1992 850 GLT crank no start, no spark

Post by **jreed** » 13 Aug 2026, 05:27

Another suggestion that may help others see and diagnose your no-spark condition: take and post a photograph of the engine bay and especially the area around the ignition coil.

zero2218 · Post by **zero2218** » 17 Aug 2026, 07:30

Replaced the ignition coil and camshaft sensor today. Still no start. Cannot replace the distributor rotor due to a damaged bolt head but it is spinning along with the crankshaft.
I have a doubt about my firing order and if it is correct or not. In the specifications document the firing order is 1-2-4-5-3 (clockwise) on the distributor. However guides like this one says it is 1-3-5-4-2 (clockwise) https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo ... ing-order/

Post by **Sveedy** » 17 Aug 2026, 08:20

If I recall correctly, two adjacent cylinders firing in order only occurs once on these engines.
1-3-5-4-2

Post by **jreed** » 18 Aug 2026, 05:16

zero2218 wrote: 17 Aug 2026, 07:30 Replaced the ignition coil and camshaft sensor today. Still no start. Cannot replace the distributor rotor due to a damaged bolt head but it is spinning along with the crankshaft.
I have a doubt about my firing order and if it is correct or not. In the specifications document the firing order is 1-2-4-5-3 (clockwise) on the distributor. However guides like this one says it is 1-3-5-4-2 (clockwise) https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo ... ing-order/

If your rotor bolt won't come loose, you may be able to get it to come free using locking pliers, as shown below: viewtopic.php?t=93539

zero2218 · Post by **zero2218** » 25 Aug 2026, 12:04

Still no luck with the distributor rotor replaced. I will perform some tests tomorrow and seek some advice around my area.

zero2218 · Post by **zero2218** » 26 Aug 2026, 05:33

Did some testing today. Spark at the coil but still none at the plugs. Tested several cylinders to be sure. The only ignition part I didn't replace yet is the distributor cap. I wonder how replacing it would fix the issue considering its looking good and clean.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 26 Aug 2026, 15:17

zero2218 wrote: 26 Aug 2026, 05:33 The only ignition part I didn't replace yet is the distributor cap. I wonder how replacing it would fix the issue considering its looking good and clean.

Look for tiny cracks in the Cap and Rotor. Flip the Rotor over and look at the bottom side.

Still recall being stranded overnight because the Rotor was cracked. All the power was going straight to ground through the shaft.

Post by **jreed** » 27 Aug 2026, 05:36

When you are testing for spark at the coil and at the plugs, are you using the same grounding metal for the test?
Asking because it could be a poor/high resistance ground on the engine block is preventing the spark at the plugs.

zero2218 · Post by **zero2218** » 10 Sep 2026, 12:21

Look for tiny cracks in the Cap and Rotor. Flip the Rotor over and look at the bottom side.

No visible cracks in the cap. Looks in good shape. The rotor is replaced now.
I believe a cap replacement would end the doubt about it.