Top Mechanics For Car Distributor Repair & Replacements
21 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Middlesex, 38 years of experience
I am a time served Vehicle Technician serving a Four Year Apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz. And earning various qualifications over a period of seven years My Qualifications are as follows.City & Guilds par...
DANIEL • 14th November 2016
949 Reviews
Garage in Caterham, 14 years of experience
I have 8 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. I did my apprenticeship at a garage in London and have done mechanical work ever since. I worked at a garage for a few years after the apprenti...
KATHERINE • 10th August 2015
3 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in London, 10 years of experience
Have started as an apprentice mechanic at the age of 15 worked in a big commercial vehicle’s garage qualified at the age of 19 with NVQ level 2 on Mechanics with 19,5/20 have got a massive experience on comm...
HARJIT • 17th May 2024
BMW 1 Series • Tyre fitting
16 Reviews
Garage in Birmingham, 10 years of experience
6 years of experience working for car dealerships 4 years of experience working as a contractor for Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Aston Martin as a Master technician
1 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Woking, 10 years of experience
Worked at Vauxhall for 5 years Worked on all brands for 5 years MOT tester
269 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Derby, 34 years of experience
I have worked for some of the UK’s largest names in motor vehicle repair/breakdown sector Establishing my own business in 2005 offering a professional,friendly and reliable mobile service covering most car...
30 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Hull, 15 years of experience
Mechanic Auto electrical Thatcham approved Tracker approved Love what I do on a daily basis.
KUMARA • 17th May 2024
Nissan Qashqai • Interim Service
8 Reviews
Garage in Blackburn, 7 years of experience
We have been in the Motor Repair Trade for many years. we carry out the following works: - Manual & Computer Diagnostics - Brakes - Interim/ Full Service - Suspension - Engine Diagnostics and Repair - ...
7 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Slough, 10 years of experience
Over the past 10 years I’ve worked for various main dealer brands such as Volkswagen Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, Nissan BMW and Audi. Professional and easy to get along with will ensure our will provide a good se...
336 Reviews
Garage in Birtley, 15 years of experience
I began my career with Citroen/Peugeot in Newcastle though the apprenticeship scheme and served my time there for 4 years. I moved to Prestige Cars in Gateshead for 18 months before gaining more experienc...
13 Reviews
Garage in Dewsbury , 7 years of experience
Delivering a quality service is the main priority for me. I have several years of experience working on all makes and models. Using up to date diagnostic equipment, I can successfully diagnose and rectify. S...
30 Reviews
Garage in Birkenhead , 30 years of experience
We offer complete vehicle services. Bodywork, accident damage, scrapes, dents including insurance work Brakes, servicing, suspension, MOT work, including welding, exhaust, Diagnostics, engine change, colle...
535 Reviews
Garage in Stevenage , 20 years of experience
I began my mechanical career with Peugeot/Citroen where I completed my full apprenticeship and spent 4 years there. I moved to work with Renault for around 3 years before moving to VW/Audi for 4 years. I rel...
DAVID • 17th May 2024
Peugeot 3008 SUV • Plug-in Diagnostic Inspection
92 Reviews
Garage in Maidstone, 23 years of experience
Car, Truck & Motorcycle repairs & re-builds. All aspects of servicing & maintenance. Pre MOT checks and tests arranged. Timing belts/chains, Head gasket replacement, Turbo replacements and upgrades, Custo...
CHRIS • 17th May 2024
Audi A3 Cabriolet • Additional work following previous booking
80 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Hemel Hempstead, 20 years of experience
Worked in main dealers been self employed for 6 years as mobile mechanic
JOHN • 17th May 2024
Vauxhall Corsa • Starter motor replacement
Frequently asked questions about car distributor repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about car distributor repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a Distributor do?
Older cars are usually fitted with a distributor, which is a device that distributes the electric energy from the iginition coil to the car's spark plugs situated in the engine's cylinders, which turn the electricity into a spark. Modern cars, on the other hand, usually have engines with direct ignition.
The distributor's two main components are the distributor rotor and cap. The rotor rotates within the distributor and distributes the high voltage electricity by way of contact points to the spark plug leads that are attached to the distributor cap. In turn the spark plug leads send the electricity to the spark plugs.
How do you know there is something wrong with the Distributor?
- When the engine does not run smoothly.
- When the 'Check Engine' light on the dashboard of your car is illuminated.
- When the engine does not start.
- When the engine's cylinders appear to misfire.
- When there are unusual noises coming from the engine.
When should you consider a Distributor replacement?
Over time the rotor and cap's condition can deteriorate due to wear. The cap and the contact points inside can, for example, be affected by erosion or corrosion. Equally, carbon can build up inside the rotor cap on and around the contact points, diverting electricity from the points. Both lead to a decreased electric current to run from the rotor arm through the contact points, in turn leading to a diminished spark at the spark plug. Misfires inside the engine can then occur.
The condensor is instrumental in creating a flat electricity flow to the spark plugs, decreasing the voltage as well as absorbing undesirable voltage peaks created by the coil. It stores electricity from the coil when the distributor's contact points are open and releases it each time contact points close. If the condensor inside the distributor is faulty, the condensor cannot absorb the excess electricity from the coil. A faulty condensor can lead to excessive wear on the contact points and spark plugs as well as engine misfires.
It is therefore important to service the distributor as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer. It is essential that the distributor is kept in a good condition, this should contribute to a prolonged distributor lifespan.
Should you experience problems like those noted earlier then it is important to have the distributor inspected and, if necessary, have it replaced.
What happens during a Distributor replacement?
- Mechanic will inspect the ignition system.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the distributor.
- Mechanic will recalibrate the ignition timing.
- Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
- Mechanic will check the ignition system and test drive the car.
- Mechanic will make any adjustments to the ignition if necessary.
How much does a Distributor replacement cost?
The cost of a distributor replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your distributor replaced by Clickmechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!
What is a car distributor?
The distributor is part of the car's ignition system and plays a critical role in the ignition process. The distributor receives high voltage from the ignition coil to spark the individual spark plugs in the right order at the right time.
What are the symptoms of a bad distributor?
The most common symptoms of a faulty distributor are as follows:
- Car fails to start because the distributor is unable to spark and kickstart the combustion process.
- Engine misfires
- Stalling of the vehicle.
- If the distributor cap is malfunctioning, then you may also hear strange tapping or sputtering sounds from the engine.
Most modern cars no longer have a distributor and ignition is controlled via the ECU.
Can you drive a car with a bad distributor?
With a bad or faulty distributor you may be able to start the car but it is likely to cause misfires and engine stalling. In some cases, a bad distributor will fail to start the car. It is highy recommended to get a faulty distributor checked and repaired if needed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
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Mechanics that undertake car distributor work
- A J Mobile Tyres, Bexleyheath
- Allcar Garage, Glasgow,
- Bedfordshire Car Repairs Ltd, Leighton Buzzard
- Carole's Motor Company, Poole
- Cass Motors, Trowbridge
- Classic Car Mechanic, Passfield
- Connect Commercials, Dorset
- Dev Auto Workz LTD, Dunstable
- E.I.E Mobile Vehicle Repairs, Carrbrook
- Mr Toms Autos, Romsey
- Onsite Autos, Kingston
- RMC Automotive, Warrington
- Renato Caetano, Southampton
- S.C Motor Repairs, Great Yarmouth
- Thornbury Tyre Said And Autos, Bradford
- Tt1 Tyres, London
- Willesden Auto Services, Willesden