How to Identify a Distributor Cap in a Car

Perhaps you need to replace the distributor cap on your car and you're not sure where to start. Replacing a car's distributor cap is one of those maintenance items that is simple to perform, but it's also simple to perform wrong if you don't have a little knowledge. Here's how to identify the distributor cap in your car so you can get it fixed and get rolling.

Instructions

1

Get a Chilton's or Clymer manual for your make model and year of car. You can get these at most auto parts stores or off Internet book stores at reasonable prices.

2

Take your Clymer or Chilton's manual and turn to the ignition system section. Here you'll find detailed diagrams and instructions on the location and replacement of your distributor cap.

3

Locate the distributor cap by following a spark plug wire around from the engine to where it ends. The distributor cap is usually a brightly colored, round, octopus-looking item with four to eight spark-plug wires coming off of it depending on the amount of cylinders in your car's engine.

4

Identify the type of distributor cap you have and, most importantly, the location of each spark plug wire on the distributor cap before you remove it.

5

Label each spark plug wire before you remove it from the distributor cap. You'll need to put the wires back in their original order when you replace the distributor cap, so be sure you know where each is placed.