I replaced my distributor in an effort to resolve a nagging idle issue. I never had any codes before, just a bad idle. On inspection of the distributor I noticed alot od dust and damage to the cap and rotor. Fearing I had a bearing problem I purchased a rebuilt distributor at Autozone. When I installed the new one the car ran for about 5 minutes and died. ECU showed a code 4 (crank trigger). I did the ohm test and everythign looked good, but since I had never recieved a code before, I went ahead and swapped it with another new one. Upon installation of the second distributor everythign started upa nd ran great. Best the car has rans ince I owned it. I set the idle, drove it around for a bit and went to bed. Got up this evening for work and all was good. I drove about 20 miles and exited the freeway and the car stalled at a light. Car refused to restart. Checked the ECU and it was a code 4. Pulled the battery cable to reset the ECU and drove int he couple of miles to work. I'm not sure if I should go get another distributor swapped at Autozone or if maybe my ECU is the problem. The only error I have ever got before was for the VSS and that was months ago and was corrected. Is there anythign else I should check? Any opinions on my next step?

 

A Code 4 can only come from the Crank Angle Sensor in the distributor base. Some auto parts stores do not realize that there is a specific application and will generally list thwrong one in their books. I checked Autozone, NAPA and Advance and found a Beck-Arnley rebuilt distributor that is the correct one for my Si (TD-02U). Put it in and ran the car at Watkins Glen w/no problems. I am not saying the store is at fault-just be absolutely sure of the part you have-they do not fail everytime like this usually. The ECU should give you a Code 1 when you first turn the key to the ON position-this means all is well. Should this not happen then you have an ECU problem or other issue (spare ECU for sale, btw). Last thought is that the connectors are not mating properly or have a small amount of corrosion on them. All this assumes a stock motor.
Hope this helps you

 

I do get the single flash when I first turn on the key. With no appearance of a code before the new distributor, it really makes me feel there is nothing wrong with my ECU or wiring. I will double check the connecitons are tight and clean and if problem contiues, go for distributor 3.

 

Autozone does sell some sketchy stuff.

 

Looks like Autozone did me more harm than good. After the third dist. threw a code 8, I returned their unit and got my old core back. I put in a new cap and rotor, making sure the rotor was on correctly and not wobbly. Car started upa nd ran fine. My only concern now is that to set the timing I have the distributor set as far as it will go advanced. Could I have the timing belt off a tooth?

 

ttt, issue got solved? i have the same problem, code 4

 

same problem........cel came on, engine started running rough, engine stalled, cel is #4. actually, the rotor was loose, along with the bad bearing, and has ruined my dizzy cap as well as being the reason the car wouldnt start. damn thing


Modified by [team iNfiNiT-e]sakot at 1:16 PM 8/1/2003