Re: '86 900 starter problem/questions

Mar 11, 2005 2 Replies


I've got an '86 Saab 900, normally aspirated. In the last week,


> 3 times now, the starter has failed to turn over the engine when I
> turn the key. First time, I let it sit for a few minutes and tried
> again, and it fired right up. Second time, I was able to roll-start it
> (I parked on a hill) and it started right up, no hesitation at all.
> So, I don't think it's a battery issue. Third time is this morning and
> it's resting comfortably in front of the garage, waiting for me to come > home.

I would not rule out a battery problem. The easiest way to confirm this is to try starting the car with a good battery. If it starts with the good battery , but not with the one in the car - then you have your answer. Just beware, you may have multiple electrical problem.



> So, I don't think it's a battery issue, or it wouldn't have push-started
> so easily, right? or, not? I'm getting the relay "click" and the fuel
> pump does come on for the second or so, so I think that means my ignition
> switch is OK, yes?
>
> What I think this leaves as a possibility is the solenoid on the starter
> itself. Does this sound logical? If so, is the H-engine starter the
> same as the B-engine starter? Those, I have a few of, the H-engine type
> of course I don't.
>
> Thanks for any suggestions,
> Dave Hinz
>
>

The good news, is it's still doing it so hopefully it's gone from intermittant to persistant. _Much_ easier to fix a persistant problem. I'll try jumping it first, just to rule that out. Next, I'll check the control wire to the solenoid (terminal #30), the Bentley manual says if I've got more than 8V there when the key is in the start position, the wiring and switch are good. So, from there, it's just a case of which side of the system the problem is on.

If anything photographable goes on, I'll take and post pictures with descriptions.

Dave Hinz

Try doing a parasitic drain test. There is a good link to info about this and other tests that can be done on the primary electrical system on the Swedish Wrench website at:

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That page is also linked from the Technical Library page on my C900 Workshop website at "
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". When I first got my 1983 900S, I had a starting problem when I traced to the light in the boot (ie.trunk) being left on and this drained the battery to the point where it would turn a couple of time but not enough for the ignition to fire.

Regards,

Craig.

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