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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...

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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...

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Garage in Wolverhampton , 15 years of experience

Here at grease monkeyz uk we pride ourselves in customer service and quality workmanship! We provide a garage quality service, for less than a garage price, at your choice of location! Our small team of vehi...

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Mobile mechanic in Kempton, 15 years of experience

Professional experienced auto mechanic working on all classes of vehicles, specialising in general mechanical works

6 Reviews

Garage in Newtownabbey, 15 years of experience

Car Repairs NI operate a 2 ramp workshop based in Newtonabbey. We offer repairs for all makes & models and we also have a full body repair shop on site for all body repair requirements. Whether you require a...

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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...

Garage in Leicester , 7 years of experience

If you’re looking for affordable quality work carried out by skilled, qualified and experienced technicians and delivered with great customer service in Leicester then you’re in exactly the right place- ABBE...

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Garage in Manchester , 22 years of experience

We are a small family-run company. We offer recovery and repairs. We will provide as much advice as we can before carrying out any repairs. We are approachable and always happy to help. Some of the repairs w...

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Garage in Gloucester, 10 years of experience

With over 10 years industry experience, your vehicle is in safe hands with us. My lifetimes passion of motor vehicle has had me involved with all makes and sizes. Registered as IMI TechSafe for electric vehi...

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Garage in Bracknell, 8 years of experience

Mobile mechanic services covering servicing, maintenance, oil change, brakes, MOT appointments and failure repairs, as well as bodywork repair and painting. Previous experience in a BMW service centre as ...

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Garage in Grimsby, 18 years of experience

Nath's Mobile Garage provide such services as Mobile Mechanics, 24/7 Breakdown & Roadside Assistance, Recovery, Engine & Gearbox Tuning/Remap, Custom Exhausts, Repairs, Diagnostics plus much more. We are...

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Garage in Walkeringham , 21 years of experience

Auto diagnostics Component protection programming ( dealer level ) DPF cleaning Regeneration Air conditioning service Service + Repairs Clutch + Timing Belts MOT

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Garage in Wythall, 8 years of experience

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R&D

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Garage in London , 5 years of experience

I have more then 5 years of work experience with vast makes of vehicles. I am specialized in diagnostic, programing and inspecting and fixing Mechanical components of various vehicles.

66 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in East Renfrewshire , 25 years of experience

17 Years Mercedes-Benz 3 Years Auto Electrical Services 4 Years Rolls Royce (Aviation).

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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