How to Replace Your Car’s Distributor Cap and Rotor

It’s always a good idea to replace your distributor cap and rotor every time you do engine maintenance. Having a good distributor and rotor will give you more engine performance. Cracks in the distributor cap are an indicator that it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. So let’s get started. Just follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Tools needed to replace your distributor cap and rotor include a drive socket set, dielectric grease, screwdrivers, pair of needle-nose pliers, tape and a marker, and replacement distributor cap and rotor.

2. Make sure the engine is cool. Locate the distributor cap. Use a service manual to help you locate the distributor cap if you are having troubles finding it. Some vehicles have a splash cover that covers the distributor cap. Remove the splash cover if your vehicle is equipped with one.

3. Use a service manual to help you remove the distributor cap. With the distributor cap removed, Set aside so you can work on the rotor.

4. Remove the rotor from the shaft. Use a service manual for assistance on removing your rotor. Once removed, compare the old rotor with the new one to ensure correct replacement.

5. All rotors have a guide that align with the notch in the distributor shaft. Reinstall the rotor on to the distributor shaft.

6. Compare the old distributor cap with the new one to ensure proper replacement. Install the distributor cap. Now transfer all the spark plugs one at a time on the new distributor cap. This way, you don’t mess up the firing order. Use a service manual to help you remove the spark plug wires if you don’t know how to. Use some dielectric grease and apply at the end of it before inserting into the cap. If there is corrosion or cracks on the terminals of the sparkplugs, then replace them. Reinstall the splash cover if you removed one. That’s it, you are done.