What can cause a distributor cap to fail?

In fact, as the image above indicates, there are several problems that can cause the distributor cap to fail including: Small cracks in the housing Broken spark plug wire tower Excessive carbon tracks embedded on the distributor cap terminal Burned distributor cap terminals

How to replace a distributor cap and rotor?

Step 1: Remove battery cables: Remove the positive and negative battery cable and place them away from the battery terminals before proceeding. Step 2: Remove engine cover and air filter housing: In many instances you’ll have to remove the engine cover and air filter housing in order to have free access to remove the distributor cap and rotor.

Is the distributor cap connected to the Check Engine light?

The Check Engine Light is illuminated: The distributor cap and rotor are vital parts of the ignition system on most older vehicles on the road today. However, on most vehicles made after 1985, a Check Engine Light was connected to major components including the distributor and illuminates when a problem exists.

When to replace distributor rotor and spark plug?

It’s also vital to take time to mark the location of the distributor, the distributor cap, spark plug wires and the rotor on the bottom of the distributor before it’s removed; and during the removal process. Failure to properly mark the wires and reinstall the new distributor cap exactly as the used one was removed can result in ignition problems.

What are the symptoms of a broken distributor cap?

Some of the common symptoms of a damaged or broken distributor cap or rotor may include the following: The Check Engine Light is illuminated: The distributor cap and rotor are vital parts of the ignition system on most older vehicles on the road today.

Can a distributor cap fail at the same time?

It’s very common for both the rotor and distributor cap to fail at the same time; especially if the rotor fails first. The engine idles rough: There are small electrodes on the bottom of the distributor cap called terminals.

How to replace a distributor rotor and cap?

This will help you mark where the “pointed end” of the new rotor should be placed. Step 7: Remove the rotor screw and remove the rotor: On some distributors, the rotor will be secured to a small screw, typically in the middle of the rotor or along the edge. If your rotor has this screw, carefully remove the screw using a magnetized screw driver.

What causes the distributor cap to run rough?

The engine idles rough: There are small electrodes on the bottom of the distributor cap called terminals. When these terminals become covered in carbon buildup or become burnt because of over exposure to voltage, the engine can idle and run very rough.