On newer vehicles, a coil pack(such as Toyota Ignition Coil Pack, Subaru Ignition Coil Pack) replaces the distributor. It is an electronically controlled pack of ignition coils regulated by the car's computer and is used to create the spark for each engine cylinder's spark plug. Generally speaking, coil packs are much more reliable than distributors, because there are no moving parts and because they fire much less often than a distributor. http://www.spkmotorsport.com/ignition-coil/toyota-ignition-coil-pack/