Installation (2.5L)

Factory replacement distributor is equipped with a plastic alignment pin in access hole on bottom of distributor housing. See Fig 1. Plastic alignment pin is used to temporarily lock distributor rotor in correct position for cylinder No. 1. Plastic alignment pin must be removed after installing distributor.

Fig 1: Locating Plastic Alignment Pin (2.5L)
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
If engine has not been rotated after removing distributor, go to next step. If engine has been rotated since removing distributor, rotate crankshaft clockwise (viewed from front of engine) until cylinder No. 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on compression stroke and timing mark on vibration damper aligns with "0" degree timing mark on timing chain cover. DO NOT rotate crankshaft counterclockwise to align timing marks.
Check position of slot in oil pump drive gear in cylinder block. Slot in oil pump drive gear should be at approximately 10 o'clock position. See Fig 2. Rotate oil pump drive gear if necessary.

Fig 2: Setting Oil Pump Slot To 10 O'clock Position (2.5L)
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: There are 4 different alignment holes in plastic ring. Ensure proper alignment hole is used when installing drift into plastic ring and distributor housing. See Fig 3.
If installing a factory replacement distributor, go to next step. If installing original or used distributor, remove distributor rotor. Remove Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor from distributor. See Figure. Rotate distributor shaft and install a 3/16" (4.76 mm) diameter drift through proper alignment hole in plastic ring and into access hole in bottom of distributor housing. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Ring Alignment Hole
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Ensure distributor mounting area on cylinder block is clean. Install NEW gasket on distributor. Install distributor rotor if previously removed. Position distributor so center of hold-down bolt area on distributor housing is at one o'clock position on cylinder block. See .Fig 4 Install distributor so distributor shaft engages with slot in oil pump drive gear. It may be necessary to slightly rotate distributor during installation.

Fig 4: Pre-Positioning Distributor For Installation
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
When distributor is fully seated, distributor rotor should be at 3 o'clock position. Center of hold-down bolt area on distributor housing should align with distributor hold-down bolt area on cylinder block. See Fig 5.

Fig 5: Identifying Distributor Installed Position (2.5L)
Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
Install hold-down clamp and distributor hold-down bolt. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
If a factory replacement distributor is installed, remove plastic alignment pin from distributor housing. If original or used distributor is installed, remove drift from distributor housing and reinstall CMP sensor and distributor rotor. On all applications, install distributor cap and remaining components. Base ignition timing is nonadjustable, as ignition timing and timing advance are controlled by Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Check fuel system synchronization. See FUEL SYSTEM SYNCHRONIZATION under FUEL SYSTEM in ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS article for adjusting fuel system synchronization.