At times the problem in your vehicle could be that the ignition timing is simply off. However, you may end up spending hundreds of dollars by taking your car to a mechanic if you do not have the best timing light.
The good news is that we have picked the ten best timing lights to help you set the ignition timing on your car effectively.
With one of the timing lights in this review, setting your ignition timing is incredibly easy.
Timing lights are increasingly becoming a necessity if you own a car. However, if you want to adjust the ignition timing accurately, you have to settle for the best timing light. To make it easy, we recommend these top three best timing lights.
Best timing light
| Editor's Picks | Product | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Innova 5568 Pro | 9.5/10 |
| Runner Up | INNOVA 3568 | 9.5/10 |
| Best Budget Buy | INNOVA 3551 | 8.5/10 |
| Best Value | INNOVA 3555 | 8.5/10 |
| Also Great | ESI 125 | 7.5/10 |
1. Innova 5568 pro timing light
Innova 5568 Pro is a professional choice timing light for high-quality performance.
You will notice that the unit is made from ABS, a heavy-duty material to stand daily use.
4.6 / 5Overview
You will also notice that Innova 5568 Pro supports a four-function digital readout.
The digital readout includes Tachometer, Dwell, Advance, and Voltage.
This timing light can also check 4cycle and 2cycle engines.
The enhanced performance is also made possible by a patented skip circuitry that can test up to 9990rpm.
This unit also has a slim and high quality rotating barrel for better aim even in tight spaces.
Compatibility
- Innova 5568 Pro is compatible with most domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- You will be able to check the timing on electronic, conventional, as well as computer-controlled systems.
Pros
- The slim rotating barrel allows a better aim.
- Can effectively check the timing on different ignition systems.
- It has shockproof and heavy-duty ABS housing.
- It has a boot for extra protection to your hands.
- The backlit screen offers a better viewing.
Cons
- The screen is somehow dim, making it hard to read in daylight.
- It has no flash trigger making it hard to operate.
Innova 5568 Pro is built for mechanics and DIYers who are always involved in setting the ignition timing.
Therefore, it means that if you own a mechanic shop, this unit can be of great importance.
You will be able to set ignition timing on various vehicles and other appliances reliably.
Check Price at Amazon2. INNOVA 3568 digital professional timing light
If you are looking for the best timing light, then INNOVA 3568 should meet your timing needs.
This timing light is uniquely built with a split-screen with a truly visible digital LCD readout display.
4.6 / 5You will be able to check the tachometer, Dwell, and other advanced functions simultaneously from the screen. This screen allows you to comfortably adjust the direct reading advance dial from 0-60 degrees. As a result, you will be in a better position to adjust the distributor accurately.
Equally, the skip circuitry allows a wide test range of 249 to 9990RPM.
You can accurately check mechanical advance or check retard, base timing, and electrical advance or check retard applications.
This timing light is also designed to adapt and work well in tight spaces, because it has a slim and a rotating barrel to adjust for a better aim.
Compatibility
- You will find that this timing light is compatible with most domestic and imported ignition systems.
- It allows you to check the timing on conventional, electronic as well as computer-controlled systems.
3. INNOVA 3551 inductive timing light
If you are looking for the best entry level timing light, you might want to check on INNOVA 3551.
You will find that it can comfortably check the timing on most ignition systems.
4.6 / 5Innova 3551 allows you to check a no-spark condition effectively. You will also like the slim and the rotating barrel to provide a better aim. It, therefore, means that you can check timing even in hard to reach areas. The timing light also is designed with a protective handguard, which will allow you to operate the gadget using one hand and without the fear of coming in contact with the engine fan blades.
INNOVA 3551 timing light also has detachable leads that have an inductive pickup. You will be able to store the leads differently when you are not using this timing light.
Besides, this unit is capable of skipping circuitry from 249 to 9990RPM.
Compatibility
- INNOVA 3551 Inductive Timing Light is compatible with most ignition systems
- You will be able to check the timing on conventional, DIS, electronic, and computer-controlled systems.
- The ignitions systems can either be imported or domestic systems.
4. INNOVA 3555 advance timing light
4.6 / 5Overview
INNOVA 3555 is an advanced timing light that features a direct and highly effective reading advance dial.
This dial can adjust from 0 to 60 degrees, allowing you to comfortably read a broader range of timing values.
Other than checking the timing light, you will also be able to diagnose a no-spark condition using this timer.
You will also find that this timing light works with different ignition systems, allowing you to take timing from different types of vehicles.
The patented skip test makes it possible to perform timing at 9900 rpm.
Compatibility
- INNOVA 3555 Advance Timing Light has broad compatibility with different ignition systems.
- You will be able to check the timing on electronic, conventional, as well as computer-controlled systems.
- The ignitions systems can be on domestic or imported automotive or appliances.
Pros
- It has a slim and well-designed barrel that allows a better aim.
- It can check the timing on different ignition systems.
- It’s made using shockproof and heavy-duty housing.
- It has a molded boot that protects engine fan blades.
- It has a highly effective backlit screen for better viewing.
Cons
- There’s no flash trigger.
- It’s inconsistent and somehow dim.
- It shuts off after every 10 seconds, making it a hassle to operate.
- It sometimes skips flashes.
This timing light is appropriate for DIYers and mechanics.
It can perform basic timing and some advanced timing functions.
Check Price at Amazon5. ESI 125 digital tach advance timing light
This best digital timing light has a bright display that allows you to check to time any time of the day.
3.8 / 5Overview
ESI 125 Digital is designed to provide precise tuning as well as diagnostic functions.
The stroke tachometer can measure the speed of your car engine up to 9999rpm.
You will also notice that this best timing light comes with a set of detachable and replaceable cable set.
The detachable unit allows you to store the unit when not in use easily.
Compatibility
- If you need to check the timing on conventional, DIS, electronic, and computer-controlled systems, this unit is appropriate for you.
- ESI 125 Digital is designed to check the timing on both foreign and domestic ignition systems.
Pros
- It has a bright xenon light that enhances readability.
- The unit supports 4 and 2 cycle engines.
- It is easy to use.
- Support advance degrees of 0-90.
- It has comprehensive ignition coverage.
Cons
- The reading can be unstable when checking the timing on some ignition systems.
- It lacks the boot for protecting the hand.
- It is comparatively heavy.
- The barrel is not adjustable.
- The metallic clips can get hot.
- It has loose wiring that causes it to cut out when shaken.
ESI 125 Digital is built for DIYers and mechanics.
The unit allows you to perform base timing in most of the ignition systems. Better yet, it is one of the best timing light units to control as it has on/off switched.
Check Price at Amazon6. ESI 130 self-powered timing light
When you need to check time at a higher RPM, then ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Light is a perfect choice because it can accurately check timing up to 14,000 rpm.
4.4 / 5Overview
As a result, you will be able to check time even in broad daylight comfortably.
It has a protective sleeve that is well designed to withstand elevated temperatures up to 1200 Fahrenheit.
The protective measures ensure that this best timing light can last long as it sustains a high accuracy level.
This best timing light also has a standard cable that is four feet long.
The long cable gives enough allowance as you check to time even tight spaces.
When you buy this timing unit, you will also notice that it comes with its batteries.
The best part is that the batteries are rechargeable, cutting down on the overall long-term cost.
Compatibility
- ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Light is compatible with most domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- You will be able to check the timing on electronic, conventional, as well as computer-controlled systems.
- ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Light is compatible with most of the domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- You will be able to check the timing on electronic, conventional, as well as computer controlled systems.
Pros
- It is a self-powered timing light
- It can withstand high temperatures.
- It has a bright light that enhances readability.
- It supports ignition timing on four-cycle and two-cycle engines.
- It is built with durability in mind.
- It can support both a 6-volt and 12-volt battery.
Cons
- The timing light has no boot to protect the hand.
- The barrel does not rotate for better aim.
DIYers, car enthusiasts, and mechanics can comfortably use this unit and check ignition timing.
Check Price at Amazon7. Actron CP7529 digital timing light
4.4 / 5If you are looking for the best timing light that can maximize your engine’s efficiency, you should check out Actron CP7529, which is a uniquely built strobe light that will accurately check ignition fire and timing.
The inductive pick up metallic clumps are effectively molted over the wires on the plug to allow a quick connection. You will also notice that the unit uses a digital LED and indicator lights to enhance readability.
Compatibility
- This timing light is compatible with most ignition systems.
- It can check conventional, electronic, and computer-controlled ignition systems.
Pros
- It has a bright light for enhanced visibility.
- The timing light is easy to use.
- It can check both foreign and domestic ignition systems.
- The timing light is effortless to connect.
- It has a 1-year warranty.
- This unit works on both two-cycle and four-cycle engines.
- It is lightweight.
- It is built with heavy-duty material to enhance durability.
- It has a comprehensive manual with clear instructions.
Cons
- It’s unstable with rpm reading flickering.
- The unit usually misread the timing.
- The casing is not shockproof.
This is a DIY unit capable of connecting and checking the timing on most ignition systems.
DIYers and mechanics can check base timing and advance timing using this timer.
Check Price at Amazon8. Actron CP7528 advance timing light
Actron CP7528 is highly efficient and one of the best timing lights worth the value of your money.
It can accurately set the base timing as well as advance timing reading.
4.1 / 5Overview
It is also designed with heat resistant battery clips that come with one-touch control.
To make it even better, this timing light has a highly powerful xenon flash tube as well as a focused fresnel lens.
The modifications provide strong light allowing you to use this timing light during the day.
Compatibility
- You can use Actron CP7528 to check the timing on most domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- It can accurately check the timing on conventional, DIS, electronic as well as computer-controlled systems.
- You can use Actron CP7528 to check the timing on most domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- It can accurately check the timing on Conventional, DIS, electronic as well as computer controlled systems.
Pros
- It is accurate and easy to use.
- It has a bright screen for enhanced readability.
- It has comprehensive ignition coverage.
- It supports four-cycle ignition.
- The unit supports multiple spark discharge.
- It is lightweight.
Cons
- The inductive pickups tend to fail in this unit.
- The figures are sometimes unstable.
- It lacks many features.
This is an advanced best timing light built for DIYers and mechanics.
Effectively check the base and advanced timing functions.
Check Price at Amazon9. Actron CP7527 inductive timing light
4.4 / 5Actron is another effective and yet one of the best timing lights that can effectively spark fires to correct the ignition system’s timing.
It has an ergonomic design with a plated housing that has an incredibly bright xenon flash.
You will be able to clearly check time and access the reading effectively, even in broad daylight. Besides, the unit has on/off one-touch control with a sturdy metal inductive pickup.
Also, the plated housing is made of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene to enhance durability.
Compatibility
- You will be able to check the timing on conventional, electronic, and computer-controlled systems using Actron CP7527.
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10. Wilmar W80578 self-powered timing light
If you are looking for the best timing light for race cars, street rods, or powerboats, then Wilmar W80578 can come in handy for you.
You can effectively use this on gas engines, motorcycles, vehicles, snowmobiles, tractors, and mowers.
4.4 / 5It means that you can easily detach the hook and easily store them when not in use.
Pros
- The hook up makes it easy to connect.
- It has a separate power source.
- It can check time in many appliances and automotive.
- The detachable hooks up make it easy to store.
- It has a push-button that enhances long life.
- It has protective boots and high current clips.
- The unit has a 12-gauge wire lead that is 5 feet long.
Cons
- You need to rotate to move the two lights to find a bright spot, and it may not be very clear.
- The light is not bright enough.
- This unit is quite heavy.
DIYers and mechanics can effectively use Wilmar W80578 and even average persons to check their timing.
Check Price at AmazonRead more: Popular Timing Lights User Manuals For Free Download
The bottom line
Timing lights are simple yet powerful gadgets that can help you to save money and time.
This is because the best timing light will allow you to adjust the distributor without taking your car to a mechanic.
Before buying the best timing light, there are factors that you should consider.
Some of these factors include light brightness and dial back feature.
Read more: How to Use a Timing Light to Reset the Ignition Timing
I’m Tim Miller from Denver, Colorado. I’m the founder of obdadvisor.com, an automotive blog about "Auto Diagnostic Tools and Repair Guides". My fan page is facebook.com/autozikcom. I've been working as an automotive mechanic and blogger for over 10 years writing articles to share my experiences and expertise.
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