Question: My car was running fine last night, then I got in this morning and it would not start. The engine turns, but just won't fire up. I know that sounds pretty vague, so I'll try to elaborate. I turn the key and the engine just turns and turns without "catching" at all. No sounds of it attempting to start, or changes in the sound of a cranking engine. I don't mean the starter just turns, the starter is engaging the flywheel and turning the engine. It sounds like my VW's when they were either not getting fire to the plugs or either not getting gas to the carb. I don't know how to test for either of these two problems on this car. Help there would be appreciated.
It was bitter cold last night- in the single digits, but I attempted to start it several times today when the temp was at least 30F...no luck. I checked all the fuses and none are blown, I have a battery on charge which I will put in the car in the morning to see if maybe the battery just didn't have enough juice to give the engine a good enough whirl. I did notice the engine taking about an extra 1-2 seconds to start the other day, but no problem since. ANY feed-back will be appreciated. I don't want to have it towed to the mechanic.
Answer: Sounds like the cranksensor or the fuel pump make sure the battery is fully changed pull the plugs and ck to make sure they not fouled thanks
Answer: 1. Do I check the plugs by putting all 4 in at the same time and having someone turn the engine over? I'm not completly sure how to do this.
2.Where is the cranksensor? Can I check that in any way?
3.And Last, is there any way to check the fuel pump? I know it is under the back seat and how to access it.
Answer: Regarding the plugs go to the faq section and will tell u how to gk for firing the cranksensor is on the engine block in front on the right side right behind the exhaust pipe if the car has got fire then it is ok if u got a fuel pressure gauge on the engine u can ck it its right on the fuel rail to ck it thanks
Answer: I checked the direct ignition cassette like on the FAQ page (will post pictures soon) and I had fire to all 4 pluge. There was not a noticable "shower of sparks" at the end, but all seemed to fire just fine. SO the DI should be good. Right? Since I have fire, does that also mean the crank sensor is good? It seems that way from your lase reply. I do not have a fuel pressure gauge...yet. I really appreciate all your input and hope to be of help to others. I would like to get this running as soon as possible. I now have 2 broke SAAB's in the driveway.
Answer: One last thing, the sensor in the exhaust pipe in the front of the engine (O2 Sensor?) was loose enough to unscrew with my hand. Do you see that this could have gone bad or caused a problem making my car not start? Yes, I did tighten it and try to start it again when all was back together.
Thanks!
Answer: Brian, I bought a fuel pump (not the whole assy too expensive) and took the pump out and replaced it, just be careful with the plastic assembly that it sits in, and the fuel lines are a little tough to deal with. Don't break the clips that hold them in place, they are very sensitive.
Answer: npfish is correct replace the fuel pump and at least get one of the Saabs back on the road
Answer: Thanks guys. I'm going to get a fuel pressure gauge today. WIll I still be able to see if I'm getting pressure just by hooking it up and turning the key? Seems to me like I should, just thought I'd ask. Back to the spark- can I assume that the DI and crank sensor are OK from the info in my previous post?
Answer: Brian, If you lift the back seat and put your ear to the tank and turn the key on you should be able to hear your fuel pump come up to pressure and shut off. I would probably not try to over complicate things, and do that first. You should hear a quiet buzz sound from the tank and then it will stop every time you cycle the key.
If you hear that every time you turn the key on and off then chances are it is not the fuel pump. Although it could be a fuel pressure problem still, but probably not they usually work or don't.
Answer: npfish is right listen to pump no sound then change the pump u got spark then the problem is fuel fuel pumps are commom on 9.5 good luck
Answer: thanks all! fuel pump is removed and waiting on the replacement to arrive in the mail. Those fuel lines are tricky. Even with being careful I broke the black return line. $82.00 mistake being that I had to order the complete line to rob the fitting off the end. Whatcha gonna do? I'll try to post pics to the site.
Answer: My saab is now back running, but my computer is busted. SO, no pics on the replacement of the fuel pump, but it wasn't that difficult. A bit more to it than the FAQ page has, but not so much that you can't figure it out. The pump came speedy fast (thanks saabsite) the fuel line had to come from SAAB and it took almost 2 week to get it (it came today-ordered 12/23). BUT it's all running and the wife is happy!
