Genuine Mazda Protege Distributor Rotor

Mazda Protege Distributor Rotor Parts and Q&A

• Rotor
  B6BF-18-V05-9U
  Q: How to inspect and maintain the Distributor Cap, Distributor Rotor and Spark Plug Wire without a conventional distributor on Mazda Protege?

  A:

  On later models (1999 and later) no conventional distributor is used, a Camshaft Position Sensor is fitted in its location and two coil-packs are used to discharge the spark plugs through the valve cover. The PCM controls the ignition control and the coil-packs have two cylinders each. Whenever new spark plugs are installed, spark plug wires are to be inspected and this should begin with visual check when the engine is running in a dark environment so that arcing or sparks can be noted which are indicators that the wire is damaged. All the wires should be tested separately to ensure that the order of firing is correct and the wires used are original and numbered to identify them. When removing a wire, one should use a removal tool or twist the rubber boot to ensure not to pull by the wire. Inspect the inside of the boot to determine whether it is corroded or not; the connector of the metal must fit the connector of the spark plug snugly, in which case, crimp the connector. Wipe the wire with your hand and look at it without bending sharply to the assessment of burns or cracks. Uncouple the wire, and distributor cap ensuring that no corrosion occurs or that it does not fit. When one inspects all the wires, in case new ones are required, buy a set that would fit the engine model and then replace each individual wire. Disassemble the distributor cap by loosening the retaining screws and examine it thoroughly like checking cracks, carbon tracks and damaged contacts and changing it accordingly. Inspect the rotor condition and change it in case of any flaws. Installation of a new cap and rotor with new spark plug wires is recommended, but in case the old cap is to be kept, it is recommended to check the resistance between the wires and the cap; and in case it is higher than the maximum, replace the cap and /or the wires. Installation of a new cap should follow this procedure to avoid confusion with the firing order: remove the wires of the old cap one by one when putting in place the new cap.