andrew van wersch (24.207.105.152) - Fri Jul 4 21:51:51 2008

My saab sometimes won't start when hot, no turning over at all, nothing. All instrument lights go on. Then it will be perfect when cold, no warning lights either.

I'd appreciate some guidance as to where to start looking for the problem.

Thanks,

andrew

Reply #1 Leah Griffin (98.216.119.195) - Wed Aug 20 21:41:26 2008

I have the same exact problem with my 93 2001 saab. I can not figure out the problem. I have brought it to 2 mechanics and both have not been able to figure it out. I believe that it may be the starter, or something electrical. Sometimes when i roll the car back or forth it hits a spot and then will start (sometimes that doesn't work). I usually have to wait 20 min or so until i try one more time and then it will start. I need some guidance as well!

Thanks,

Leah G

Reply #2 Ken (216.119.247.50) - Wed Aug 27 11:05:57 2008

i've had the exact same problem as you guys but on a Mercedes, thought it was the starter, but no, it was the neutral safty switch...

problem was it won't start 4 out of 10 times when engine was hot, had to wait 10-20 minutse or shift gear to start on neutral or rock the car abit to get it start. changed the starter and problem still exist. then finally a good mechanic points out it was the neural safty switch.....mounted on the tranny.

Reply #3 Ben (84.227.30.241) - Mon Sep 8 14:59:24 2008

Had the same problem and changing the Crankshaft Position Sensor (around 70$ for the spare part and less than one hour work) was solving the issue.

In fact, this is a well known and quite classic problem : when the sensor is starting to be failing, it gives error to the system at high temperature first. When cooling down, the "error range" is more acceptable for the calculator and the engine will accept to start.

This sensor failure usually do not affect the car when running, coz it seems the calculator do not really have a vital need for this info when the engine is running - however it's mandatory for starting - This explains why the car fail to start back when engine is warm- and why it's generally the only sympton of this failure that you will "notice" : the engine will "only" refuse to start when warm.

I would strongly advice to not remain with the issue for a long time and get it quickly fixed, because it will be obvioulsy worst and worst, till reaching the situation where the engine won't start at all.

Not saying that it is the cause of your problem (as explained above there are other causes for same symptoms) and having a diagnostic computer connected to your car (ODB2 connector) would be the easiest and quickest way to diagnose the problem (it should immediatly tell the failed component). Well, however I thought this explanation could be helpfull for people who are in the same very annoying troubles.

Cheers

Ben

Reply #4 jeff (71.138.171.89) - Thu Nov 20 19:52:36 2008

have the same problem. 2001 9.5 won't start on random occasions. Had the cam position sensor problem earlier and the car would stall then not start. this seems to be some other problem... perhaps it is the neutral safety switch. it does drive my wife crazy. hope to hear that someone has found a solution

thanks,

Jeff

Reply #5 Banks (98.208.128.168) - Fri Jan 9 19:30:40 2009

Has any one tried replacing the Nuetral safety switch? and is there one of those on a Saab? Did it work?

Thanks

Reply #6 Michael (165.224.215.1) - Mon Jan 12 12:53:31 2009

I am having I guess the same problem, but let me describe it as follows:

Scenario 1: After driving the car for 1/2 hour. Come back in couple of hours to restart and no luck. I hear the cranking of the engine and all lights are on but no start. Wait for couple of hours and restarts Ok.

Scenario 2: Stopping at a TL and then the engine stops. Wait for few minutes and it starts.

It is obviously no battery or gas issue (I changed the gas filter just in case).

I am hearing something is wrong with 1) Crank Shaft position sensor 2)Neutral safety switch 3) Something else with the combustion process?

Any help please

Reply #7 Jeanette (87.115.36.58) - Tue Feb 17 13:46:18 2009

The problems I am experiencing are just like Michael's scenario 2.

Don't even need to be slowing up, but after driving for at least 15 mins 'check engine' comes up on the console and all power is lost. Gagues fine and all instrument lights are on. Won't re start immediately, but after a rest - the longer the better - it starts again. Doing this more and more.

Mechanics have applied diagnostics and nothing conclusive coming up. They have had an eprom replaced, but if anything it is now worse, though when it's running, it's going well.

An electronic expert I know has suggested it could be a sensor problem and might be temperature related. Any ideas?! Causing me significant problems, but probably a simple solution, if only I knew what that was.

Any help gratefully recieved.

Reply #8 Zach (24.186.140.233) - Thu May 28 22:17:26 2009

Michael and Jeanette, your problem is not the neutral safety switch. Sounds like crank position sensor. I had that go on mine right before the neutral safety switch.

Jeff - your sounds like neutral safety switch. It is right beneath the battery and take 30-60 minutes to install but the dealer will charge you over a $1000 so just do it yourself. Part is about #$300 at saabsite.com. YOu can poor water on it when it isnt working to test and it should start right up. There is also a paper clip trick you can google for.

Reply #9 Zach (24.186.140.233) - Thu May 28 22:19:26 2009

Here is the DIY for the Neutral Safety Switch.

http:// www.scribd.com /doc/100542/ DIY-Saab-95- Neutral-Position- Switch

Remove the spaces.

Reply #10 joe (137.186.170.245) - Mon Jun 29 19:48:32 2009

On my Saab it turned out to be the Neutral Safety Switch. I did a quick bypass with a paperclip to make sure and sure enough it started. I replaced the part a while ago and have never had the problem since.

Reply #11 mick unwin (84.65.51.81) - Sat Oct 31 20:19:16 2009

the neutral postion switch can be overhauled drill of the rivet heads you will then be able to drift out the rivets and yon can then pull apart be carefull not to lose springs and contacts clean throughly reasemmble using small nuts and bolts very easy to do mine works a treat now and saved myself £200 i now have the starting problem now when hot im going to plump for the cps after reading these helpfull pages

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