'86 900 starter problem/questions

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Dave Hinz - 10 Mar 2005 15:04 GMT

I've got an '86 Saab 900, normally aspirated. In the last week,
3 times now, the starter has failed to turn over the engine when I
turn the key. First time, I let it sit for a few minutes and tried
again, and it fired right up. Second time, I was able to roll-start it
(I parked on a hill) and it started right up, no hesitation at all.
So, I don't think it's a battery issue. Third time is this morning and
it's resting comfortably in front of the garage, waiting for me to come
home.

So, I don't think it's a battery issue, or it wouldn't have push-started
so easily, right? or, not? I'm getting the relay "click" and the fuel
pump does come on for the second or so, so I think that means my ignition
switch is OK, yes?

What I think this leaves as a possibility is the solenoid on the starter
itself. Does this sound logical? If so, is the H-engine starter the
same as the B-engine starter? Those, I have a few of, the H-engine type
of course I don't.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Dave Hinz

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Grunff - 10 Mar 2005 17:28 GMT

> I've got an '86 Saab 900, normally aspirated. In the last week,
> 3 times now, the starter has failed to turn over the engine when I
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> So, I don't think it's a battery issue, or it wouldn't have push-started
> so easily, right?

Or the ignition switch?

> or, not? I'm getting the relay "click" and the fuel
> pump does come on for the second or so, so I think that means my ignition
> switch is OK, yes?

The last 'sprung' portion of ignition switch travel just engages the
solenoid - are you saying the solenoid clicks every time?

> What I think this leaves as a possibility is the solenoid on the starter
> itself. Does this sound logical?

It does; it's either that or the ignition switch.

> If so, is the H-engine starter the
> same as the B-engine starter? Those, I have a few of, the H-engine type
> of course I don't.

Hmm, good question. They are similar, that's for sure - but whether they
are the same I'm afraid I can't remember.

Good luck.

Signature

Grunff

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Dave Hinz - 10 Mar 2005 17:56 GMT

>> I've got an '86 Saab 900, normally aspirated. In the last week,
>> 3 times now, the starter has failed to turn over the engine when I
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Or the ignition switch?

Not sure yet.

>> or, not? I'm getting the relay "click" and the fuel
>> pump does come on for the second or so, so I think that means my ignition
>> switch is OK, yes?
>
> The last 'sprung' portion of ignition switch travel just engages the
> solenoid - are you saying the solenoid clicks every time?

_something_ clicks. It's not a "clunk" or a "clack" though, just
a relay-sounding click and then the fuel pump hum. So switch maybe?

>> What I think this leaves as a possibility is the solenoid on the starter
>> itself. Does this sound logical?
>
> It does; it's either that or the ignition switch.

Which is less of a PITA to check?

>> If so, is the H-engine starter the
>> same as the B-engine starter? Those, I have a few of, the H-engine type
>> of course I don't.
>
> Hmm, good question. They are similar, that's for sure - but whether they
> are the same I'm afraid I can't remember.

I'll report my findings here, of course.

Dave Hinz

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Grunff - 10 Mar 2005 19:57 GMT

> Which is less of a PITA to check?

Put a volt meter on the small solenoid wire. Does it get 12V when the
ignition switch is turned on?

Signature

Grunff

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Dave Hinz - 10 Mar 2005 19:58 GMT

>> Which is less of a PITA to check?
>
> Put a volt meter on the small solenoid wire. Does it get 12V when the
> ignition switch is turned on?

That sounds like the best plan, not sure if it'll happen tonight or not
(fire department meeting night...)

Dave

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ma_twain - 11 Mar 2005 14:03 GMT

> I've got an '86 Saab 900, normally aspirated. In the last week,
> 3 times now, the starter has failed to turn over the engine when I
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> it's resting comfortably in front of the garage, waiting for me to come
> home.

I would not rule out a battery problem. The easiest way to confirm this
is to try starting the car with a good battery. If it starts with the
good battery , but not with the one in the car - then you have your
answer. Just beware, you may have multiple electrical problem.

> So, I don't think it's a battery issue, or it wouldn't have push-started
> so easily, right? or, not? I'm getting the relay "click" and the fuel
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Thanks for any suggestions,
> Dave Hinz

Reply to this Message

Dave Hinz - 11 Mar 2005 15:17 GMT

>> I've got an '86 Saab 900, normally aspirated. In the last week,
>> 3 times now, the starter has failed to turn over the engine when I
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> good battery , but not with the one in the car - then you have your
> answer. Just beware, you may have multiple electrical problem.

The good news, is it's still doing it so hopefully it's gone from
intermittant to persistant. _Much_ easier to fix a persistant problem.
I'll try jumping it first, just to rule that out. Next, I'll check the
control wire to the solenoid (terminal #30), the Bentley manual says if I've
got more than 8V there when the key is in the start position, the wiring
and switch are good. So, from there, it's just a case of which side of
the system the problem is on.

If anything photographable goes on, I'll take and post pictures with
descriptions.

Dave Hinz

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Craig's C900 Site - 13 Mar 2005 06:35 GMT

>> I've got an '86 Saab 900, normally aspirated. In the last week,
>> 3 times now, the starter has failed to turn over the engine when I
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>> it's resting comfortably in front of the garage, waiting for me to come
>> home.

>I would not rule out a battery problem. The easiest way to confirm this
>is to try starting the car with a good battery. If it starts with the
>good battery , but not with the one in the car - then you have your
>answer. Just beware, you may have multiple electrical problem.

Try doing a parasitic drain test. There is a good link to info about this
and other tests that can be done on the primary electrical system on the
Swedish Wrench website at:

http://www.swedishwrench.com/battery.htm

That page is also linked from the Technical Library page on my C900 Workshop
website at "http://www.saab900classic.net/library.html".

When I first got my 1983 900S, I had a starting problem when I traced to the
light in the boot (ie.trunk) being left on and this drained the battery to
the point where it would turn a couple of time but not enough for the
ignition to fire.

Regards,

Craig.

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