Hey guys. My distributor bearing was squeeling, so I ordered a new (reman) from Cardone.

This came in but the connector is slightly different. Any reason I can't just swap connectors from the old one to the new one? Other than this small difference, they're identical.



I'm dead in the water now, and need the jeep. New Dizzy local is too much $$$

 

First of all, I don't trust Cardone. I've had some bad experiences with their stuff.


That looks like the Camshaft Position Sensor connector. Don't try to switch connectors, just buy a Cam Sensor for your year XJ. It will have a flat pin connector. Besides, the one you show has corroded pins.


The OEM part number is 56041030. Use this number when searching for an aftermarket part (1998 and up).


The round pin connector looks like a 1997, or earlier, connector.


Edit: Or reuse the old Cam sensor but remove the corrosion from the pins, and pin cavities in the body harness connector.

 

Thanks for the information and detail, you seem to be dead on. Unfortunately I couldn't wait on new parts, so I went ahead and tried swapping connectors last night.

Seems to be working fine, although I will definitely change the camshaft position sensor now.

Appreciate your help. I was thinking the whole distributor would need to be changed again...

 

Flipping thru my 97 FSM, CCKen is correct on 97 using the rounded connector which, for future reference, is part number 56027023AB. That is the rounded connector. Like said, dont bother swapping connectors. That would require cutting the old wiring and recrimping or resoldering each one (with heatshrink) to the proper lead, which, if not done properly, only adds another set of possible failure points down the road. Unless i am missing something. In any case, i would buy a new sensor to have on hand.

97 and older - 56027023AB (rounded connector w/ round pins)
98 and newer - 56041030 (square connector w/ flat pins)

Let us know how the distributor works out. Bought myself a Cardone for my 97 a couple months ago (30-4694), still in the box. Picked up a paper distributor gasket to go with it. Felpro 70051.

 

See above, I did change it and swapped the connector. Splicing them was easy, but I won't leave it that way. Fixed for now.

Edit: thanks also for looking into this for me.