The distributor cap is a round, plastic housing that sits on top of the distributor. It contains a series of metal contacts, called terminals, that are connected to the spark plug wires. The rotor is a small, round piece of metal that rotates inside the distributor cap. It has a single contact, called the rotor tip, that makes contact with the terminals in the distributor cap.
When the ignition key is turned on, the ignition coil generates a high-voltage electrical current. This current flows through the distributor cap and rotor to the spark plugs. The rotor tip rotates in sync with the engine, so that the current is delivered to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. This causes the spark plugs to fire, which ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chambers and powers the engine.
Over time, the distributor cap and rotor can become worn or damaged, which can lead to problems with the ignition system. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to have the distributor cap and rotor inspected:
* Engine misfires
* Stalling
* Rough idling
* Reduced fuel efficiency
* Difficulty starting the vehicle
If the distributor cap and rotor are worn or damaged, they should be replaced. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can be performed by a qualified mechanic.
