ignition condenser short

i recently tried checking my ignition condenser on a 2001 Nissan Maxima with a volti meter (first time using one) and i grounded the black end to the negative battery terminal and checked the condenser plug to make sure it was getting power with the key on the on position and heard a pop around the battery (which i'm assuming is the negative post and after that the car would crank but not turn on. please help.