I had someone replace the distributor on my 1995 Cadillac Deville and now won't start. Cannot locate timing mark on damper pully? How do I set the timing?

Have heard of condensation causing that problem on distributor caps. Don't know why it couldn't be a problem for coils. Maybe a crack getting moisture inside.

use inductive timing light, hook up to battery, place clamp over #1 plug wire, clean off timing marks on damper, & metal plate @ damper (crankshaft) area. timing connector ? I do believe there is a EST ,electronic spark timing system, that needs unpluged, may be on firewall, near distributor, next to fuel pump relay, like my gmc, not sure about yours, then you can start timing procedure, make sure your timing marks are cleaned and rub chalk on them to highlight for better viewing . a repair manual @ parts store shows you exactly for 1995.

Was the engine running before you replaced the distributor ?
If yes, the distributor gear could be off a few teeth which would make the timing off.
Are you getting spark to the plugs ?

The P041 code on your year model Deville is distributor related...either the hall effect switch and/or the magnetic pickup coil is defective...my guess would be the pickup coil. If your car has high mileage, you might want to consider replacing the entire distributor with a rebuilt one. Good luck, i hope this helps,

You may want to remove the penny from the cigarette lighter...

However it sounds as though you should take another minute or two and check all your fuses and replace the ones affected if any.



Good Luck and Happy Motoring

Respectfully

The 1991 Cadillac DeVille 4.9 engine incorporates a magnetic timing probe hole for use with special electronictiming equipment. Malfunction codes may be set during ignition timing adjustment procedure.Enter diagnostics and clear trouble codes if this occurs.#1 Place transmission in park .#2 With the ignition in the Off position attach a timing light to #1 spark plug cable .#3 With engine at normal operating temperature and air conditioning OFF,take off the air cleaner upper housing. The engine should be OFF at this point.#4 Jump pins A and B at the ( ALDL) connector.while not in diagnostic display.SET TIMING MODE message will apear on the climate control Driver Information center.#5 Start the engine and aim the timing light the timing mark loosen the distributor hold-down nut. While observing the timing mark, rotate distributor untill the line indicates the correct timing .This sets the base timing at 10 degrees BTDC at any speed under 800 RPM in the (PCM) The PCM controles the timing throughout the intire engine RPM range.This is the best imformation I can offer you good luck.

I also have a 1995 Deville 4.9L with the same shut down problem. I replaced the ignition module, with no effect on the problem. So, I took it into a Cadillac Dealer who said it was the "hall effect switch" and lower wiring both of which are on the under side of the distributor. To get to this switch, you need to pull out the distributor assembly. If you do this, you have to make sure you mark the position of the gears.. otherwise you will screw up the timing. I didn't want to sink any more $'s into the car, so I sold it for $2K. Hope you have better luck. Zak

I have a similar issue with a 94 DeVille. Runs for a while then shuts down. Fuel pressure is good (I drove around with a pressure gauge attached and it still shut down with no drop in pressure). I've replaced the idle control and ignition module - no improvements.
I too have code P012 showing which to (potentially) the crank position sensor - which I can't seem to locate.
Any luck on your issue?

check your pullies to see if they will rotate . it is possible that one of the following is stuck. water pump, alternator,idler, compressor or power steering

crank senser controls spark and injecters