Glossary / General

distributor cap

19 Episode Mentions
Too Afraid to Ask

The distributor cap is a cover on the engine that sends spark to each cylinder. It works with the ignition system to make the car start.

Technical Definition

The distributor cap covers the top of the distributor and directs high-voltage spark from the ignition coil to each cylinder's spark plug via rotor contacts.

Hear It Discussed

"For example... bad plugs, bad distributor cap. I've replaced the things I've done in my own half baked diagnosis... I've replaced the plugs, the wires, the distributor cap..."

#2642: Overtightening Our Belts The Best of Car Talk 26:41

"because it's an O3, it said distributor cap. Let's see."

Get Ready For Free Car Repair Under The Hood show 07:58

"when they created a car where the AC compressor sat right on top of the distributor cap? So to do any sort of distributor maintenance cap, rotor, spark plug wires, anything, you had to take the AC..."

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - March 14, 2026 - Hour 1 - When Your Mechanic Says Don’t Fix the Car Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 04:16

Cars Known For This

Porsche 356

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