2012 Volkswagen Jetta - Ignition Points/Contactor

What is an ignition Breaker Point?

The ignition breaker points, also known as contact breakers or ignition points, are a component of the distributor in most older vehicles, and are mounted inside the distributor body. These points are aligned with the distributor shaft and reluctor wheel and act as a switch, cutting off and reconnecting the voltage circuit to the coil as the engine turns to maintain appropriate spark timing. The ignition points control the coil, which builds high voltage when the points are in the open position, and then sends power to the right spark plug when the points close. If your ignition system is not operating properly, your engine may not start. If you experience a stalled engine, or your engine doesn't start at all, check the condition of your ignition points, as well as the distributor rotor and cap. If the contact surfaces of the points are pitted, burned, or corroded, or if the points have fallen out of adjustment, this can prevent your coil from firing appropriately and limit the voltage reaching the spark plugs. If you need replacement ignition points, a condenser, or new spark plugs, browse our selection of ignition system parts at O'Reilly Auto Parts to find the right fit for your vehicle. You can also learn how to find the right spark plug for your vehicle with resources in our How-To Hub.