I don't have time right now to cover every aspect of this. There aren't many engine error codes which cause the check engine light to stay on... check for codes FIRST and stop guessing at things.
You'll find info on the ECU temp sensor in the contents on this page:
http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Librar....aspx?S=FI&P=1
When setting the ignition advance you have to set the diagnostic jumper (same one you set to check error codes) while adjusting the timing and the car must be at normal operating temp. (jumper TE and E1)