Distributor

This article is about the engine component. For other uses, see Distributor (disambiguation).
Distributor (side view) with input shaft (bottom) and vacuum advance unit (top right)
Ignition system diagram with distributor at the top right

A distributor is an electric and mechanical device used in the ignition system of older spark ignition engines. The distributor's main function is to route electricity from the ignition coil to each spark plug at the correct time.