The Honda CR-V's distributor cap and rotor receive a spark from the coil that is then sent through the spark plug wires to the spark plugs. Over time, the excessive heat in the engine compartment can make the distributor cap brittle and cracked, causing inadequate spark to fire the spark plugs. The rotor can accumulate carbon deposits, which build up on the metal surface and do not allow the full spark to transfer through the distributor cap.
Remove the three Phillips screws that attach the distributor cap to the distributor. Slide the cap off the distributor, leaving the spark plug wires attached.
Remove the Phillips screw that secures the rotor to the distributor. Slide the rotor off the distributor.
Slide the new rotor onto the distributor and tighten the screw. Install the new distributor cap and tighten the screws.
Remove the spark plug wires from the old distributor one at a time and transfer them to the same location on the new distributor.
