Distributor Replacement

Procedure
1. Disconnect ignition switch battery feed wire and tachometer lead (if equipped) from distributor cap. Also release the coil connectors from the cap. (DO NOT use a screwdriver or tool to release the locking tabs.)
2. Remove distributor cap by turning four latches counterclockwise. Move cap out of the way.
3. Disconnect 4 terminal ECM harness from distributor.
4. If necessary remove secondary wires from cap, release wiring harness latches and remove wiring harness retainer. The spark plug wire numbers are indicated on the retainer.
5. Remove distributor clamp screw and hold-down clamp.
6. Note position of rotor, then pull distributor up until rotor just stops turning counterclockwise and again note position of rotor.

^ To insure correct timing of the distributor, the distributor must be INSTALLED with the rotor correctly positioned as noted.
If the engine was accidently cranked after the distributor was removed, the following procedure can be used for installing:

a. Remove No.1 spark plug.

b. Place finger over No. 1 spark plug hole and crank engine slowly until compression is felt.

c. Align timing mark on pulley to "0" on engine timing indicator.

d. Turn rotor to point between No. 1 and No. 8 spark plug towers on distributor cap on 5.0L engines, between No. 1 and No. 6 on 3.0L and 3.8L between No. 1 and No. 2 on 2.8L and between No. 1 and No. 3 on 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.5L engines.

e. Install distributor and connect ignition feed wire.

f. Install distributor cap and spark plug wires.

g. Check engine timing.