I have read most accounts here saying replacing the distributor cap & rotor is very simple. But, I have also read a few cases where the person totally messed things up, and the XJ would no longer run. Something about screwing up the timing, etc. That's when it gets way out of my league.

My XJ runs great, but I'd like to try this tune-up as a learning experience, and to prep it for winter duty. I have no problem throwing money at new parts to keep it running reliable. But, I don't want to mess it up, or have to tow my truck for $300 to get it fixed.

What exactly can go wrong when replacing these parts?

Is it obvious when you remove the rotor, and replace the new one in the exact same position? How do people mess this up?

What about the thing under the distributor? The Distributor Pickup Switch / Cam position sensor? Is that also easy to accidentally move and mess up?

 

Really doing the distributor and cap is like saying the abc's. Takes all of a 5-10 minutes to install.. Just unscrew the screws but before removed have your new cap positioned the same way the old one is and start putting the plug wires on the new cap just like they were on the old cap... The rotor just pulls up.. And pops back on...

 

What year is your XJ?

Pull the cap off, replace the button (it can only go on the correct way), replace cap, new wires. Easy, yes another easy task.

 

Ok, so there is only one way the rotor (Button?) can go back on? I am pretty sure I read a few threads where people replaced this and the car would no longer run. I thought there was some room for making errors in this one.

 

Yes the stem of the distributor has a slot the rotor button key will slide in to. It can only go on like that. Screw down the new cap and run new wire to the correct plugs.

 

Look on YouTube for a cherokee 4.0 cap and rotor replacement to get an idea

 

Ok. Just do the cap, rotor, wires?
Plugs were done 25k miles ago.

Is there a certain brand/kit I should get?
AutoZone? Amazon? RockAuto?

 

Doesn't really matter, just avoid the cheapest. I've used the mid-priced Autozone wires on other cars and had no issues.

 

I'm running the accel tune up kit from Advanced....pretty nice set up....also the only real issue you can run into is putting your wires on wrong....cap can go on any way just line the screw holes up the button can only go on one way. (If you mess that part up just get away from CF forever) jk sir...
Just take your old cap off with the wires still on it,replace the button apply silicon to the bottom of cap.Tighten screws then move your wires over to the new cap and change plugs and wires one at a time....also verify gap on plug is at .035 and don't for get dielectric or no ox for your terminals on your cap and your plugs themselves.....

 

Plugs are due at 30,000 miles anyway........

Napa Belden wires, their Premium cap and rotor with brass terminals and NGK plugs

 

People mess up when they don't put the wires back in the right spot on the new cap...

That's the mistake people make that causes it to not run.

 

All questions have been answered here........

 

There will be more questions.

 

RIGHT.......LOL.

 

Damn straight.
I haven't even bought the stuff yet.
Just wait until the wrenches come out!