How many wires are typically attached to the distributor of a four-cylinder engine?

In a typical four-cylinder engine, the distributor usually has six wires associated with it. This includes the following: one wire for each of the four ignition coils (or spark plugs), a power wire that provides voltage from the battery or ignition switch, and a wire for the ground connection or also for the ignition trigger signal.

The additional wiring allows the distributor to effectively manage the timing of the ignition events for each cylinder, ensuring that the spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture at the precise moment in the engine cycle. This coordination is crucial for optimal engine performance and efficiency.

Understanding the wiring configuration is important for diagnosing issues related to ignition timing, misfires, or engine performance problems in general.