I have recently started to notice a misfire or a feeling of retarded ignition intermittantly. Also at the same time the petrol guage has stopped working and shows one bar less than a full tank and I can't lay my hands on the owners manual at the moment but in the trip computer one of the readings shows 180MPH! Any ideas??

comment on the type of engine ( petrol or diesel)
ignition timing for petrol engines is always advanced and most are set between 10 and 12 degrees advanced
with EFI engines the spark timing is controlled by the ECM but it requires an initial advanced setting to start with
really for a mechanic to retard ignition setting I would recommend that you find an accredited mechanic and give this one a miss
if it is a diesel the injector timing is always advanced between 17 and 25 degrees and it is a diesel then the smoking will be unburnt fuel as the combustion process is not complete
again find an accredited diesel specialist shop and have it reset properly

Honda's have an Intermittent DISTRIBUTOR ISSUE that you would need to have replaced. Ford and Chevrolet BOTH have Ignition Module problems and replacing it fixes the issue., ALL cars have Requirement for FUEL PRESSURE. If there is a Blockage of Fuel then it will die and then in less than a minute, you can start the car. This is common Fuel Filter Blockage issue., WHAT is the YEAR/MAKE/MODEL and ENGINE for your car?

id start with the ignition system

When your engine misfires fuel is still being pumped into the engine, it's just not being ignited. You need to find the cause of the misfire first. It could be: a bad sparkplug, a bad sparkplug wire, a leaking head gasket, a bad ignition coil, or cracked engine block. I'd start with the spark plugs first, then the ignition coils as they commonly fail. Good luck!

ignition rotor may be cracked and slipping on the distributor shaft

Hello theman022002,

Your description would indicate that the timing is off. Possibly when you installed the new distributor you were off a tooth or two. Turning the distributor Will Not adjust the timing.

You will need to reinstall the distributor with every thing set to top dead center, then follow the steps below to set the proper cam retard offset.

Good Luck.

Ignition Timing: Adjustments

TEST PROCEDURE
The ignition timing cannot be adjusted. The distributor may need adjusting to prevent crossfire. To insure proper alignment of the distributor, perform the following:

1. With the ignition OFF, connect the scan tool.
2. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

IMPORTANT: Cam retard Offset reading will not be accurate below 1,000 RPM.

3. Increase engine speed to 1,000 RPM while performing the following steps.
4. Use the scan tool in order to monitor the Cam retard Offset.
5. If the Cam retard indicates a value of 0 degrees, the distributor is properly adjusted.
6. If the Cam retard does not indicate 0 degrees, the distributor must be adjusted.

ADJUSTING PROCEDURE
1. With the engine OFF, slightly loosen the distributor hold down bolt.

IMPORTANT: Cam retard Offset reading will not be accurate below 1,000 RPM.

2. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 1,000 RPM.
3. Use the scan tool in order to monitor the Cam retard Offset.
4. Rotate the distributor as follows:
a. To compensate for a negative reading, rotate the distributor in the counterclockwise direction.
b. To compensate for a positive reading, rotate the distributor in the clockwise direction.
5. Repeat step 4 until 0 degrees is obtained.
6. Turn OFF the ignition.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

7. Tighten the distributor hold-down bolt to 3 N.M. (25 lb ft).
8. Start the engine.
9. Raise the engine speed to 1,000 RPM and with the scan tool view the Camshaft retard Offset to verify 0 degrees has been maintained.

Regards,
netvan

Sounds like a misfire in a cylinder. Check plugs for carbon build up. If carbon on plug, there's a good chance that you will need to replace the fuel injector. Start with checking plugs and then O2 sensor(s). This is steps beyond typical tune-up check. It's especially helpful if you can get a code. AutoZone and KwikLube will run diagnostics for free.

my name is Jerry Tiet. Base on my experience on 1998 Toyota Sienna with the DTC P0303 show there is a misfire in cylinder #3. a possible cause is the ignition coil of the #3 cylinder. Compare the resistance value of the ignition coil of cylinder #3 with the other coil or simply switch ignition coil #3 with one of the other ignition coil and clear the DTC with the scan tool. Then run engine for couple days. If the check engine light on again. Let me know what is the DTC code.

There is a fuel cut off switch located near the fuel distributor, Have someone put a finger on it while you turn the key on and off a few times. They should feel the solenoid within sliding to each end. If not that switch must be replaced. Also, depending on how long the engine runs after you shut down the engine, It could be your fuel ditributor timing is retarded. This has to be set with special guages that only a diesel mechanic would have.

Its a misfire and more than likely from experience a BAD injector or injectors. Check injector. Good Luck and Thanks for using FIX YA