I would suggest replacing it if someome stole it - otherwise if your car is young -look for causes of poor spark operations in the plug wires and related spark supply components. Usually, a distributor needs to be replaced when it is worn or malfunctioning and repair or rebuild of the distributor in no longer possible, or would cost more than replacing it.
Well, I know when a tire on my car needs to be replaced when there is no tread left on it. What are YOU referring to
It could be that the distributor was not the problem. Need to know what the code is and what engine you have.
look for cracks and inside on the lugs look for carbon deposits this means it needs to be replaced
How do you know if it needs to be replaced
it goes out and your heat will be gon
i replaced a distributor cap on my Nissan altima se.now i belive the timingchain needs adjustment .how do i line up the timingchain.?
there is a gasket that goes under the distriburator that needs replaced.
There is no "chip" that can be replaced in the distributor, it is serviced as a unit. There is no chip in the distributor cap.
You may need to have it rewired or have it replaced.
when the air does not comes out cold in your ac will be a good time
Have it looked at by a professional transmission specialist.
You will not know. Just replace it every 50,000 miles.