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

1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
2. Remove the engine cover.

Refer to Engine Cover Replacement in Interior Trim.

3. Remove the spark plug wires from the distributor cap.

The spark plug wires are numbered to aid in assembly.

4. Remove the electrical connector from the base of the distributor.



5. Remove the two screws holding the distributor cap to the housing.

Discard the screws.




6. Remove the distributor cap.



7. Use a grease pencil in order to note the position of the rotor in relation to the distributor housing.

The mark is identified in the graphic with the number 1.

8. Mark the distributor housing and the intake manifold with a grease pencil.



9. Remove the mounting clamp hold down bolt.
10. Remove the distributor.



11. As the distributor is being removed from the engine, watch the rotor move in a counter-clockwise direction about 42 degrees.

This will appear as slightly more than one clock position.

12. Note the position of the rotor segment.

12.1.

Place a second mark on the base of the distributor.

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

12.2.

The second mark on the distributor housing is identified in the graphic as number 2.

1. If installing a new distributor assembly, place two marks on the new distributor housing in the same location as the two marks on the original housing.
2. Remove the new distributor cap, if necessary.
3. Align the rotor with mark made at location 2.



4. Guide the distributor into the engine.

Make sure that the mounting hole in the distributor hold-down base is aligned over the mounting hole in the intake manifold.




5. As the distributor is being installed, observe the rotor moving in a clockwise direction about 42 degrees.
6. Once the distributor is completely seated, the rotor segment should be aligned with the mark on the distributor base in location number 1.

•	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.

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 cap and NEW mounting screws.

Notice: Do not over-tighten. The plastic base may strip.

Tighten
Tighten the distributor cap screws to 4.8 N·m (42 lb in).

8. Install the distributor mounting clamp and bolt.

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

9. Install the electrical connector to the distributor.
10. Install the spark plug and the ignition coil wires to the distributor cap.

Refer to Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement .

11. Install the engine cover.

Refer to Engine Cover Replacement in Interior Trim.

Important: If the Malfunction Indicator lamp is turned on after installing the distributor, and a DTC P1345 is found, the distributor has been installed incorrectly.

Refer to Installation Procedure 2 for proper distributor installation.

1. Rotate the number 1 cylinder to Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke.



2. Align the cast arrow in the distributor housing (1), the driven gear roll pin (2), and the pre-drilled indent hole (3) in the distributor driven gear.

•	The alignment will not be exact.

•	If the driven gear is installed incorrectly, the dimple will be approximately 180° opposite the rotor segment when it is installed in the distributor.

Notice: Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the distributor rotor in the wrong holes, may cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear and damage may result.




3. The rotor should point to the cap hold down mount nearest the flat side of the housing.



4. Using a long screw driver, 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.

•	For example, 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.

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 cap and the NEW mounting screws.

Notice: Do not over-tighten. The plastic base may strip.

Tighten
Tighten the distributor cap screws to 4.8 N·m (42 lb in).

8. Install the distributor mounting clamp.

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

9. Install the electrical connector to the distributor.
10. Install the spark plug wires to the distributor cap.

Refer to Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement .

11. Install the engine cover.

Refer to Engine Cover Replacement in Interior Trim.