[jorre]

HI, JERRY ORREN here, I have a 1995 Saab 900 SE Conv. sometimes will start, sometimes not. dash lights very dim-wont start; dash lites normal -will start. also window motors may or may not work. I think this is a ignition switch problem.

 

[jvanabra]

Could be, but are you sure it isn't just a bad battery?

 

[Mimmi]

And you have double checked battery terminals and tightness?

 

[LEP3]

Check that the grounds are clean and tight.

 

[jorre]

YES, I DID ALL OF THOSE. I think the problem is in the ignition switch

 

[jmkcc]

Probably is switch, although Saabs can be finicky with batteries that don;t hold a full strong charge.

Lots of posts on replacing the switch and it's not difficult. Easier on automatics vs manual in my opinion, but not a big deal.

 

[LEP3]

I think you might be able to clean the switch up.

 

[Mimmi]

YES, I DID ALL OF THOSE. I think the problem is in the ignition switch

So change it and stop whining. We are here to help.

 

[waiving]

check grounds also in places like the back corners on each side of the hatch floor, where radio antennas, lights, telephone stuff, etc are grounded...

and get a test on the battery, usually free at some places.

there's also a big ground right by the battery inside it's own little housing.

also - does it say anything like key not accepted or whatever on the sid when it's not starting?

 

[jorre]

So change it and stop whining. We are here to help.

your initial answer was kinda rude; thanks for softening it.
I'm just a guy looking for help.

 

[jorre]

I have has this problem before, and Saab repair replaced ignition switch. I was wondering if I could do it myself. Could some one direct me to post on how to do it.

 

[BobSaabit]

This is for the manual tranny. If you have automatic, it might vary. Someone else will have to advise on that and give you any shortcuts. Once you get the shifter housing out, you turn it over and remove the electrical part of the ignition switch from the bottom.

http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/20070617a.Saab_NG900_Shifter_Housing_Removal/


Installation is the reverse of disassembly... plus you need to do a shifter alignment after everything is back in

http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/20050325.Saab_NG900_Shifter_Alignment/

 

[jmkcc]

This is for the manual tranny. If you have automatic, it might vary. Someone else will have to advise on that and give you any shortcuts./

Auto is even easier imo, you don;t have to undo any linkage, once you remove the console and the 4 bolts holding the shifter in place you should be able to turn it sideways or upside down to access the switch module.


The console and panels can be tricky. Try to find photos of replacements so you can see where any plastic tabs or connecting points are. They can be brittle and easy to snap off which can make your final fit and finish less then stellar.



BTW, the Mimmi's response isn't out of line - ALL CAPS text can be misinterpreted as negative and loud. Even with emoticons. If only they had a middle finger emoticon so we could be sure...

 

[BobSaabit]

If only they had a middle finger emoticon so we could be sure...

Ahem...