Removal (3.9L & 5.9L)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All engines are equipped with a camshaft driven mechanical distributor containing a shaft driven distributor rotor. See Figure. All distributors are equipped with an internal camshaft position (fuel sync) sensor.

CAUTION: Base ignition timing is not adjustable on any engine. Distributors do not have built in centrifugal or vacuum assisted advance. Base ignition timing and timing advance are controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Because a conventional timing light can not be used to adjust distributor position after installation, note position of distributor before removal.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air cleaner assembly. Remove distributor cap. Disconnect electrical connector for 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 TDC timing mark on timing chain cover. Cylinder No. 1 is the front cylinder on driver's side of engine.
Ensure distributor rotor aligns with cylinder No. 1 alignment mark on Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor. See Figure. If distributor rotor is not properly aligned, rotate crankshaft clockwise one full revolution. Ensure distributor rotor aligns with terminal for cylinder No. 1 on distributor cap.
Scribe a mark on distributor and adjacent component to indicate rotor and distributor housing position for installation reference. Remove distributor hold-down bolt and hold-down clamp. Remove distributor with "O" ring from cylinder block.
CAUTION: Do not crank engine with distributor removed. Distributor/crankshaft relationship will be lost.