How to replace the electronic ignition sensor

Content

Method 1 of 2: Replacing the ignition sensor in the car
Method 2 of 2: Replacing the Sensor Coil with the Distributor Removed

The electronic ignition sensor is part of the ignition distributor. Failure symptoms include intermittent misfiring or all failures at once.

The electronic ignition sensor is located in your ignition distributor. The ignition coil energizes by delivering a spark to each cylinder as the ignition rotor rotates inside the distributor cap. Like most electronic components, the ignition sensor may show signs of failure, intermittently misfiring, or it may fail all at once. In some vehicles, the sensor can be replaced while leaving the distributor in place. In other cases, it may be easier to remove the distributor.

Method 1 of 2: Replacing the ignition sensor in the car

This method involves leaving the dispenser in place.

Necessary materials

Replacing the ignition sensor
Screwdrivers
Sockets/ratchet

Step 1: Disconnect the battery: Remove the negative terminal from the battery.

Set it aside or wrap it in a rag to keep it from touching any part of the body or chassis.

Step 2: Remove the distributor cap and rotor.. Disconnect the ignition wire from the ignition coil to the center rod of the distributor cap. The distributor cap is usually attached to the distributor with two screws or two spring clips. Select the appropriate screwdriver to remove yours. With the cover removed, remove the ignition rotor, either by simply pulling it off, or, in some cases, fixing it to the distributor shaft with a screw.

Functions: If it is necessary to remove some or all of the spark plug wires from the distributor cap for easier work, use pieces of masking tape to mark each cylinder number and wrap the pieces around each spark plug wire. This way you are less likely to reconnect the spark plug wires in the wrong firing order.

Step 3: Remove the ignition sensor coil.: Disconnect the electrical wires to the receiver.

Some vehicles may have a wired connector that simply needs to be unplugged. Others may have separate wires.

After the wires are disconnected, unscrew the fixing screws. They can be located on the front side of the take-up coil or outside the distributor.

Step 4: Replace the Pickup Coil: Install a new sensor coil, making sure that the wire connectors and mounting screws are properly tightened.

Reinstall the ignition rotor, distributor cap, and spark plug/coil wires.

Method 2 of 2: Replacing the Sensor Coil with the Distributor Removed

Necessary materials

Distributor key
ignition advance light
Screwdrivers
Sockets/ratchet
White-Out or felt tip marker
Attention: Follow steps 1-3 of method 1 first. Disconnect the battery, remove the coil/spark plug wires, distributor cap and ignition rotor as described above.

Step 4: Turn off the dispenser. Be sure to mark the location of any wires or connectors needed to remove the distributor.

Step 5: Remove the Distributor. Using a white-out marker or high visibility felt tip pen, mark the distributor shaft and mark the engine to mark the location of the distributor before removing it.

Incorrectly reinstalling the distributor can affect ignition timing to the point where you will not be able to restart the vehicle. Turn out a bolt of fastening of the distributor and carefully remove the distributor.

Attention: In some cases, a socket/ratchet or open/end wrench can be used to loosen the mounting bolt. With other applications, there may not be enough space to use them. It is in such cases that the distributor key is useful.

Step 6: Replace the ignition sensor. With the distributor on a flat surface, replace the ignition sensor, making sure all connections are secure.

Step 7: Reinstall the distributor. Installation is reverse to removal. Make sure that the marks you made in step 5 match.

Reinstall the retaining bolt, but don't tighten it tight just yet, as you may need to turn the distributor to get the timing right. Reconnect the battery once all wiring connections are secure.

Step 8: Checking ignition timing. Connect the ignition timing indicator power/ground connectors to the battery. Connect the spark plug sensor to the #1 cylinder wire. Start the engine and shine the time indicator on the ignition marks.

One mark will be fixed on the engine. The other will rotate with the motor. If the marks do not match, rotate the distributor slightly until they match.

Step 9: Install the Distributor Bolt. After aligning the ignition timing marks in step 8, turn off the engine and tighten the distributor mounting bolt.