appreciate the time you have spent in helping me with this problem.
All the best Dave.
Stay safe
Rich

[Jim D.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

It would be interesting to know if other members have had issues with this timing light.
Rich

I have that timing light and it's great. Simple 1 handed operation for mapping the advance curve. That being said, it and many other brands don't work correctly if you have a multi-spark ignition. I've tried mine on cars with a MSD box, Pertronix 3 and the K & B brand T.I. circuit board and ended up using my 45 year old Sears/Penske light.
Sounds like you simply got a defective light. I would send it back. It should fit in a $15 USPS Priority box.

[Richard S.]

Re: Innova 5568A issue

Jim
Thanks for your perspective on the timing light. Nice to hear it performed well for you.

Rich