GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Inspect the distributor ventilation system for proper ventilation. Refer to Section 6E.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in General Information.
  3. Disconnect the intake air temperature (IAT) connector. Refer to Section 6E.

  4. Object Number: 11440  Size: SH
  5. Remove the air intake duct. Refer to Section 6E
  6. Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  7. Drain the engine coolant from the engine. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.

  8. Object Number: 11668  Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the ECT sensor connector.
  10. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  11. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  12. Remove the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  13. Remove the spark plug wire harness from the distributor.
  14. 11.1. Twist the boot ½ turn before removing.
    11.2. Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the distributor.
  15. Disconnect the distributor PCM connector.
  16. Important: Do not allow foreign material to enter any open vacuum lines. Cap the ends as necessary.

  17. Remove the distributor vacuum harness. Refer to Section 6E.

  18. Object Number: 11488  Size: SH
  19. Remove the distributor mounting bolts.
  20. Remove the distributor. Pull the distributor forward until the coupling disengages from the end of the camshaft.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Do not attempt to fully seat the distributor using bolts or screws. If the distributor does not seat by hand, then it is not properly aligned with the camshaft.


    Object Number: 11488  Size: SH
  1. Install the distributor as follows:
  2. 1.1. Rotate the coupling until the camshaft sprocket pin slot aligns with the pin.
    1.2. Rotate the crankshaft until the engine is at the number 1 cylinder TDC. The camshaft sprocket pin is at the 9 o'clock position.
    1.3. Rotate the distributor distributor coupling until the camshaft sprocket pin slot aligns with the distributor base timing mark.
    1.4. Install the distributor.
    1.5. Slide the distributor onto the camshaft until the distributor is fully seated on the engine front cover.
    1.6. Install the distributor bolts.

    Tighten
    Tighten the distributor bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in). Refer to

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    in General Information.

  3. Connect the PCM connector.
  4. Install the vacuum harness. Refer to Section 6E.
  5. Install the spark plug wires on the distributor.
  6. Install the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  7. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  8. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  9. Object Number: 11668  Size: SH
  10. Connect the ECT sensor connector.
  11. Refill the engine coolant in the engine. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  12. Install the accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

  13. Object Number: 11440  Size: SH
  14. Install the air intake duct. Refer to Section 6E.
  15. Connect the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor connector. Refer to Section 6E.
  16. Connect the negative battery cable.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the negative battery cable to 15 N·m (11 lb. ft)