i have a 99 civic hx cvt auto transmission (D16Y5). i've just got my spark plug and wires replaced. now i need to replace the cap and rotor. i asked the honda dealership and they will do it for $110. i really think it's overpriced. so my question is any DIY or someone willing to tell me how to do it in a step by step instructions. planning to get the part from honda anyone know the price.

 

Ya I wouldn't pay that. It's actually one of the easiest things to change.

You want to first take the plug wires off, either mark each wire to remember which order they go in (very important) or just leave them plugged into the head and take them off of the distributor only.

Than there are 4 screws holding the cap on. I believe you can use a phillips head or a 10 mm socket. Use the 10 mm socket and wrench if you can, that way you wont risk striping it.

Once it is off there should be a rubber gasket that goes along the outside of the cap. Take this out, your new set of cap and rotor should come with a replacement gasket.

Now for the rotor part. This will be easier if you have another person around. Cause what you want to do is crank the motor untill the rotor is at an angleso you can take out the bolt. Just crank the motor in short spurts. Because this will spin and change it's location.

Once you can see the bolt at the top looking down. I believe you unscrew it with a phillips head screw driver. Once that is off replace with new one.

Now put in the new gasket seal screw on cap replace plugs in the right fireing order and should be good to go.

I would also advice picking up a haynes manual, they are really helpful for maintenance guides.

 

Why do you need to crank the motor to take out the rotor?

I have a '93 DX Manual and the way the distributor links to the engine, there is no way you can screw it up.
You just unscrew the rotor by taking the screw off...

 

You need to have the rotor screw where you can reach it, that may require "bump" cranking the engine. If the screw is stubborn take the dizzy out of the car and take it to a workbench where you can reach it easier. That does introduce a couple of new precautions though.

I suggest you remove the old cap with wires still attached and push it aside, then once the new cap is on move the wires over one at a time to make sure you have them all on the right places.

 

can you explain the "crank the engine". do i start my car?

 

Right, you turn the key as if you were starting your engine. This is only if the rotor isn't in the right position where the screw is towards the top.

 

cool,i will pick up the parts later when i pick up my car from the dealership.know how much they will cost and hink they might have them in stock or special order?

 

around $13-$15 at an autozone or any auto parts store should have them.

 

want to get them oem from honda dealer. but which is better though?

 

Absolutely get OEM ones. A lot of aftermarket caps and rotors are absolute crap. I think they're well under $50 at the dealer. You can mail-order them from a discount dealer if you're willing to wait.