Notice: There are two procedures available to install the distributor.

1. Remove the air cleaner outlet resonator. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Resonator Replacement .
2. Disconnect the following electrical connectors:

•	Camshaft position (CMP) sensor (2)

•	Fuel pump/oil pressure sensor (3)




3. Remove the ignition coil wire from the ignition coil and distributor cap.



4. 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.

5. Remove and discard the distributor cap screws.
6. Remove the distributor cap.



7. Using a grease pencil, mark the position of the rotor in relation to the distributor housing (1).
8. Also, mark the distributor housing and the intake manifold.



9. Remove the distributor hold-down bolt.
10. Remove the distributor.



11. As the distributor is being removed, watch the rotor move in a counterclockwise direction about 42 degrees.
12. Note the position of the rotor segment.
13. Place a second mark on the base of the distributor (2).

This will aid in achieving proper rotor alignment during distributor installation.

1. If installing a NEW distributor, place 2 marks on the new distributor housing in the same location as the marks on the original housing.
2. Align the rotor with the second mark (2).



3. Install the distributor.
4. Align the hole in the distributor hold-down clamp over the hole in the intake manifold.



5. As the distributor is being installed, observe the rotor moving in a clockwise direction about 42 degrees.

Important: If the rotor segment is not aligned with the number 1 mark, the driven gear teeth and the camshaft have meshed one or more teeth out of alignment. In order to correct this condition, remove the distributor and reinstall it.

6. Once the distributor is completely seated, the rotor segment should be aligned with the mark on the distributor base (1).




Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

7. Install the distributor hold-down bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).




8. Install the distributor cap.
9. Install NEW distributor cap screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2.4 N·m (21 lb in).




10. Connect the following electrical connectors:

•	CMP sensor (2)

•	Fuel pump/oil pressure sensor (3)





Important: The coil wire nipple must be positioned such that it is between 35 and 60 degrees aft of perpendicular as referenced from the engine centerline on the outboard side of the coil.

11. Install the ignition coil wire to the ignition coil and distributor cap.
12. If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is ON after installing the distributor, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1345 is found, the distributor was installed incorrectly. Refer to installation procedure 2.
13. If the MIL is not on, install the air cleaner outlet resonator. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Resonator Replacement .

Important: Rotate the number 1 cylinder to top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke. The engine front cover has 2 alignment tabs and the crankshaft balancer has 2 alignment marks (spaced 90 degrees apart) which are used for positioning the number 1 piston at TDC. With the piston on the compression stroke and at TDC, the crankshaft balancer alignment mark (1) must align with the engine front cover tab (2) and the crankshaft balancer alignment mark (4) must align with the engine front cover tab (3).

1. Rotate the crankshaft balancer clockwise until the alignment marks on the crankshaft balancer are aligned with the tabs on the engine front cover and the number 1 piston is at TDC of the compression stroke.



2. Align the white paint mark on the bottom stem of the distributor, with the pre-drilled indent hole in the bottom of the gear (3).

Notice: The ignition system distributor driven gear and rotor may be installed in multiple positions. In order to avoid mistakes, mark the distributor on the following components in order to ensure the same mounting position upon reassembly:

•	The distributor driven gear

•	The distributor shaft

•	The rotor holes

Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the rotor in the wrong holes, will cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear or damage may result.
3. With the gear in this position, the rotor segment should be positioned as shown for a V6 engine (1).



4. Using a long screwdriver, align the oil pump drive shaft to the drive tab of the distributor.
5. Guide the distributor into the engine.

Ensure that the spark plug towers are perpendicular to the centerline of the engine.




6. Once the distributor is fully seated, the rotor segment should be aligned with the pointer cast into the distributor base.

•	This pointer may have a 6 cast into it, indicating that the distributor is to be used on a 6 cylinder engine.

•	If the rotor segment does not come within a few degrees of the pointer, the gear mesh between the distributor and the camshaft may be off a tooth or more.

•	If this is the case, repeat the procedure again in order to achieve proper alignment.




7. Install the distributor hold-down bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).




8. Install the distributor cap.
9. Install NEW distributor cap screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2.4 N·m (21 lb in).




10. Connect the following electrical connectors:

•	CMP sensor (2)

•	Fuel pump/oil pressure sensor (3)





Important: The coil wire nipple must be positioned such that it is between 35 and 60 degrees aft of perpendicular as referenced from the engine centerline on the outboard side of the coil.

11. Install the ignition coil wire to the ignition coil and distributor cap.
12. If the MIL is ON after installing the distributor, and DTC P1345 is found, the distributor has been installed incorrectly. Repeat installation procedure 2.
13. If the MIL is not on, install the air cleaner outlet resonator. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Resonator Replacement .