Got the distributor out, now to buy a replacement. Auto parts store comes up with two options; .526" Diameter Rotor Cam or .475 diameter rotor cam. According to the store both will fit, but one is slightly less expensive. I do not have the eyesight or the tools to measure to this exactness. Does it make any difference which one I put in?

 

Here's the removal sequence shamelessly ripped off from the Haynes manual:
1. Disconnect the battery
2. Remove the air inlet resonator and the air filter housing.
3. Remove the EGR pipe, if necessary.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector(s) from the distributor.
5. Look for a raised "1" on the distributor cap. This marks the location for the number one cylinder spark plug wire terminal. If the cap doesnot have a mark for the number one terminal, locate the number one spark plug and trace the wire back to the terminal on the cap.
6. Remove the bolt from the transaxle dipstick and remove the dipstick from the engine compartment.
7. Remove the distributor cap and turn the engine over [I guess you'll have to reconnect the battery if you're turning it over with the starter] until the rotor is pointing toward the number one spark plug terminal.
8. Mark the distributor base and the engine block to ensure that the distribuutor is installed correctly. Also, remove the distributor cap and make a mark on the edge of the distributor base directly below the rotor tip and in line with it.
9. Remove the distributor hold-down nuts (two) then pull the distributor straight out to remove it. Caution: DO NOT turn the crankshaft while the crankshaft is out of the engine or the alignment marks will be useless.

There are pictures in the Haynes manual that may be of help, but if you want them you'll have to get your own copy. It's not a bad investment.

You may have missed one or both of the hold-down nuts in your effort as they are not obvious.

Let us know how it works out.

 

Hello, and thanks for the info. I just kept working on it and it finally came out. Unfortunately, the new distributor did not do the trick and the car will not start. Still cranking good. Any ideas on what to check next?

 

Still no codes? How is the spark?
Have you checked the ASD (auto shut down) relay?

 

Hello,
No spark, no codes. ASD relay (fuse) okay. Any suggestions on where to hook a tow rope to the front? I have run out of ideas and it is time for my local mechanic to have a look at this mystery.
Thanks.

 

Hi,

I'm having almost the identical issue with my 2000 Sebring jxi. I'm just wondering what the final fix turned out to be, or has it been determined yet?

Thanks,

Whit

 

just passing through

 

Back again,
Got it going again after the new distributor, and another crankshaft sensor. Worked for a while, then after listening to the radio, engine off, while cleaning the vehicle, it will not start. No codes, no clicks, no turnover sounds. Silence. Any suggestions?

 

Starter relay?

 

I will check again, but I do not recall seeing a relay in the fuse box labeled "starter" . I have switched identical relays around to see if that made any difference. I thank you again for your help.