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I have a 2001 Saab 9-5 wagon, only had it for a couple months and it’s been having intermittent starting problems. When I attempt starting it, the engine cranks but just doesn’t kick over and start. From what I’ve read I was thinking possibly the neutral safety switch, but others that got that had no crank at all. It’s not driven as much, just once in awhile. Any ideas on what the problem is?
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if it has a check engine light fix that first if not or doesn’t fix check your spark an fuel delivery
Sorry I should clarify something. When I said it’s not driven very much, I’m talking maybe once or twice a week. And when I do it’s usually around 50-60 mile round trips. Gas is fairly fresh as well. Check engine light is on, but I don’t have access to check what the reason is. Just by the crank but no start, I was reading that it might be the direct ignition cassette (DIC). That’s a 2-300 dollar part before taxes and shipping, so I was thinking maybe it might need new spark plugs. Any suggestions?
It would help if we could get the code read at an auto
part store.But car won’t start to get us there. here is
a link to help.http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
Yea before you purchase any expensive parts on a hunch lets start with some basic diagnostics. For starters getting that check engine light code should be priority 1. Once you have that check back and we’ll see if we can shed some more light on the topic.
Never throw parts at something hoping for a result. It’s not practical and gets expensive.
Keep us posted.
One quick question, does the engine have to be running to read the codes? If not, then i can pick up a scanner (plus it’ll give the wife a reason why I need one). I’ve wanted to get one anyways.
Sorry about no updates. Haven’t been able to do any work of any kind on the Saab yet as I’ve been working extremely too much. Also found that OBDII scanners are a bit more than I can afford at the moment, something that’ll have to wait til payday. Anyway, a family member is possibly offering to pay for a tow and repairs that are needed, since this certain person did buy the car for us and feels bad. It’s only been driven 250 miles since we got it a little over a month ago. So with that said, if repairs are covered I will update what the problem(s) came down to and what repairs were done.
So I was finally able to pinpoint a couple things wrong with the Saab. This had to be put on the back burner as too many things were going on right then that couldn’t be avoided, and now it’s cold and snowing off and on so I get to enjoy these repairs in very cold weather, yay! (I hope you catch the sarcasm there) Anyway, CEL came up with a fuel pump and valve cover gasket. Turns out this car is supposed to run on premium fuel and didn’t know that until just recently, I’m pretty sure the previous owner used regular also, he only owned it for about 6 months. Anyway, I got parts on the way and doesn’t look like that much work to replace. Access to the fuel pump is conveniently under the rear seats so no dropping the tank. I will keep up on this post from now on, sorry for the neglect, and hope to report positive results next time.
[quote=”ARHammingh” post=73581]Sorry about no updates. Haven’t been able to do any work of any kind on the Saab yet as I’ve been working extremely too much. Also found that OBDII scanners are a bit more than I can afford at the moment, something that’ll have to wait til payday. Anyway, a family member is possibly offering to pay for a tow and repairs that are needed, since this certain person did buy the car for us and feels bad. It’s only been driven 250 miles since we got it a little over a month ago. So with that said, if repairs are covered I will update what the problem(s) came down to and what repairs were done.[/quote]
Keep us posted on your progress. 🙂
I’m wondering how we concluded that the fuel pump was the issue. In fact, I can’t think of a CEL code for a fuel pump. I know there are codes for a lean mixture but that’ doesn’t mean that the fuel pump is the problem. That vehicle is actually known for crank sensor and neutral safety switch problems. I was wondering if the CEL might list the crank sensor. If your short on cash, I don’t think throwing parts at the problem is the way to go. Be sure to verify any hypothesis before you commit to purchasing any parts.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Like Eric said, Crank position sensor, and neutral safety switch are common ones. Not just on Saabs either. The other Swedish brand that’s still in business has issues with the same thing. Come to think of it there are a few VW engines pro to CPS failures too.
As for the scanner and price, Everyone has their limits on fundage. You don’t need to buy a top level scanner for home jobs. You can buy OBD2 cables that come with soft wear for your lap top. And cheap. I’ve got 2 programs on my computer for scanning with and they do about 75& of what a pro shop scanner. Pull code, clear code and real time data. All you really need.
I do recommend one thing for when you get the issue solved. Even some later Saabs had a STUPID safety feature that you had to put the car in reverse to get the key out, manual gear box obviously. If yours has this pull the switch out and just connect the wires together. I do like however in Saabs where the keys are down by the hand brake. I like that.
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