How to Install an Ignition Coil in a 99 Honda Civic

Economy car buyers have always seen the Civic, introduced by Honda in 1973, as a leader in compact, high-fuel economy vehicles. The 1999 model year marked the year that Honda regained the attention of performance enthusiasts, as the Si model returned to the Civic line-up. The 1999 Civics all came fitted with an electronic ignition system that used an electronic distributor with a coil mounted inside it. The coil turns the 12 volts from the Civic's electrical system and converts it to the high-voltage needed to ignite the fuel and air mixture. Replacing this coil involves removing the distributor cap.

Instructions

1

Remove the negative battery cable from the battery with a combination wrench. Position the wire aside to avoid accidental reconnection.

2

Loosen the three distributor cap-retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the distributor cap from the distributor.

3

Match-mark the ignition rotor to the distributor housing, using white marking paint. Remove the ignition rotor-retaining screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the rotor from the distributor.

4

Insert the blade of a flat-head screwdriver under the distributor cap and pry it out of its groove. Pull the distributor seal from the distributor. Inspect the seal for any wear and replace it, as needed.

5

Press the three tabs on the top of the leak cover -- the plastic cover on the distributor -- and lift the top part of the leak cover upward. Press the lower leak cover tabs and pull the leak cover off the distributor.

6

Label the two wires connecting to the ignition coil with masking tape and a permanent marker. This aids in reinstalling the wires correctly.

7

Loosen the screw retaining both wires to the coil pack with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the wires from the coil.

8

Remove the two coil-to-distributor screws with a Phillips screwdriver and pull the coil from the distributor.

9

Insert the new coil into the distributor and tighten the coil-to-distributor screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Set the two coil wires onto the coil, in the same position the wires were secured on the old coil and tighten the wire-retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the labels from the wires.

10

Set the leak cover back on the distributor and press it onto the distributor until it clicks into place. Apply a thin coat of new engine oil onto the distributor seal and press it into the groove on the distributor.

11

Line the match mark on the ignition rotor with that on the distributor housing and press it onto the distributor output shaft. Tighten the ignition rotor screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

12

Reinstall the distributor cap and tighten the three distributor cap-retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

13

Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten it with a combination wrench.