Distributor Cap and Rotor Replacement (1995-2000 Civic EG/EK, 1994-2001 Integra DC2 LS/RS/GS)

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Time 30 minutes
Level Easy
Steps 10
Done by
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Caution
  • Turn the engine by hand only, with the ignition off.
  • Do not mix up the plug wire order.

Introduction

The distributor cap and rotor wear over time, and a worn cap or rotor can cause misfires, rough running and hard starting. Replacing them is a short job, but there are two common mistakes: mixing up the spark plug wire order when moving them to the new cap, and stripping the small screw that holds the rotor to the distributor shaft. Hybrid Racing lists cap 30102-P54-006 (with seal and three bolts) for the 1995-2000 Civic, 1994-2001 Integra LS/RS/GS, 1995-1997 Del Sol and 1998-2002 Accord (https://www.hybrid-racing.com/products/honda-b-d-f-series-distributor-cap-30102-p54-006); it is not listed for the GS-R or Type R. A HondaCivicForum.com writeup by supersize (https://www.hondacivicforum.com/forum/routine-maintenance-diys-73/distributor-cap-rotor-replacement-80534/) covers the Civic. Adapted from a community writeup by integra0260 on Honda-Tech (https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-integra-6/distributor-cap-rotor-replacement-132616/).

Procedure

10 steps

  1. Step 1: Work on a cold engine

    Let the engine cool. Honda-Tech members found the rotor screw is harder to remove when the engine is hot.

  2. Step 2: Label the plug wires

    Before removing anything, label each spark plug wire with its cylinder number, or plan to move them one at a time. Wires in the wrong cap towers will cause misfiring or a no-start and can stress the ignition coil.

  3. Step 3: Remove the cap

    Remove the three fasteners holding the cap to the distributor housing and lift the cap off. The wires can stay attached to the old cap for now.

  4. Step 4: Find the rotor screw

    The rotor is held to the shaft by a single small screw on its side. It is usually visible from the firewall side of the distributor. If you cannot see it, turn the engine by hand with a socket on the crank pulley bolt until the screw faces you.

  5. Step 5: Remove the rotor screw carefully

    Use a Phillips screwdriver that fits the screw head exactly and press firmly while turning. This screw strips easily; one Honda-Tech member had to drill a stripped one out.

  6. Step 6: Swap the rotor

    Pull the old rotor straight off the shaft. Fit the new rotor so it seats fully on the shaft, then install the screw and tighten it snugly without over-tightening.

  7. Step 7: Fit the new cap seal

    Install the new seal that comes with the cap, making sure it sits evenly in its groove.

  8. Step 8: Install the new cap

    Set the new cap on the distributor in the same orientation as the old one and tighten its three fasteners evenly.

  9. Step 9: Move the wires

    Move the plug wires from the old cap to the matching towers on the new cap one at a time, pushing each boot fully home.

  10. Step 10: Start and check

    Start the engine and check for a smooth idle. If it misfires, recheck the wire order and that each boot is seated.

Tips
  • Some owners remove the distributor (three bolts) to reach the rotor screw on the bench. Doing so lets oil seep out, so replace the distributor O-ring and mark the distributor position first so ignition timing is not changed.
  • Hybrid Racing's cap listing includes the 1998-2002 Accord F23A; check the rotor for your engine separately.
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