If the distributor cap becomes cracked, condensation can enter the inside of the cap, which will literally drown out the electrical signal. Replacing the distributor cap and rotor at the same time should be completed every 50, miles, regardless of whether or not they are damaged.
If your vehicle does not put on a lot of miles every year, it's also a good idea to replace them every three years. This task is very simple to perform, as most vehicles with this set up have distributor caps that are very easy to access. Most service manuals suggest that this task should take about one hour to complete. When you decide to remove the distributor cap and rotor, there are a few things you need to accomplish before you actually start the job.
The first step is to purchase a replacement distributor cap and rotor kit. Most OEM parts manufacturers sell these two items as a kit, to ensure they are both replaced at the same time. There are also several aftermarket part suppliers that also make kits for specific vehicles. In some cases, the kits will come with replacement hardware, gaskets and sometimes, new spark plug wires. If your kits come with these items, it's a good idea to use them all; especially the new bolts for securing the distributor cap and rotor.
Some rotors fit freely on the distributor shaft; while others are secured with a screw. If your vehicle has a rotor secured with a screw; always use the new screw. According to most service manuals, the job of removing the distributor cap and rotor itself is only about one hour to complete.
The most time consuming part of this job will be removing ancillary components that restrict access to the distributor. It's also vital to take time to mark the location of the distributor, the distributor cap, spark plug wires and the rotor on the bottom of the distributor before it's removed; and during the removal process.
Failure to properly mark the wires and reinstall the new distributor cap exactly as the used one was removed can result in ignition problems. To complete this job, you won't have to raise the vehicle on a hydraulic lift or on jack stands. The distributor is typically located on the top of the engine or on the side of the engine. In most cases, the only part you'll have to remove to gain access to it is the engine cover or the air filter housing. In general, the materials you'll need to remove and replace the distributor and the O-ring; after removing ancillary components will include the following:.
After collecting all these materials and reviewing the instructions set forth in your service manual, you should be ready to complete this job. As with any service, replacing the distributor cap and rotor will begin with making sure you have clear access to all the tools and supplies you need to complete this task.
You don't have to jack the vehicle up or raise the vehicle on a hydraulic lift to complete this job. Please refer to your service manual for detailed instructions as the steps listed below are general steps. Step 1: Remove battery cables: Remove the positive and negative battery cable and place them away from the battery terminals before proceeding. Step 2: Remove engine cover and air filter housing: In many instances you'll have to remove the engine cover and air filter housing in order to have free access to remove the distributor cap and rotor.
Refer to your service manual for exact instructions on how to remove these components. Step 3: Mark the distributor components: Before removing the distributor cap, you want to take some time to mark the location of each components.
This is vital for consistency and to reduce the potential of misfire when you install the new rotor and distributor cap. Step 4: Remove spark plug wires: After you've marked the spark plug wires remove the spark plug wires from the distributor cap. Step 5: Remove distributor cap: Once the plug wires have been removed, you'll be ready to remove the distributor cap.
Typically the distributor is held in place by two or three bolts or a few clips on the side of the cap. Locate these bolts or the clips and remove them with a socket, extension and ratchet. Remove them one at a time then take the old distributor cap off the distributor.
Step 6: Mark the location of the rotor: When you remove the distributor cap you'll see the rotor in the center of the distributor housing. The rotor will have a pointed end and a blunt end. Using a screw driver, place the screwdriver along the edge of your rotor as indicated in the image. This will help you mark where the "pointed end" of the new rotor should be placed.
Step 7: Remove the rotor screw and remove the rotor: On some distributors, the rotor will be secured to a small screw, typically in the middle of the rotor or along the edge. If your rotor has this screw, carefully remove the screw using a magnetized screw driver. You do NOT want this screw to fall into the distributor shaft, as that may find its way into the engine and create a huge headache for you.
If you have a rotor without a screw or once the screw has been removed, take the old rotor out of the distributor. Match it with the replacement one before you throw it away. Step 7: Install new rotor: After removing the old rotor, you don't usually need to perform any other maintenance. Some people like to use a can of compressed air to spray into the distributor to loosen any debris or excess carbon buildup. What does a new distributor cap do? Distributor caps and rotors are responsible for passing the voltage from the ignition coils to the engine's cylinders in order to ignite the fuel-air mixture inside and power the engine.
The coil connects directly to the rotor, and the rotor spins inside the distributor cap. What happens when distributor cap gets wet? What's happening is that the moisture that's stuck inside the distributor cap is compromising your spark. The spark is sufficient when all the other conditions are perfect, but once rain or moist air steal additional energy via the old spark plug wires, the engine starts misfiring.
How do you know when a coil is bad? One of the most common symptoms associated with a faulty ignition coil is engine performance issues. Another symptom of a potential issue with the vehicle's ignition coils is an illuminated Check Engine Light. Car is not starting. What are the symptoms of bad ignition coils?
Here are some of the most common symptoms of bad ignition coil. CNP Coil Type. Should I replace coils with spark plugs? In cases like this, to prevent future problems, your mechanic may recommend replacing all three rear ignition coils.
Whenever one of the ignition coils goes bad, it's also recommended replacing all spark plugs if they haven't been replaced in a while.
New spark plugs will help ignition coils last longer. Will a new ignition coil improve performance? A high performance ignition coil helps engine performance four important ways. First, the higher voltage allows for a larger spark plug gap, which results in a more robust initial flame kernal at the start of combustion. The result is a real-world engine torque increase. When should I replace my coils in my car?
This part is used each time you try to start your engine, which is why it is so important that it remains repair free. The ignition coil on your car is supposed to last around , miles or more. The coil connects to the rotor and the rotor rotates inside of the distributor cap. When the tip of the rotor passes a contact on the cylinder, the high voltage pulse goes from the coil to the cylinder through the rotor.
From there, the pulse moves from the gap an onto the spark plug wire, where it eventually ignites the spark plug on the cylinder. The distributor rotor and cab are subjected to high voltage on a regular basis, meaning every time you turn on your vehicle, electricity flows through them. Because of this, they do wear out from time to time. When the distributor rotor and cap are replaced, the entire ignition should be inspected to ensure everything else is in good working condition.
Preventative maintenance is key to catching your distributor rotor and cap failing. Every time your vehicle has routine maintenance or is serviced by a professional, the ignition should be thoroughly inspected. In addition, this part is more likely to fail if you drive through a deep puddle because water will get into the distributor cap and short out the electrical current.
The cap may not need to be replaced if this is the case, it may need to just dry out for a certain period of time. If you are unsure or if you start to notice any problems with your vehicle starting up, you can always schedule an inspection from a professional mechanic.
They will thoroughly inspect your system and replace the distributor rotor and cap. Since the distributor rotor and cap can go bad over time because they are located in a harsh environment, it is important to know the symptoms this part will give off before it completely fails.
The distributor cap and rotor is an essential part to starting your vehicle, so the repair should not be put off. This article originally appeared on YourMechanic. Autoblog is partnering with YourMechanic to bring many of the repair and maintenance services you need right to you.
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