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
946 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
1007 Reviews
Garage in Enfield, 30 years of experience
We provide MOT tests, servicing and car repairs on all makes and models in Enfield and surrounding areas. Catering for customers in Enfield, Cheshunt, Barnet and Southgate, we offer quality car servicing and...
RAY • 10th May 2024
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class • Glow plugs replacement (all)
96 Reviews
Garage in Croydon, 8 years of experience
I have over 8 years experience working on all types of vehicles from super cars to everyday run arounds. Highly competent and extremely knowledgeable, I have a passion for vehicles and how they work. With an...
DAWN • 10th May 2024
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque • Standard Pre-purchase Inspection
31 Reviews
Garage in Birmingham , 15 years of experience
Hi, my name is marcus. I am a highly qualified mechanic with over 15 years experience. I am friendly, polite, reliable and efficient. Your safety is of the utmost importance . I take pride in my work and ...
CHRISTOPHER • 9th May 2024
BMW 5 Series • Brake pads replacement - rear (all)
1 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...
TOM • 9th May 2024
Austin Mini • Standard Pre-purchase Inspection
60 Reviews
Garage in Thurrock, 6 years of experience
At my automotive service business, we specialize in providing top-notch solutions for your vehicle's maintenance needs. With a dedicated team of experts, we offer a wide range of services, including tire cha...
63 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in East Renfrewshire , 25 years of experience
17 Years Mercedes-Benz 3 Years Auto Electrical Services 4 Years Rolls Royce (Aviation).
RAY • 9th May 2024
235 Reviews
Garage in Lincoln, 20 years of experience
I have been in the motor trade for the last 20 years I have worked mainly in dealerships and have worked on a wide range of vehicles from cars to hgv I will be able to undertake most jobs at any location if ...
KRISTO • 9th May 2024
2 Reviews
Garage in Stoke-On-Trent, 9 years of experience
Working in the trade since I was just 16 I have gained the qualifications and the experience that is needed to assist with your vehicle needs.
137 Reviews
Garage in Leicester, 15 years of experience
At J.J. Auto Repair we always aim to be helpful and friendly. We offer a range of services including, Mobile mechanic, Diagnostics, Full service, Multimedia system fitting, and more...
MARTYN • 9th May 2024
Honda CR-V • Diagnostic Inspection
44 Reviews
Garage in Redruth , 33 years of experience
Hi I’ve got 33 years experience in main dealer and independent garages, including 24 successful years running my own garage and MOT station, Ive decided to take it a bit easier and just complete a few jobs a...
MICHAEL • 9th May 2024
Nissan Qashqai • Timing chain replacement
41 Reviews
Garage in London, 9 years of experience
Qwikfix Mobile mechanics Ltd operate as mobile mechanics, bringing the garage to wherever you are, at a time most convenient for you and at reasonable price! We carry out the following works (and more!): -P...
49 Reviews
Garage in Bracknell, 10 years of experience
Over 17 years in the motor industry as a mechanic, in sales and managing my own mobile maintenance company. Starting out as a HGV mechanic apprentice and moving into commercial sales i have a wide variety of...
JENNY • 9th May 2024
Ford Focus • Coolant return pipe replacement
5 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Leeds, 12 years of experience
12 years of experience, we cover all job types including tyres, brakes and clutches
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.
Book a trusted mechanic today
Get an instant quote, then book a vetted mechanic to fix your car at your home or office.
- Vetted mechanics
- Save up to 50%
- Fast online booking
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