What should a technician do if the vehicle has a timing problem while testing?

If a technician identifies a timing problem during testing, guiding the customer on next steps is crucial. A timing issue can significantly impact a vehicle's emissions, performance, and overall efficiency. Therefore, it is essential for the technician to inform the customer about the findings and recommend appropriate actions to rectify the problem. This could include advising the customer to have the vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic who can adjust or repair the timing.

Documenting the findings could be useful, but the priority should be to ensure the customer understands the implications of the timing problem and what must be done to address it. Trying to adjust the timing on the spot may not only be outside the technician’s scope of work but could also lead to further complications if not handled properly. Ignoring the issue is not advisable, as it fails to address a significant factor that can lead to emission failures and can pose long-term harm to the vehicle's engine.