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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...

940 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...

54 Reviews

Garage in Thornton Heath, 7 years of experience

Welcome to AUTO PRO, where automotive excellence meets customer satisfaction! With over 7 years of hands-on experience in the auto industry, we take pride in being your trusted partner for all things automot...

11 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in London , 10 years of experience

I have in this field from last 10 years I worked in Europe and from last 5 years I have been working in UK 🇬🇧 and I know the Japanese car and German cars

14 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Leiston , 20 years of experience

I started my apprenticeship when I was 16 years old for a Volkswagen dealership. I was there for 10 years. Then I moved on and went onto gearbox reconditioning which I was there for another five years, then ...

STEVEN 27th March 2024

Vauxhall Corsa • Camshaft position (CMP) sensor replacement

246 Reviews

Garage in Leyton, 15 years of experience

Have 15 years of experience as an mot inspector and can check if car is road legal and safe to drive

50 Reviews

Garage in London, 15 years of experience

I have been working as mechanic from the age of 16 started apprenticeship with ford trust dealership for two years then Bmw dealership and become level 3 technician after 5 years I then joined my family b...

4 Reviews

Garage in Reading, 10 years of experience

10 Years Experience with 6 years as VW Specialist and Mobile Mechanic for the last 2 years , very Knowledgeable , self-motivated, reliable, responsible and hard working person, excellent diagnostic and probl...

16 Reviews

Garage in Wolverhampton , 20 years of experience

B. H Motors and Electrics is a mobile service that offers a wide range of motor mechanical and electrical diagnosis and repair. Please see the link below for more information about us. https://ww...

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Garage in Cupar, 20 years of experience

Over 20 years experience in independent garages including bodyshop mechanic and also fiat and kia main dealer carrying out all types of repairs and mot testing

267 Reviews

Garage in Aylesbury , 20 years of experience

We are a small family run business and understand how important it is for you to have a safe vehicle for you to travel to work, school and for personal reasons. We can come to you at home or work at a time ...

25 Reviews

Garage in Scunthorpe, 10 years of experience

I have been around cars since being little, I have 10+ years experience in fixing all different types of cars. I’m offering mobile appointments at a time and place that suits you. I’m honest and will always ...

39 Reviews

Garage in Andover, 15 years of experience

IVT car repair Ltd. is a place created out of passion for the automotive industry. We offer services at the highest level. We service cars of all brands. We do not have a paint shop yet, but replacing...

642 Reviews

Garage in Woking, 12 years of experience

I started my career with Kwik-Fit when I was 16 for a number of years understanding the trade. I moved to work for a few independent garages for around 4 years before working with Vauxhall for 3 years and su...

81 Reviews

Garage in Essex, 18 years of experience

Hi, I’m Robert and I have over 18 years experience working on a range of vehicles from small cars to 4x4s, supercars and prestige vehicles. As a skilled and experienced mechanic, I offer a wide range of ser...

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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