1991 Ford Probe GL, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Reassembly (All Others)

  1. Place stator assembly over bushing, and press down to seat. Place stator connector in position. Tab should fit in notch of base and fastening eyelets should align with screw holes. Position wires away from moving parts. Install and tighten stator screws.
  2. On all models except 3.8L, install octane rod through distributor base hole. Place end of rod onto same post as original stator. Install and tighten octane rod screw. On 3.8L models, ensure thrust washers are positioned in proper locations. See Fig 1 . On all models, lubricate distributor shaft, just below armature, with light oil. DO NOT over lubricate.
  3. Install shaft through base bushing. Place a 1/2" deep well socket over shaft, invert assembly and place in arbor press. Place distributor drive gear on shaft. Align marks made during removal.
  4. Place a 5/8" deep well socket over shaft and gear. Press gear until holes align with holes in shaft. If holes do not line up, press gear off and try again. DO NOT try to align holes using a drift or roll pin. Insert new roll pin through gear and shaft.
  5. If armature has been removed, install armature. Tighten armature screws. Check distributor for freedom of rotation. If armature contacts stator, replace distributor. On all except 3.8L models, clean back of TFI ignition module and distributor contact plate.
  6. Apply Silicone Dielectric Compound (D7AZ-19A331-A) to back of module, and spread evenly. Invert distributor base so stator connector is in full view. Insert TFI module.
  7. Ensure module pins are inserted into stator connector. Fully seat TFI ignition module into connector and against base. Install and tighten TFI module screws. See Fig 2 .
Fig 1: Exploded View of Closed Bowl Distributor (3.8L Engine)
G54443Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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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.