Replacing a distributor might seem straightforward, but the price tag can vary more than you’d think.
What drives those costs?
Your car’s make and model, the type of distributor it features, and potential extra repairs can all affect what you pay.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about the distributor replacement cost so you’re fully prepared before visiting the mechanic.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Distributor Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Distributor?
- 7 Surefire Signs You Need a Distributor Replacement
- How Long Do Distributor Replacements Last?
- How Is a Distributor Assembly Replaced?
How Much Does a Distributor Replacement Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for your distributor replacement:
A. Range
The average cost for distributor replacement ranges between $190 and $915. This includes:
- Parts: $50 to $615
- Labor cost: $80 to $300
B. Factors Affecting the Cost
Various factors can impact the total cost of swapping out a distributor, such as:
- Vehicle make and model: The repair charges can vary significantly depending on your car’s make and model. Usually, luxury or older vehicles require more expensive parts or specialized labor.
- Distributor type: The price will depend on whether you’re replacing a standard distributor or upgrading to an electronic ignition system. Electronic systems usually cost more.
- OEM vs. aftermarket parts: The choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts plays a major role in the final cost. While often more reliable, OEM parts are often pricier than aftermarket alternatives, which might offer savings but could vary in quality.
- Additional repairs: If other components, like the ignition coil or spark plug wires, are also damaged or worn out, they might need to be replaced, increasing the overall cost.
Is It Worth Replacing a Distributor?
Absolutely, replacing a faulty distributor is essential for maintaining your engine’s overall health and performance.
Here’s why:
The distributor delivers the spark to your engine’s spark plugs in the correct sequence, ensuring smooth ignition. A malfunctioning distributor can disrupt this timing, causing major problems, such as misfires or difficulty starting. If the entire distributor fails, your engine may not start or run properly, potentially leaving you stranded.
Moreover, continuing to drive with a faulty distributor can worsen the problem, leading to long-term engine damage and higher repair costs for car owners.
7 Surefire Signs You Need a Distributor Replacement
Here are seven faulty distributor symptoms car owners should know:
- Engine misfires or rough idle: When the distributor is failing, your spark plugs might fire unevenly, leading to frequent engine misfires. This will often cause your engine to idle roughly, shaking or vibrating more than usual when stationary.
- Difficulty starting the vehicle: If you find yourself struggling to start your car, especially on cold mornings, a faulty distributor could be to blame. Without the proper spark, the air-fuel mix may not ignite, making it hard to get moving.
- Poor acceleration: Does your car feel sluggish when you press the gas pedal? A malfunctioning distributor can throw off the ignition timing, leading to delayed or sluggish acceleration. You’ll notice a lack of response or power when you need it most.
- Stalling or shutting off: A failing distributor can cause sudden stalls while driving, particularly when the electrical connections are disrupted. You might find the engine cuts off completely when idling or even during mid-drive, which can be dangerous.
- Unusual engine noises: Hear a clicking or tapping noise coming from under the hood? This can be a sign that your distributor is malfunctioning, causing a breakdown in the smooth functioning of engine components.
- Check engine light: A bad distributor can trigger your check engine light. Since the distributor is crucial to the ignition system, any issues with it can cause the car’s sensors to detect ignition problems.
- Poor fuel economy: A faulty distributor can mess with your engine’s timing, resulting in inefficient fuel combustion. This means your car may burn more fuel than usual, leading to noticeably reduced gas mileage.
How Long Do Distributor Replacements Last?
A new distributor can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. But harsh environments, exposure to extreme weather conditions, or the constant vibrations of a high-mileage engine can wear it down more quickly.
That said, with a little extra care, like regular maintenance, checking the distributor rotor and cap, and making timely replacements, you can push it to the upper end of that range.
Bottom line: Treat your distributor well, and it’ll reward you with smoother performance and longer service.
How Is a Distributor Assembly Replaced?
While you could replace an entire distributor yourself, it’s an intricate system of many parts that require accurate connections. You also need to know how to time the distributor correctly. Improper positioning can stop the engine from running or damage the cylinder valves.
So, it’s best to have a mechanic handle the job to prevent any further issues.
Here’s how a mechanic would replace your old distributor:
- Test for mechanical or electrical faults before proceeding with replacement.
- Manually turn the engine to the top dead center on engine cylinder one (power stroke).
- Mark the rotor’s position to ensure they are properly aligned.
- Disconnect the battery and all related electrical connections to the distributor.
- Remove the air filter housing, engine cover, and distributor cap for access.
- Loosen retaining bolts and twist the distributor out of the engine.
- Transfer reusable parts such as the distributor rotor, cap, and sensors from the old distributor to the new distributor or replace any faulty components.
- Position the new distributor carefully by aligning it with the marked rotor position.
- Reconnect the electrical connections, spark plug wire, and other removed parts.
- Check ignition timing and engine performance after installation.
NOTE: A professional mechanic will take 5-8 hours to complete a distributor replacement.
Distributor Replacement Made Easy with AutoNation Mobile Service
Replacing a faulty distributor as soon as you notice signs can help prevent severe ignition system problems down the road.
But if you can’t drive your car to a mechanic, AutoNation Mobile Service is here to help.
We provide mobile auto repair and maintenance solutions seven days a week. All the repairs, including ignition coil, distributor cap, and belt replacement, are backed by a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty.
Reach out to us for an easy and reliable auto repair experience!