Miata 1.8 wire between GND and TEN when setting timing issue

If someone were to, say, leave the wire in place for many thousands of miles, what sort of damage might be done? She was a little hesitant when cold, which got much worse lately, replaced the plugs and wires, was still cold blooded, so I figured I would check the timing. Got a short piece of wire, stripped both ends, popped the diagnostics cover off and there was the wire that I used the last time. Pulled it out, and awaiting the morning, when I can see if she runs the same when cool, or if she's better now.

Yes, I am embarrassed.

I don't recall, nor have my FSM in front of me, but at this point I'd guess that the jumper is effective only at idle. It's there to tell the ECU to used fixed timing, instead of the timing table, and lock out any PS/AC/alt compensation adjustments. If it were to do that across the board (as opposed to just at idle), I think you'd have noticed a long, long time ago. As in, the motor simply would not have built revs, ever.

You've probably had an idle that dips under load and is otherwise sub-optimal, but I'd doubt you've done any harm.

Thanks Peter. Had to run SWMBO to dinner, and then pack for our cruise on Thursday (I'll wave to your parents as we sail up the coast), so I haven't had time to break open the FSM. Oh, and do you have an address for me yet? I may have to cut the studs off at the cat to break it down for shipment...