[JVoitaIII]

I have continually run into the same issue and it is one that leaves me stranded. Perhaps this forum will assist me with my issue.

I run into a local grocery store or turn off my Saab to pump my gas. When it's go time, I place my key in the ignition and turn. Nothing happens. I get the light show, informing me that the battery is working. But there is no clicking of a struggling starter nor a turn over of the engine. Therefore, I'm stuck.

I have had some tell me that it could be the ignition switch. Due to it's location on the Saab, I can see how this part of the vehicle can wear out.

It does not happen every time I attempt to drive my Saab; it happens about 1 in 20 times. But it's summer in Arizona! I can't sit around in 110* and wait for the thing to turn over with out filling up a gallon of sweat into a jug!

Has anyone else had this same occurrence happen to them? If so, how did you rectify the situation? Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[sbl]

Even if you get the "light show", your battery may still not be strong enough to engage the starter. I doubt it's the ignition switch, since you can turn the key and the car attempts to start. I've seen this symptom myself - a dying battery. Replace yours.

 

[CharlieBrown]

Check the clutch safety switch or neutral safety switch on an automatic.

 

[tkjr5000]

Is it a manual trans or automatic?
If you have dash lights when you turn the key, rule out the ignition switch.
Can you hear the starter relay clicking? They can get stuck.
I would guess the NSS if its an automatic, especially since you are in a hot climate and they tend to overheat.

 

[JVoitaIII]

Is it a manual trans or automatic?
If you have dash lights when you turn the key, rule out the ignition switch.
Can you hear the starter relay clicking? They can get stuck.
I would guess the NSS if its an automatic, especially since you are in a hot climate and they tend to overheat.

It is an aoutomatic. There is no clicking when I turn the key.

 

[karatedad2002]

Even if you get the "light show", your battery may still not be strong enough to engage the starter. I doubt it's the ignition switch, since you can turn the key and the car attempts to start. I've seen this symptom myself - a dying battery. Replace yours.

Same thing happened to me and it was a dying battery.

 

[milehighsaab93]

Same thing happened to me and it was a dying battery.

I dont see how a dying battery would happen 1 in 20 times. Seems like if it were dying it would be a consistent problem... Cant hurt to test it at a local auto parts shop for free though.

I have seen loose or corroded battery connections cause something like this... also could be the starter relay or the solenoid on the starter itself. You can test the starter at an auto parts store for free too.

 

[steviethev]

Very similar thing happened to me. Turned out to be the starter. Pretty much the EXACT same symptoms as you. Not sure if it was the starter or the solenoid or what (since they're all part of the same thing), but replacing the starter unit solved the issue. See my thread below:

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225996

 

[steviethev]

Also, I was able to get a *new used starter from a salvage yard for $25. So not a very costly fix at all.

 

[lgbsaab]

if it is an automatic and all the lights go on and there is no cound when you crank it, 99.9% it is the neutral safety switch.

 

[1997900s]

if it is an automatic and all the lights go on and there is no cound when you crank it, 99.9% it is the neutral safety switch.

nice job at resurrecting this thread from the dead