Distributor: Description and Operation

The distributor provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with engine speed (REF HI), fuel control (CAM HI), ignition control (BYPASS and IGNITION CONTROL) and ground reference (REF LO) information.

The PCM uses distributor information for fuel control, idle speed control and ignition control (which it outputs back to the distributor). A fault with any of these signals between the distributor and PCM will cause various driveability conditions and should set a Diagnostic Trouble Code.