How often should a distributor cap and rotor be replaced?
However, there are still millions of vehicles running strong on the highways of America that require this service be completed every 50,000 miles. On older cars, trucks, and SUVs without full computerized electronic ignition systems, the distributor cap and rotor are vital for passing voltage from the ignition coil directly to each cylinder.
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.
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.
What causes a spark plug to short out?
It could short out the coil voltage and cause a faulty connection inside the terminal of the distributor cap. The result is a misfire in the spark plugs. Look for any cracks or carbon trace in the cap. Inspect the condenser; the engine will not function if it is broken. The current will short out if the electrical connection is grounded.
According to most service manuals, replacing the distributor cap and rotor together are recommended on most domestic and imports every 50,000 miles at a minimum. During routine tune-ups, which happen every 25,000 miles, the distributor cap and rotor are often inspected for premature signs of wear and tear and will be replaced if they are damaged.
When to change spark plugs and rotor contacts?
It is recommended to replace distributor cap and rotor at the same time you are having the spark plugs and spark plug wires replaced. The cap and rotor contacts will wear down just like the spark plug electrodes wear down over time from the high voltage going through the electrodes.
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
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 the distributor cap and rotor?
The cap and rotor are critically important for power distribution and need to be replaced periodically. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Locate the cap, with help from the vehicle owner’s manual or a repair manual, if needed. Loosen the distributor cap.
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 do you change the distributor cap on a car?
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Locate the cap, with help from the vehicle owner’s manual or a repair manual, if needed. Loosen the distributor cap. Some older caps are secured using two J-hooks and the cap needs to be pushed down and rated 90 degrees to loosen. Other cap styles use snap clips or machine screws for retainers.