Hey guys,
I thought I was blowing ignition modules, but I took the car to a diagnostic clinic and they said that the car needs a new pickup coil because the wires will short which will cause the car not to start. I know what the pickup coil is, what it does, and where it is located, but I want to know if I need to take the distributor out to remove it. I also want to know if I should just do a full distributor rebuild or any other things I should do. The car is a 3.1 V6 Thanks guys.

 

Sorry guys, forgot to mention I am a 17 year old senior in high school, would you recommend me doing this job myself if it doesnt involve removing the distributor?

 

yep, gotta remove the distributor to change the coil cuz you have to take it apart somewhat, but if you know someone who has the tools and knowledge, it's not that difficult...

KAM

 

You need just a few tools and a little "know-how".

You'll need to pull the distributor..before doing, carefully mark on the firewall and intake, the distributor position. Use a felt pen. Also mark the rotor position.

Label all plug wires with masking tape and number the cap as well to match.

Once the hold down bolt is removed pull straight up on the distributor...notice while doing this the rotor will rotate. Just as the distrbutor gear is out of the cam gear and loose...stop and put another feltpen mark on the base of the distributor. This way, you be able to correctly orient the distributor for reinstalltion.

Thinking about it...you should also mark the depth the distributor is at, prior to pulling it...beings it will be your first time, this will ensure that when you reinstall it, the distributor is seated into the oilpump drive shaft....


ONce you have the distributor out, remove the rotor.

You'll now need to secure the distributor on it's side and use a small punch and knock out the rollpin that holds the distributor gear in place.

Slide the gear off, then pull out the shaft from the top. You now have access to the pickup coil.

Install in reverse order.

Check basetiming...but if you marked accurately, you'll be suprised at how good the base timing will be anyways.

I'd also advise the use of a new rollpin as well as a slight lube of the shaft for reassembly.

You can do this, even if you have to go by a timing light, wrench and punch...it'll still be cheaper than taking it to the shop.

If you're apprehensive, I'd suggest heading to the autoshop at school...you gotta know at least one buddy in there, or beg the shop teacher for use/assistance.

 

Yeah I understood what you were saying, but chances are I'll definately end up screwin things up. Autoshop, at Marple High? Come on man our taxes are going to crap, theres no autoshop in Marple lol. Guess I'll take it to a more experienced guy.