What happens if your distributor cap is bad

The longer you let this go on, the worse it will get. This total includes both parts and labor costs together. But be prepared to pay some extra fees and taxes on top of the total estimated price. Back when auto shop class was a thing in high schools, replacing a distributor cap was one of the first things you were taught.

But since modern ignition systems are now distributor-less, the task has become a lost art. Nonetheless, a good service manual will walk you through the process and you may even be able to find a YouTube video for the specific procedure to your vehicle.

I have 71 VW and had starting problem engine shaking until I read this article and checked the distributor cap and rotor sure enough needed replacement changed new ht leads, cap, rotor the car starts first pop now thanks. Table of Contents. Looking for Replacement Parts? Glad to hear we helped you out! Thanks for the info Reply. The distributor creates an extremely high voltage, which is delivered to ignite your spark plugs.

When changing the distributor, the whole ignition system must undergo an inspection. Once you are done with the replacement, the wires in the ignition should be reinstalled. The amount will comprise the cost of labor and parts. As you could assess it, this job is not a very costly replacement.

However, you should still be ready to shell out an extra amount for some fees and taxes, aside from the accumulated estimated cost. These are the common bad distributor cap symptoms. Now that you comprehend the impacts of a poor distributor, you then realize why it is necessary to care for your car. Any time you schedule the routine service of your car, always specify to the technician to inspect the ignition system for problems or defects.

If you encounter any difficulty starting your vehicle, find assistance from a professional automotive technician. Be attentive to what your car is trying to tell you and learn to respond quickly.

James is a certified auto technician specializing in commercial vehicles. With 30 years of experience under his belt, James has encountered almost every type of automotive issue there is!

Besides his day job at the repair shop, he is also an amateur race car driver. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Engine misfires 1. Stalling 1. A problem in turning over 1. Check Engine Light is on 1.

Unusual or Too Many Noises on the Engine 1. Shaking 1. High-Pitched Wailing 1. Irregular RPMs 1. Moisture and water vapor inside of the crankcase can rise into the distributor shaft and then collect inside of the cap. This then may produce battery acid that can build up inside of the distributor cap, causing corrosion. Thirdly, the wires could be porous and drawing water up into the distributor cap.

This could also lead to corrosion. If you notice a loose distributor cap in your car, you will need to replace the distributor cap gasket in order to prevent corrosion. If you notice that your distributor cap is collecting moisture after you check it, there is definitely something wrong. If you fail to fix the problem, it could cause bigger issues with your vehicle. Always use a clean, dry rag to remove dirt and debris from the distributor cap. Afterward, place it in a warm, dry area to fully dry out.

Use compressed air to speed up the drying time. You should also be routinely changing the distributor cap seal with a new one. For an added layer of protection, apply a silicon seal around the base of the distributor cap to keep water droplets and moisture out. Generally, if you have a bad distributor in your car, the engine will fail to start.

If your car is suffering from bad distributor signs, such as a squealing noise, stalling, misfiring, or vibrations, you may want to consider selling it instead of fixing it. What if there are more significant problems with your engine that you cannot afford to fix? Even if you call a junkyard, they will have you pay to have your car towed to their location.