AboutRay Niemi Expertise ASE Master Rated. Ask any questions about Volvo models up to 2000. Runnability, starting and charging system, diagnostic codes, brakes, front end, where to get certain parts. Should I buy this Volvo or not? I will try to answer your question and give you the knowlege to make the best decision in your case.
Experience I started working on Volvo's in 1978 at the dealer and attended all the schools and achieved a Master rating. Since 1999 I have worked at independent shops and now own my own shop.
Organizations Alldata on line repair manuals. IATN network of techs.
ASE rating of Master.
Expert: Ray Niemi Date: 6/9/2008 Subject: 94 850 won't start after dist cap mis-wire
Question I always change spark plug wires one at a time, but this time the wires got mixed up. I mis-wired the dist cap, tried to start the car and got a puff of smoke. It came from the distributor cap or beneath it (power stage area). I got a Haynes manual and wire the dist cap accordingly. My cranks but will not start. Could I have damaged the power stage or coil? How do I check to see if I am getting spark? Where can I get an accurate wiring order for the dist cap?
Answer Will,
On the dist cap's black cover are printed the cylinder numbers, so place the wires accordingly. The wires, some on the wire and some on the wire holder are also marked. Check for spark by pulling a wire and putting a spark plug into the wire, so you can see it and crank the engine. You can also use a timing light on any wire to see if there is spark. I do not know what could have blown out. There is no good reason anything should have blown out just because plugs wires got mixed up.
