Distributor: Service and Repair

Distributor Assembly:

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Ignition key "OFF."
2. Air cleaner assembly.
3. Electrical connectors from ignition coil and ECM harness. (DO NOT use a screwdriver or tool to release the locking tabs.)
4. Distributor cap by turning two screws counterclockwise. Move cap out of the way.
5. If necessary, remove secondary wires from cap, release wiring harness latches and remove wiring harness retainer. The spark plug wire numbers are indicated on the retainer.
6. Distributor clamp bolt and hold-down clamp.
7. Note position of rotor, then pull distributor up until rotor just stops turning counterclockwise and again note position of rotor.

^ To insure correct timing of the distributor, the distributor must be INSTALLED with the rotor correctly positioned as noted.

If the engine was accidentally cranked after the distributor was removed, the following procedure can be used for installing:

1. Remove No. 1 spark plug.
2. Place finger over No. 1 spark plug hole and crank engine slowly until compression is felt.
3. Align timing mark on pulley to "0" on engine timing indicator
4. Turn rotor to point between No. 1 and No. 6 spark plug towers on distributor cap.
5. Install distributor and electrical connectors.
6. Install distributor cap and spark plug wires.
7. Check engine timing. Refer to Setting Ignition Timing. Ignition Timing

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Insert distributor, positioning rotor as removed.
2. Distributor hold-down clamp and bolt. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt to 34 Nm (25 lb. ft.).
3. Wiring harness retainer and secondary wires, if removed.
4. Distributor cap.
5. Battery wire and tachometer lead, if equipped.
6. Electrical connectors to ignition coil and ECM harness.
7. Air cleaner assembly.