[jeffb]

I was driving my '97 900S this weekend and noticed for the first time that the key had not sprung back to the "on" position from "start." I arrived home and parked, and now the car won't crank. I'm not much of a DIYer, but I'd welcome suggestions on where to start; am I looking at replacing the ignition switch, the starter, the solenoid or ... well, an easy $8 relay would be my preference. I already tried the fuse, with no luck.
Thanks.

 

['97 Saab SE Turbo]

If the ignition key didn't spring back from the START position to the ON position, you may have two problems: a burned out starter and a bad lower ignition switch assembly (where the spring is).

The starter can get very hot after 15-30 seconds of running, and if you drove any distance with it running, it is probable ruined... Ron

 

[jakejm79]

Take a length of wire and connect it the thick wire on the starter to the small one, if the starter cranks it's your ignition switch (or some wiring, fuse, relay in between), if not it's the starter.

 

[john bernard]

or, you can connect a test light or a volt meter between fuse 36 and ground. If the lite lights when you turn the key to start, the ign switch is ok.

 

[DurocShark]

Clean the switch. Gunk in there adds resistance.

I need to do mine again too. I did it when I first got the car, but it gunked up again pretty quick. And the switches are getting flaky too.