Engine Problems After Washing The Motor
 

hi guys, i have 1998 Volvo S70 GLT and after washing the motor REALLY GOOD from old oil greese, next day the Check Engine light came on and the steering wheel is shaking when i give it some gas. i am guessing that spark plugs just got wet, but the problem is i dont know where they are located :(. anyway if u guys have any idea's what the problem might be, or at least where the spark plugs locates than please let me know. Thanks!

Classic problem!

1. Using Torx keys, remove the Plasdtic Cover on top of the engine.
2. Then you will see 5 rubber boots, remove them.
3. No need to remove sprak plugs.
4. Just blow compressed air down there to get the water out of the holes.
If you don't have an air compressor then use a BBQ stick warpped in cloth to absorb water.
5. Clean the inside of the rubber boots and re-attach them.

Then go afor a good drive to heat the whole thing so water evaporates.

When u sayd "remove Plastic Cover on top of the engine", do u mean the one that says VOLVO, 20 VALVE?

Yea thats the one.

ok, i think i got the problem fixed, but the Check Engine light is still on. do u guys know if its goin to go away by its own or do i have to take it to a mechanic so he can turn it off?

autozone or any other parts store can do that for you for free

I just bought a T6 XC90 2003 model. It runs gracefully and without hassle until I had the engine washed recently then this problem started. There is power loss, the Check Engine light started flashing, the steering wheel shakes as I give it some gas, I suspected that spark plugs were wet so I tried to sun dry the engine. When the problem persists, I checked the spark plugs and discovered that they were all covered with black soot. I had them replaced, but the engine is still not firing well.
Does anybody has a clue as to what the problem might be? I need an urgent answer please help.

First - it's almost always better to start a new thread - people tend to click out of old threads once they realize they're in one.

Last - Plugs don't get wet on inside of the engine, it is the 'well' in which they sit that fills up with water and allows them to short so there was no reason to pull them, the soot is certainly indicative of a problem - however, since you have apparently pulled the you can do some very general guess work. If only some of them are sooty you may have dislodged a spark plug wire, if they are all about the same then you will need to start looking for something damaged during the washing - brittle vacuum hose come to mind but you may have unhooked a good one as well,
You really should get the codes read and go from there.

You should probably start a new thread in the XC90 section.
Also, I wouldn't recommend washing your engine. All cars react differently, but I recommend using just a wet cloth and some dish soap or degreaser. It works and it won't cause any problems.

Thanks all,
I have got the problem fixed. 2 of the ignition coils got blown, I just replaced them and the car is back to normal.