0
The distributor handles several jobs. Its first job is to distribute the high voltage from the coil to the correct cylinder. This is done by the cap and rotor. The coil is connected to the rotor, which spins inside the cap. The rotor spins past a series of contacts, one contact per cylinder. As the tip of the rotor passes each contact, a high-voltage pulse comes from the coil. The pulse arcs across the small gap between the rotor and the contact (they don't actually touch) and then continues down the spark-plug wire to the spark plug on the appropriate cylinder. When you do a tune-up, one of the things you replace on your engine is the cap and rotor -- these eventually wear out because of the arcing. Also, the spark-plug wires eventually wear out and lose some of their electrical insulation. This can be the cause of some very mysterious engine problems.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe function of a distributor in a car is to move voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. They have been around since 1910.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Would distributor cap and rotor cause miss in car?
Yes, they could.
Why does car not start straight away?
Check the carburetor, fuel pump, spark plugs, distributor.
Do you have a wiring diagram for a gm points distributor system?
A wiring diagram for GM points distributor system can be found in online forums. They can also be found in the car part repair manual.
Car is firing but wont start?
fuel pump, timing belt, air intake (sensor), fuse, distributor...
How do you know when you need a new distributor in your car or is it possible thAT it may only need a new cap and rotor?
If the distributor shaft has side to side play it is probably worn out. If the shaft has no play just replace the cap and rotor.
How long should it approximately work a car distributor?
How long should it approximately work a car distributor?
Can a distributor change the way your car drives?
A distributor will change the way the car runs not the way it drives.
Does 1998 Town Car has Distributor Where is it?
If it has a distributor, then all the plug wires will merge at the distributor. Follow the wires.
Can a malfunction on a car distributor make the car to stop?
Yes, the distributor sends the Spark to each cylinder. No Sparky No Runny.
What is a dizzy in a car engine?
the distributor
Can you get a diagram of a distributor cap for a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville?
The car has coil packs and does not have a distributor.
What is distributor?
A DISTRIBUTOR IS A PART ON A CAR ENGINE USED TO SYNCRONIZE THE ENGINES FIRING ORDER.
Where is the distributor for a 96 dodge neon located on the car?
A Dodge Neon does not have a distributor.A Dodge Neon does not have a distributor.
How do you spell distributor?
Distributor = someone who distributes merchandise, wholesale products, etc. Distributer = a part of an automobile or car (like a regulator).
What car part starts with d?
distributor
Where is the ignition module located on a 1987 Pontiac trans am?
Under the cap, inside the distributor, it is easy to change with the distributor off the car, a pain to get to with it on the car.
Where is 1 position on distributor cap?
we changed the distributor cup we need to know how to adjust crank car starts excellent when driving car looses power
