Top 7 Symptoms Of Bad Distributor Cap In Volkswagen

Volkswagen is a German brand having an arresting locus in the market of motorized vehicles. The Volkswagen vehicles have the pressing amount of muscle to provide an outstanding driving experience. The Volk is definitely a great option for those who are looking for a dependable car having a solid look and powerful performance.

However, our smart call to purchase a Volkswagen can become one of the worst decisions, when any of its components like- a distributor cap fail, and the muddles are left to fester. Thus, we must be aware of the symptoms of a failing distributor cap so that we can take the needful measures for keeping us safe from a hell-like situation during a ride.

Running over this article will give ample knowledge about the symptoms of a failing distributor cap and the most effective solutions to keep the issue at bay.

Functions of a distributor cap:

A distributor cap is a detachable component of the vehicle’s ignition system. Its job is to keep the distributor and the rotor covered. Apart from protecting the distributor and the rotor from getting contaminated, this cap also plays a vital role in the distribution of electrical current in-between the ignition coil and a set of spark plugs. The spark plugs have to be activated in the proper firing sequence for an internal combustion engine to run properly. This is something that can be accomplished in different ways. But the most conventional way to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber for powering the engine is to do with the help of a distributor, distributor cap, and rotor. The aim of the mechanism is to maximize the torque and power to the level required for increasing the mileage of a speed machine.

Causes and symptoms of a bad distributor cap:

Like other mechanical and electrical components, a distributor cap is one of the components that can fail and the failure occurs due to a number of factors. Contamination and normal wear- are the two main factors that can malfunction a distributor cap. The distributor cap losses its ability to distribute high voltage pulses when contaminants get inside the cap. If the cap is left dirty, then it may fail in the end.

Likewise, this cap which is nothing but a cup-shaped plastic is often subjected to high heat and intense vibration. This heat and vibration deteriorate it and cause its failure.

There are certain signs from which a failing distributor cap can be spotted. The most common indications that tell the vehicle’s distributor cap is bad are-

· Engine misfiring

· Noise

· Anomalous shaking

· Difficulty in starting

· Stalling

· Turn over issue

· Engine backfiring

Engine misfiring: Engine misfiring occurs for several causes. A faulty distributor cap is one of the causes due to which the engine of a car misfires. In fact, it is the safest place that a car owner should look for when an issue like engine misfiring happens.

Noise: The engine of a car will perform smoothly as long as its components are in good order. The failure of any component can make the engine noise. Thus, if the car is manifesting unusual noises like- knocking or squealing when the driver is behind the wheel, then the problem might be with the distributor cap.

Anomalous shaking: Immoderate shaking while driving the car means something is not good with the engine. If the operative is experiencing abnormal shaking when starting the vehicle or changing the gears, then a defective distributor cap might be the mainspring.

Difficulty in starting: A faulty distributor cap can’t deliver the right amount of spark required for the operation of the vehicle and will engender starting troubles eventually.

Stalling: If the vehicle starts easily but stalls after some time on the road, then it is due to a malfunctioning distributor cap. A bad distributor cap will preclude the rotor from revolving properly which will never allow the rotor to stay functional all the time and cause the car to stall sooner or later.

Turnover issue: If the car turns over along with stalling, then it is expected to have a problem with the distributor cap.

Engine backfiring: Engine backfiring occurs when the firing sequence goes against the rules. And an improper firing order is originated when the distributor cap becomes faulty.

Faulty distributor cap rectification:

Replacement is probably the best way to rectify a malfunctioning distributor cap. However, by keeping the contacts clean, we can get the full advantage of a distributor cap. Since contaminated oil is the main reason behind the carbon build-up on a distributor cap, thus, it is recommended to change the motor oil routinely to avoid distributor cap failure. Moisture in a distributor cap can affect its functionality. So, it is the driver’s responsibility to take measures for preventing the water from getting into the cap.

Conclusion:

Driving a car with a bad distributor cap can be risky. So, if the vehicle’s distributor cap is suffering, then necessary measures should be taken immediately for giving first aid to the road companion. Its replacement undertaking is absolutely a complex procedure. Thus, leaving the task up to a trusted Volkswagen specialist is the best to get the job done effectively.