Replacing Your Distributor Cap

*MEDIUM*

If your distributor proves faulty upon inspection or does not perform properly, replace it as necessary according to the following procedure:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual). Raise the hood.
2. Identify the distributor cap. All spark plug wires from your engine are connected to the distributor cap. If your distributor cap has a rubber cover, remove the cover.
3. Loosen the spring clips or screws that attach the distributor cap to the distributor base by using a screwdriver. Pull the distributor cap straight off the base and set it nearby. Do not disconnect any spark plug wires from the cap.
4. Place the new distributor cap next to the existing one in such a manner that the markings or other identifying features of both caps are in the same relative position.
5. Grasp one spark plug wire by the boot and pull it from the distributor cap tower with a twisting motion. Apply a thin layer of dielectric compound to the interior surface of the boot using a cotton swab. Snap the boot firmly into place in the same relative position on the new distributor cap.
6. Transfer each spark plug wire one at a time from the old distributor cap to the new distributor cap as indicated in the previous step. Lastly, transfer the ignition coil wire from the center of the old distributor cap to the center of the new distributor cap. Use dielectric compound here as well.
7. Install the new distributor cap on top of the distributor base and secure the cap firmly with the spring clips or screws provided.
8. Start the engine. If it backfires, the spark plug wires on the distributor cap may have been misrouted. Consult your owner's manual to confirm the correct spark plug wire connections if necessary.

SYSTEMS
DISTRIBUTOR CAP & ROTOR
INSPECTING THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP & ROTOR
VARIATIONS