[Quadium]

I have owned my 1999 Saab 9-3 for almost 2 months now. It has 140k miles on it and runs like it has 40k. I have had no problems with it what so ever. Until 3 days ago. I came home from school to pick up some stuff, i went back out to my 9-3 and tried to start it. Nothing happened. It turned over but didn't start. I couldn't believe it, it was just working 5 minutes ago. I waited for my dad to get home to get his insight on the problem. He checked the obvious problems (spark plugs, battery, ect) He couldn't find any problems. He then proceed to check the car with a code scanner. The error codes P0001 and P0020 came back.

• Code P0001 Fuel Volumne Regulator Control Circuit Open
• Code P0020"B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit

He concluded that something was wrong with the CPS (crankshaft position sensor) He tested it using a meter to find the ohms and said there was no problems with it. He rechecked the spark plugs and noticed they were dry, meaning no gas was reaching them. He predicted something was wrong with the fuel pump or filter. We will check it tomorrow, Its 11:30 at night and we need to go to sleep. If someone has any suggestions please share it will me. I will greatly appreciate it.

thanks in advance!

I now see i made a mistake in my title, lol i meant 9-3

 

[iGOTaSAABstory4u]

CPS is your best bet.

You can test your fuel pressure by priming your fuel pump a couple times, then on your fuel rail there is something like a tire stem, unscrew that and get a small screwdriver, push down and if fuel squirts out, your fuel system is fine.

 

[Quadium]

CPS is your best bet.

You can test your fuel pressure by priming your fuel pump a couple times, then on your fuel rail there is something like a tire stem, unscrew that and get a small screwdriver, push down and if fuel squirts out, your fuel system is fine.

Thanks for the quick reply, I'm not very auto savvy, i know what the fuel rail is, but how do i prime the fuel pump?

 

[iGOTaSAABstory4u]

Turn the ignition on, but dont start it. Its the buzzing sound that lasts a couple seconds

 

[Quadium]

Turn the ignition on, but dont start it. Its the buzzing sound that lasts a couple seconds

Ok thats what i thought, i'll have to try it tomorrow, thanks for the help. I'll get back with the results tomorrow.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[iGOTaSAABstory4u]

Just make sure to stand off to the side, unless you want gas in your face.

 

[Quadium]

Just make sure to stand off to the side, unless you want gas in your face.

Lol ok. Just one more question. If my fuel pump is working fine, then why are my spark plugs dry?

 

[iGOTaSAABstory4u]

I do not know. But when the CPS went out in my 9-5 Aero, the plugs were dry too.

 

[Quadium]

I do not know. But when the CPS went out in my 9-5 Aero, the plugs were dry too.

Did your spark plugs make a spark when tested?

 

[iGOTaSAABstory4u]

I didn't check them. Im positive your spark plugs aren't the problem. The CPS went out without any warning signs in my 9-5

 

[Quadium]

I didn't check them. Im positive your spark plugs aren't the problem. The CPS went out without any warning signs in my 9-5

Alright thanks for all the help, i'll get back with results tomorrow

 

[Quadium]

I just got one more thing to add. We sprayed gas into the cylinders though the spark plug holes. The 9-3 started up for about 5 seconds then stalled out. What is the situation here?? Doesn't the cps determine the engine cycle position?

 

[iGOTaSAABstory4u]

Then it may be your fuel pump

 

[Quadium]

Then it may be your fuel pump

i checked my fuel pump fuse and its good. And i checked the fuel pump power connection and its also good. Could the fuel pump just be shot?

 

['97 Saab SE Turbo]

If the origional fuel pump has 140-k miles, it's a good bet that's the problem. My car ran fine into the garage, then wouldn't start 10 minutes later. It was the fuel pump. The pump on these cars seems to run fine, then fail when restarted. There may be a bad spot on the commutator and unless the pump gets jiggled enough to move the armature slighly, it will never restart. Some have had luck striking the bottom of the plastic gas tank with a hammer. Personally, I would raise the rear seat, remove the plastic cover and strike the tank on top. It if starts, it's definately the fuel pump... Ron