Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Removal Procedure
Use Installation Procedure 1 when the crankshaft has NOT been rotated from the original position.
Use Installation Procedure 2 when any of the following components are removed:
- The intake manifold
- The cylinder head
- The camshaft
- The timing chain or sprockets
- The complete engine
If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) turns on and DTC P1345 sets after installing the distributor, this indicates an incorrectly installed distributor.
Engine damage or distributor damage may occur. Use Procedure 2 in order to install the distributor.
- Remove the air cleaner outlet resonator. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Resonator ReplacementΒ .
- Disconnect the following electrical connectors:
- Camshaft position (CMP) sensor (2)
- Fuel pump/oil pressure sensor (3)
- Remove the ignition coil wire from the ignition coil and distributor cap.
- Remove the spark plug wires from the distributor cap.
- Twist each spark plug boot 1/2 turn.
- Pull only on the wire boot in order to remove the wire from the distributor cap.
- Remove and discard the distributor cap screws.
- Remove the distributor cap.
- Using a grease pencil, mark the position of the rotor in relation to the distributor housing (1).
- Also, mark the distributor housing and the intake manifold.
- Remove the distributor hold down bolt.
- Remove the distributor.
- As the distributor is being removed, watch the rotor move in a counterclockwise direction about 42 degrees.
- Note the position of the rotor segment.
- Place a second mark on the base of the distributor (2).
This will aid in achieving proper rotor alignment during distributor installation.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.