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
944 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
22 Reviews
Garage in Loughborough , 13 years of experience
HGV Trained, 4 Years At Triumph Motorcycles As An Engine Builder & Training Employees, Mobile VAG Specialist Inc VW Caddy 1.6 To 2.0 Engine Conversions, Manual to DSG Conversions etc
KEVIN • 26th April 2024
Ford Transit • Clutch replacement
63 Reviews
Garage in Leeds, 20 years of experience
Welcome to CB Autos! CB Autos provides mobile mechanic services throughout Leeds & West Yorkshire. We provide complete car diagnostics, M.O.Ts, full or interim car servicing, car suspension services and main...
49 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Peebles, 20 years of experience
JCS Mobile Mechanics offer a wide range of car repair and maintenance services, from oil changes and brake repairs to engine diagnostics and tire replacements, all conveniently delivered to your location.
RICHARD • 25th April 2024
Hyundai i30 • Clutch replacement
21 Reviews
Garage in Saltney, 10 years of experience
We are a High performance specialist specialising in all things VAGroup from the mighty VW UP to the Audi R8 and everything in-between. We are equipped to deal with all of your needs on all makes and models ...
FRASER • 25th April 2024
SEAT Alhambra • Brake pads replacement - rear (all)
2 Reviews
Garage in Manchester, 6 years of experience
All mechanical and bodywork taken, specialist in VAG group cars.
VESELIN • 25th April 2024
Mitsubishi Outlander • Brake pipe replacement - rear (driver side)
27 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Ilford, 20 years of experience
Hi, I have worked on cars since I was 3-4 years old around my Father, then I bought my own car in 2004, by then I have graduated Auto Mechanic Electrician with studying and practice in Dealer Garage. Since t...
TANAYHA • 25th April 2024
Mercedes-Benz B-Class • Brake discs and pads replacement - front (both)
17 Reviews
Garage in Nottingham , 8 years of experience
Over 8 years experience in vehicle repairs and vehicle diagnostics. Competent, skilled and trusted by many customers
DAVID • 25th April 2024
Fiat 500 • Full Service
966 Reviews
Garage in Dagenham, 30 years of experience
Hi, I’ve been a mechanic since leaving school and have owned and operated my own garage since I was 25 , were you could that I’ve done most jobs on a wide range of vehicles. I’d like to say that my workmans...
MYLES • 25th April 2024
Renault Clio • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
8 Reviews
Garage in Coventry, 10 years of experience
I have mostly worked in main dealer and well known bodyshops in the past. Capable of doing mechanical work, stripping & refitting body panels and airbags components. I have got all rounder skill and exper...
MARTIN • 25th April 2024
Nissan Navara • Glow plugs replacement (all)
34 Reviews
Garage in Pinner, 20 years of experience
We have been operating in Northwest and West London since 2018, providing the best experience to our costumers. We are your go to garage for MOTs, Services, Brakes, Exhaust, Suspension and other repairs. ...
77 Reviews
Garage in Rhyl, 25 years of experience
I am a fully qualified Mechanic with over 20 years’ experience in completing a variety of tasks to a high standard. Some examples of which are: General services Maintenance work Break repairs and m...
1 Reviews
Garage in Fareham, 15 years of experience
Mechanical skills for the last 15 years, working on cars, motorcycles and vans, i can cover anything from timing belts to clutches, servicing and arrange MOTS. Motorcycles is my main but fully trained on...
DAVID • 25th April 2024
Audi A4 Avant • Brake discs and pads replacement - rear (both)
175 Reviews
Garage in Burntwood, 11 years of experience
I have 11 years' experience working on cars. I am able to do all the repairs you need doing including, inspections, servicing, brakes, suspension, clutches, and much more. We have a garage that you can bring...
JAYMEE • 25th April 2024
Fiat Punto • Clutch 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
- Cambourne Autoworx Ltd, Upper Cambourne
- Coylemechanical LTD, Glasgow
- DS Automotive, Dudley
- Landeg Garage Limited, Carmarthenshire
- Lawford Service Station, Manningtree
- Lincs Mobile Auto Services Ltd, Spalding
- Nigel-Smith.Com, Brentwood, Shenfield
- OPI MOTORSPORT, Southampton
- Pro Vehicle Services, Londo
- R Bluck Motor Repairs, Swindon
- R Maintenance And Repairs, Burton
- Viezu, Bidford On Avon
- Www.On-Line-Help.Co.Uk, Morriston
- ZH Automotives, Romford