INSTALLATION

Timing Not Disturbed

2.6L ENGINE

1. Lubricate the distributor O-ring with clean engine oil.
2. Install the distributor with the hold-down bolt(s), aligning the marks that were made during removal. Tighten the hold-down bolt(s) to 14–19 ft. lbs. (19–25 Nm).
3. Connect the electrical connectors and vacuum hose(s), if equipped.
4. Install the distributor cap on the distributor. Connect the spark plug wires, if removed.
5. Connect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and check the ignition timing.

3.0L ENGINE

1. Lubricate the distributor O-ring with clean engine oil.
2. On the 1996–98, align the matchmarks on the distributor shaft and the distributor drive gear.
3. Install the distributor with the hold-down bolt, aligning the marks that were made during removal. Tighten the hold-down bolt to 14–18 ft. lbs. (19–25 Nm).
4. Connect the electrical connector.
5. Connect the spark plug wires.
6. Connect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and check the ignition timing.

Timing Disturbed

2.6L ENGINE

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the No. 1 cylinder spark plug and remove the spark plug. Make sure the engine is cool enough to touch, place a finger over the spark plug hole.
2. Turn the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation until compression is felt at the spark plug hole.
3. Align the mark on the crankshaft pulley with the TDC mark on the timing belt cover.
4. Lubricate the distributor O-ring with clean engine oil.
5. Turn the distributor shaft until the rotor points to the No. 1 spark plug tower on the distributor cap and install the distributor. Install the distributor hold-down bolt(s) and align the distributor housing with the mark made on the cylinder head during removal. Snug the bolt(s).
6. Connect the electrical connectors and vacuum hose(s), if equipped.
7. Install the distributor cap on the distributor. Connect the spark plug wires, if removed.
8. Install the spark plug in the No. 1 cylinder and connect the spark plug wire.
9. Connect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and adjust the ignition timing. Tighten the distributor hold-down bolt(s) to 14–19 ft. lbs. (19–25 Nm) after the timing has been set.

3.0L ENGINE

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the No. 1 cylinder spark plug and remove the spark plug. After making sure the engine is cool enough to touch, place a finger over the spark plug hole.
2. Turn the crankshaft in the normal direction of rotation until compression is felt at the spark plug hole.
3. On the 1996–98, align the mark on the crankshaft pulley with the TDC mark on the timing belt cover.
4. Lubricate the distributor O-ring with clean engine oil.
5. Align the matchmarks on the distributor shaft and the distributor drive gear.
6. Turn the distributor shaft until the rotor points to the No. 1 spark plug tower on the distributor cap and install the distributor. Install the distributor hold-down bolt(s) and align the distributor housing with the mark made on the cylinder head during removal. Snug the bolt(s).
7. Connect the electrical connector.
8. Connect the spark plug wires.
9. Install the spark plug in the No. 1 cylinder and connect the spark plug wire.
10. Connect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and adjust the ignition timing. Tighten the distributor hold-down bolt to 14–18 ft. lbs. (19–25 Nm) after the timing has been set.