The distributor is driven by the engine's camshaft and is responsible for timing the spark and distributing it to the correct cylinder. The distributor cap contains a rotor that connects the ignition coil (and its high voltage) to the proper cylinder at the proper point in the stroke cycle.
The distributor is responsible for:
utlizing battery power to start the engine |
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recharging the battery |
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timing the spark and distributing it to the correct cylinder |
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distributing power to the correct drive wheels |