This Toyota Manual Will Guide You of How to Replace the Distributor in a Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla, a mid-sized family sedan, quit using distributors with 1998 models. If you have engines from earlier years, the 1.6L and 1.8L had distributors. If you’re handy with basic tools, then you can replace the distributor in your Corolla.
Trace the spark plug wires to the distributor, which is on the right side of the engine block as you face it. Unhook the cable from the negative battery terminal.
Pull off the air cleaner hose as well as all spark plug wires from the spark plugs; leave the spark plug wires connected to the distributor cap. Label them to avoid mix-up.
Mark the rotor’s position in relation to the cylinder head. Remove the distributor hold-down bolt(s) with a wrench. Lift out the distributor assembly. Get rid of the old O-ring from the distributor shaft.
Get the No. 1 piston to the Top Dead Center (TDC) mark by turning the crankshaft bolt clockwise; you’ll find it in the pulley near the bottom of the engine. Use a long-handled ratchet (breaker bar) to turn the engine. The timing mark on the crankshaft pulley must line up with the 0 mark on the No. 1 indicator on the timing belt cover.
Install the new O-ring, greasing lightly; the O-ring will be a separate purchase from the distributor. Align the distributor with the line of the housing.
Place the new distributor into the cylinder head. Now align the rotor with the mark you made on the cylinder head. Use a wrench and tighten the hold-down bolts lightly. You can order part number A18477417 for a 1993 1.8L Corolla from Parts Train (see Resources); be ready to give your engine size and model year.
Reconnect the spark plug wires to the correct spark plugs. Also reconnect the distributor connectors, the air cleaner hose and the negative battery cable. Connect the negative battery cable. Reset digital equipment such as radio memory and the clock. Tighten down the hold-down bolts.
Connect the negative battery cable. Reset digital equipment such as radio memory and the clock. Tighten down the hold-down bolts.
things you’ll need:
Wrench
Breaker bar
O-ring
Distributor
