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
947 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
1 Reviews
Garage in , 20 years of experience
Here at Kent Car Solutions we offer the following: Servicing Repairs MOTS Diagnostics Recovery Body Work Smart Repairs Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Pre Sale Inspection Pre MOT Inspection
NICOLA • 13th May 2024
Land Rover Freelander 2 • Brake pads replacement - front (all)
24 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 ...
27 Reviews
Garage in Newcastle , 30 years of experience
I served my time at bds motors whilst attending college I have worked for numerous garages and had my own business for 8 year before starting work in a management role for great north auto centre and I am n...
27 Reviews
Garage in London, 8 years of experience
Worked in various establishments such as; Serks motorwork, Japanese and German car speaialist, Endless, BMW specialist, Burhan Motors, General car mechanic, gearbox specialist. I have also assisted other b...
HASNAIN • 13th May 2024
Volvo XC90 • Wheel alignment
12 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Ramsgate, 20 years of experience
Launched my automotive career at 15 with a Light Vehicles Certification from SENAI, a renowned Brazilian technical institute. This foundation, coupled with years working on diverse makes and models, from Sko...
JESS • 13th May 2024
9 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in North Wingfield , 5 years of experience
I am a mobile-based mechanic who comes to you and does all the repairs you need at a location convenient to you. I an friendly and always happy to help.
ANTHONY • 13th May 2024
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque • Diagnostic Inspection
38 Reviews
Garage in Leeds, 7 years of experience
J Mobile Mechanic, we provide all your automotive needs from MOT to Brake Pads. Brake downs,Let us know if you need our services.
986 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...
STEVEN • 13th May 2024
Vauxhall Astra • Diesel particulate filter (DPF) forced regeneration
56 Reviews
Garage in Stockport, 13 years of experience
I started my car repair Apprenticeship in 2004 and finished it at a main Land Rover dealership as a Diesel Specialist. After working at several garages I've decided to start a business as a mobile mechanic. ...
1631 Reviews
Garage in Sheffield , 8 years of experience
I started my career as a mechanic at BMW undertaking an apprenticeship which lasted 4 years. After learning all the tricks of the trade at BMW I then went onto Land Rover for 2 years further enhancing my ski...
LOUIS • 13th May 2024
Lexus CT 200h • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
20 Reviews
Garage in Gloucester, 5 years of experience
S&s car service - 5 years Car service, mechanical repairs Borgwarner- craft engineer - 6 months Diesel pumps, injectors manyfacturing, fault finding
79 Reviews
Garage in Winsford, 10 years of experience
Mobile mechanic based in Winsford With over 10 years experience + working on your car at work or home to make your life easier
RICH • 13th May 2024
Volkswagen Polo • Full Service
236 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 ...
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