How to Replace Distributor 96-98 Honda Civic

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1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace a bad or broken distributor. This video is applicable to the Honda Civic, years 96, 97, and 98.

This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
1996 Honda Civic
1997 Honda Civic
1998 Honda Civic
1999 Honda Civic
2000 Honda Civic

🔧 List of tools used:

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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[fjwong]

CR-V 376, 000 miles. Thanks so much 1A Auto. Except in my case, it didn't start the first few turns of the key. I had to crank it a few times, long long, until it finally ignited and started. Runs very smooth now, without the sputtering on low gears going uphill. BTW mine is 376, 000 miles, since 1999, the first time changing the distributor.

[henryevans]

I bought a 97’ ex and it wouldn’t start, this video got me to buy the distributor in the description and it started right up, I’m forever grateful for this YouTube provider

[jazzbox]

I got the $100 distributor. The pins on the connector weren't straight and the connector wouldn't plug. I bent the pins to 90% and greased it up, went in. The unit itself seems very cheap, but it worked and the car is running. Thanks 1A Auto. I also recommend oldskool funk "no start" video which is much more in depth .

[TheEasyDecision]

If only it was this easy. Important info left out!

[bob]

wow. that looks SO EASY. I wish I had done it myself.

[H]

You guys just saved me 400.00!!! Thank you!

[michaelsturges]

The hardest part of the job might be disconnecting the connector. You must slide it off the metal hanger before depressing the tab and pulling apart. The video shows a very easy disconnection without much instruction as to how it pulls apart. That would have helped. It's the little things.

[GodBlessHipHop]

what about the ignition timing? do you HAVE to fix it? trying to do this on my wifes 97 honda crv

[gnargooch]

Hello, great video!
I recently had to take off my distributor because of a heater hose that started leaking. I wasn’t aware of aligning these little grooves.

Ever since I removed and reinstalled the distributor, the car is very sluggish in first and second gears, but will smoothen out after 2500rpm in 3rd.

If I misaligned these grooves, would that be a cause for it to be misfiring and running sluggish?
Would greatly appreciate the advice, thanks!

[Bovane]

It seems the harness connector is stuck together and can't be pulled apart. Please help me. What should I do? Thank you.

[hondas]

dont you need to adjust that so you don't rehard or advants timing

[Fuzion]

2:20 what would happen if these lines weren't aligned up? could it cause the car to crank and not start? or

[TheycallhimZee]

I also had a problem with the crankin, first time i tried to fire it up it wouldnt, switched spark plug wires around n that didnt work. When i took of the distrubator the two teeth things/shaft one of them was broken so i switched it that but i havent put in place back again. Was told i had to put in time . I believe u have to turn the crank with a socket rachet..

[xaviergua]

Thank you internet, thank you Google and thank you guys. Took my lil beater to a shop. The guy told me the distributor cost 400$ plus 300$ for the service. Thank you so much.

[Quietone]

You will need a timing light for the next step. The timing must be adjusted to meet specifications.

[kevinfernando]

Got a p1362 after replacing distributor cap plugs and wires with aftermarket parts. Anyone know what my issue might be?

[SKOOLBOYGAMR]

WARNING! This video is missing very important information about the timing. There are better videos here on youtube that do a better job explaning how to change the distributor.

[RamonHernandez-oifm]

Does this work for 1988 civic as well.

[ambershah]

How do u Kno if the rotor is in the correct place without taking the cap off