Saab won't re-start

March 10, 2018 5:11 PM

2002 Saab 9-3, frustrating episodic re-start problem. Turn the key all the way, the electrical system activates (various indicators illuminate), but the starter motor doesn't turn over at all. This happens only if the car has been in use and then left turned off for a few minutes (e.g., 5min).

It self repairs if you let it rest for 5 or ten minutes, though once it took several hours. Rowing the gear selector back and forth may or may not help since eventually it starts anyway. Trying to start from neutral doesn't help.

Trusty local mechanic did this: installed new starter motor, replaced starter relay, replaced fuse, plugged and unplugged things. The battery is new. No check engine light or scan codes.

Specific question: the key fob has an anti-theft feature (rfid). Could that be the problem, or does the fact that the electrical system activates rule that out?

Any other ideas?

We are the original owners, about 120,000 miles on the clock, and aside from this problem in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition - so hate to give it up.

Thanks

posted by Kevin S to Technology (9 answers total)

Have you asked on Saabnet?
posted by kickingtheground at 5:22 PM on March 10, 2018

Perhaps give this a try?
posted by Seeking Direction at 6:40 PM on March 10, 2018

Sounds like the ignition switch to me. Inserting and turning the key activates the accessories and standby, but not the actual power to starter sequence? Sadly there's not an easy fix. The switch is behind the actual key lock, so won't require a rekey, but will run 150ish in parts alone. It's not uncommon with ignitions that have had a heavy keychain hanging off of them. You (or your mechanic) can install a momentary switch + relay to manually activate the starter if you need a cheap fix. (This is what I did on my beater Volvo ten years ago and still haven't bothered to fix the switch proper as it's a pain and the secondary switch is a theft deterrent...)

Edit to add: this is even more common to go on the fritz on Saabs because of the keyswitch placement in the center console, so more prone to crumbs and spills.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 7:28 PM on March 10, 2018

Also, do you see a light with "key not accepted", "security", or a lock with a picture of a car staying on after the rest of the lights have turned off?
posted by Seeking Direction at 8:21 PM on March 10, 2018

Kicking - Saabnet - that's worth a try, I've used it for other issues

1f2frfbf and Seeking - guess I should look at the relay and perhaps short around it or at least listen for a clicking or lack thereof when it is refusing to start, or possibly measure voltages if possible.

Seeking - No light or display msg indicating a problem with the key. That plus the normal behavior of the indicator lights upon start up attempt (they all illuminate) suggests not a problem with the key/security/immobilizer; do you know if that's true?

Thanks everyone
posted by Kevin S at 8:53 PM on March 10, 2018

Last year, our 2001 Seat Ibiza had a problem where if it was running for 20 mins or so, it then wouldn't start again for another half an hour. When it wouldn't start, all the other electrics were fine, it just wouldn't turn over. Predictably, driving to the garage wouldn't trigger and our trusty local mechanic did most of the same things yours did.

It was only when they tried leaving the engine ticking over at the garage for an hour that they could reproduce and trace the fault: a loose electrical connection was expanding and breaking the starter circuit when the engine got hot enough and wouldn't contract and connect again until the car had been allowed to cool sufficiently.
posted by matsho at 4:29 AM on March 11, 2018

check ground wire........
posted by patnok at 5:23 AM on March 11, 2018

Loose or broken connection - good point and that will be the working hypothesis for now. (had to look up Seat Ibiza).

Not sure if broken ground wire is plausible since in that case I would think there would be various other probs - but will check it out.

Thanks
posted by Kevin S at 10:21 AM on March 11, 2018

My sister had a problem similar to this with her car starting fine sometimes and then when she got somewhere, not. It turned out to be her battery cables. It was $16 so it's something cheap to rule out if you want to give it a try.
posted by stray thoughts at 10:25 AM on March 11, 2018