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    Honda Accord/Prelude 1984-1995 Repair Guide

    Parts Replacement

    Print

    On 1990-95 Accords and 1988-95 fuel injected Preludes, the distributor cap, rotor and igniter are the only serviceable parts in the distributor. If the reluctor(s) or pickup coil(s) are found to be defective on these models, it will be necessary to replace the entire distributor housing.

    REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

    Distributor Cap and Rotor

    See Figures 1, 2 and 3

    The distributor cap is retained by screws to the distributor housing. With the ignition OFF , loosen or remove the screws, then remove the cap. Inspect the inside of the cap for cracking, burning or heavy wear on the wire terminals. Replace the cap if there is any sign of anything abnormal. Slight wear on the terminals is normal.



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    Fig. Fig. 1: Remove the screws securing the cap to the distributor ...



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    Fig. Fig. 2: ... then pull the cap out from the distributor

    Some models use a set screw to secure the rotor to the shaft; loosen or remove (but don't lose) the screw before attempting to remove the rotor. Remove the ignition rotor by lifting it straight off the shaft. Inspect the rotor for any sign of wear; dressing or refiling the rotor is not recommended except in emergency circumstances.



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 3: On most models, the rotor can simply be pulled from the distributor shaft

    Before installing, align the rotor and shaft; both have a flat side to insure correct placement. Press the rotor onto the shaft. Install and tighten the set screw if applicable. Install the cap and any seal or gasket carefully onto the distributor; tighten the screws just snug.

    Reluctor

    See Figure 4

    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
      3.  
    3. Remove the distributor cap and rotor.
      4.  
    4. Use two small or medium sized flat tools to pry the reluctor smoothly and evenly from the shaft. Protect the case of the distributor with rags or cloth. Use great care not to damage the stator or other components.
      5.  

    Be careful not to lose the roll pin!

    To install:


    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 4: Use care when removing the reluctor

    1. Position the reluctor with the manufacturer's number facing up. Install the reluctor by pushing it firmly onto the distributor shaft.
      2.  
    2. Install the roll pin with the slot of the roll pin facing away from the distributor shaft.
      3.  

    Pickup Coil

    See Figure 5

    This procedure applies only to Toyo Denso distributors. On Hitachi distributors, the pickup coil and igniter unit are integral with each other. Refer to the igniter removal and installation procedure for these units.

    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Remove the distributor cap, rotor and reluctor.
      3.  
    3. Unplug the electrical connector from the pickup coil.
      4.  
    4. Remove the retaining screws securing the pickup coil, then remove the coil assembly.
      5.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 5: Removing the pickup coil

    To install:
    1. Position the pickup coil in the distributor, then tighten the retaining screws until snug.
      2.  
    2. Engage the electrical connection.
      3.  
    3. Install the reluctor, then check the air gap.
      4.  
    4. Install the rotor and distributor cap.
      5.  

    Igniter
    TOYO DENSO

    See Figure 6

    The igniter on these models is externally mounted on the side of the distributor and plugs directly into the distributor case.

    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Remove the two screws securing the igniter unit assembly and the harness clip.
      3.  
    3. Carefully pull the igniter from the distributor. Use care not to damage the igniter and the mating terminals.
      4.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 6: Removing the Toyo Denso igniter

    To install:
    1. Before installation, coat the igniter pins and the connector housing with silicone grease.
      2.  
    2. Carefully push the igniter into its mating terminals.
      3.  
    3. Install the screws securing the igniter assembly and harness clip. Tighten until snug.
      4.  

    HITACHI

    See Figure 7

    The igniter is internally mounted in the distributor.

    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Remove the distributor cap, rotor and reluctor.
      3.  
    3. Unplug the electrical connections.
      4.  
    4. The igniter may be removed by removing the retaining screws. Note the position of the retaining screws; one is diamagnetic and must be reinstalled in the original location.
      5.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 7: Hitachi igniter removal

    To install:
    1. Position the igniter in the distributor, then tighten the retaining screws until snug. Make sure the diamagnetic screw is installed in its original location.
      2.  
    2. Engage the electrical connections.
      3.  
    3. Install the reluctor, then check the air gap.
      4.  
    4. Install the rotor and distributor cap.
      5.  

    1988-91 FUEL INJECTED PRELUDE

    The igniter is located on the passenger side strut tower.

    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Unplug the electrical connector from the igniter unit.
      3.  
    3. Remove the bolts securing the igniter, then remove the unit from the vehicle.
      4.  

    To install:
    1. Secure the igniter to the strut tower with its retaining bolts. Tighten them until snug.
      2.  
    2. Engage the electrical connection.
      3.  

    1990-95 ACCORD AND 1992-95 PRELUDE

    The igniter is internally mounted in the distributor.

    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Remove the distributor cap and rotor.
      3.  
    3. Unplug the electrical connections from the igniter.
      4.  
    4. The igniter may be removed by removing its retaining screws.
      5.  

    To install:
    1. Position the igniter in the distributor, then tighten the retaining screws until snug.
      2.  
    2. Engage the electrical connections.
      3.  
    3. Install the rotor and distributor cap.
      4.  

    Advance Diaphragm

    See Figures 8 and 9

    1. Remove the distributor cap, rotor and dust cover.
      2.  
    2. Label and disconnect the vacuum hoses from the diaphragm.
      3.  
    3. Remove the diaphragm mounting screws.
      4.  
    4. On Hitachi units, remove the screw and washer securing the diaphragm arm to the breaker plate. On Toyo Denso types, carefully remove the E-clip securing the diaphragm arm to the pin screw on the breaker plate.
      5.  



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    Fig. Fig. 8: Removing the advance diaphragm on Hitachi units



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    Fig. Fig. 9: Removing the advance diaphragm on Toyo Denso units

    1. Pull the advance diaphragm out from the distributor unit. Discard the old O-ring.
      2.  

    To install:
    1. Install the advance diaphragm with a new O-ring.
      2.  
    2. Connect the advance diaphragm arm to the breaker plate. On Toyo Denso units, use a new clip.
      3.  
    3. Tighten the advance diaphragm mounting screws until snug.
      4.  
    4. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
      5.  

    Ignition Coil
    EXTERNALLY MOUNTED
    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Unplug the primary and the secondary wiring connectors from the ignition coil.
      3.  
    3. Remove the ignition coil-to-mount screws/bolts and the coil from the vehicle.
      4.  
    4. To install, reverse the removal procedures.
      5.  

    DISTRIBUTOR MOUNTED

    See Figure 10

    1. Turn the ignition switch OFF .
      2.  
    2. Remove the distributor cap, rotor, cap seal. Remove the shield or leak cover from the coil.
      3.  
    3. Label and disconnect the two wires running to the coil terminals. These wires must be reinstalled correctly.
      4.  
    4. Remove the two screws securing the coil unit. Slide the coil out of the distributor housing.
      5.  

    To install
    1. Carefully position the coil and slide it into the distributor housing.
      2.  
    2. Install the retaining screws.
      3.  
    3. Connect the wires to the terminals (be sure they are connected to the correct terminals.)
      4.  
    4. Install the leak cover and cap seal. Make certain these seals align properly with their mounts.
      5.  
    5. Install the rotor and cap.
      6.  



    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Fig. 10: Removing the internally mounted ignition coil

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