Saab Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Intro

Saab wont start up? Don’t fret. As a certified auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I can help you quickly diagnose and restart your beloved Saab!

Hi, I’m Robby, and in this guide, I’ll leverage my know-how to identify the most common reasons your Saab won’t start. From a drained power cell to fuel pump issues, I’ll give specialist advice to either do-it-yourself it, some product recommendations that will help in different situations and even how to know when to call in a professional mechanic.

With my practical advice, you’ll avoid garage fees and get back on the road again fast and correctly. I’ll share maintenance tips to avert future stalling troubles too.

Understanding Why a Saab Won’t Start

Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s important to first comprehend the issue. When you realize to yourself “my Saab wont start”, this could be due to different things being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe the engine is not turning over at all, perhaps it is turning over partially however then not starting, or perhaps you can hear a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, however ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can be indicative of different problems with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your Saab Won’t Start

There are many reasons why a Saab fails to start. These issues usually include a weak or dead car battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system issues, as well as electrical or wiring problems. Every one of these problems can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to detect and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a Saab That Won’t Start

Being able to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the root cause of the problem. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your Saab still fails to start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system of your car.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Saab Won’t Start

The initial step to finding a solution to the problem is understanding the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most typical factors why your Saab wont start. A lot of this information is transferrable to other car makes also, so it doesnt make if it a Saab or a Acura won’t start, with this handy guide you always be prepared!

Saab Battery Issues Can Cause Starting Troubles

In the vast majority of instances, the most common reason why your Saab won’t start is often due to a bad battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to charge the battery or change it. The vehicle’s battery supplies the power that’s needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Saab. Signs of a bad battery issue in a Saab, can be things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, dim or weak headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your cars dashboard. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle, and a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.

Alternator Issues Can Cause Saab Starting problems

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A broken alternator can easily prevent your Saab from starting as it wont have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it’s dead and you don’t realize it until you get in your Saab and it wont start. Signs that your Saab’s alternator is faulty can be a lit up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while its running.

Saab Starter Motor Failures

The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Saab. If the starter motor is damaged in some way then the engine won’t crank, and your Saab wont start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not usually by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key or a grinding noise throughout the start-up, or your vehicle starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

Saab Fuel System Complications

Now we’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having complications. Your Saab uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Saab issues are because of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the car started.

Saab Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Today’s modern Saab’s rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older Saab, you can have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a faulty ignition switch, or a faulty sensor and more. These can be a few of the various electrical reasons why your Saab will not start. Signs of a wiring or electrical problem can vary widely but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Saab can start however only intermittently or numerous alert lights are lit up on the car’s dash. To correctly identify and repair these kinds of problems, you will need the abilities of a knowledgeable car mechanic in your area or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips For When Your Saab Can’t Start

As soon as you have determined what the cause of your Saab failing to start is. The next logical step is of course to attempt to repair it. Here are some pointers for the typical problems we’ve covered up until now.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Saab

If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you should do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are indeed corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water.

Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:

• With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Saab’s battery.
• Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
• Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.

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If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Saab, it will likely run out of life once again in the not so distant future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Saab model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Saab, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.

If charging your Saab’s car battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Saab

If the alternator is what you suspect is the offender, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle to start up temporarily (you may need to jump start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while its running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery . If you discover your Saab is dying pretty quickly, then it’s most likely due to a problem with the alternator. You should be aware however that this method can be risky and dangerous, and might damage the sensitive electronic components in your Saab, so it’s best to consult with an experienced car mechanic locally or online, prior to ever attempting this.

How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Saab

If you hear the clicking sound when you try and start the car by turning the key, however the engine doesn’t crank, then its probably an issue with your starter motor. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.

How to Solve Fuel System Issues in a Saab

If you think the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. If you are unable to hear this noise, then it might be there is an issue with the fuel pump. If you discover your Saab is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively fix.

How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Saab

If you think it’s a circuitry or electrical system issue, first inspect the fuses related to the ignition system, and replace any that have blown. If your Saab starts after this, then it was an effective, easy and cheap repair! Nevertheless, if the vehicle doesn’t start, even intermittently it could be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights are visible on your dashboard, it could be because of a damaged sensor. These problems can be extremely intricate and a reliable car mechanic is most likely required to identify and fix it.

How To Prevent Saab No Starting Issues

As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you can avoid any Saab starting troubles again!

Routine Maintenance of Your Saab:

Regular upkeep of your Saab is crucial to preventing future difficulties. This includes things like routine oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your Saab inspected by a professional car mechanic routinely. You can speak with a mechanic locally or online if you are uncertain or needing further clarity about the routine upkeep jobs required for your particular car.

Drive Your Saab Regularly:

If you happen to leave your Saab in your garage for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may waste out of charge as it’s not getting any charge from the engine running regularly. Try your best to drive your car frequently to keep the battery charged. If you remember you haven’t driven your car in a while, take it for a spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging to the long term life of the battery, try not to do this.

Take Notice Of Warning Signs:

If you notice anything out of the ordinary like uncommon sounds, changes in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights are now visible on the dash, don’t just disregard them. These can be early signs of an issue and it’s best to be addressed ASAP before they end up being bigger issues down the line. Talk to a car mechanic in your area or online about these issues and get advice on if they need to be addressed.

When to Ask a Saab Mechanic Online

Instead of Googling searches like “mechanicanswer.com” all day long looking for solutions, there is an easier way. If you want to save time, want a professional Saab mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve actually attempted to fix it by yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your Saab wont start, then talking with a Saab mechanic online can be a fantastic option.

Benefits of Online Mechanic Solutions

Ask a mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, provide a number of benefits. You can get expert Saab mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is particularly beneficial if your car will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much less expensive than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers rapidly, which is terrific if you’re in a rush, need a second opinion, or you simply prefer having a specialist Saab mechanic on hand.

How Solutions Like Mechanic Answer Can Assist You

Mechanic Answer connects you with accredited specialist mechanics who can provide immediate aid, guidance and advice. You have the ability to explain the issues you are having with your car, ask a Saab mechanic unlimited questions, and even submit pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them via online chat or by phone call, whichever you prefer. The Saab mechanic will help you diagnose the problem, guide you on the best course of action for your specific situation and even assist you through basic maintenance and repair work step by step.

Conclusion

To summarize when your Saab won’t start, it can be a major disappointment and a huge inconvenience. However, having an understanding of what may be causing the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a huge help. Bear in mind that regular upkeep is essential for avoiding the vast majority of car issues.

If your Saab’s troubles persist despite this guide, you can always use our mechanic chat service 24/7 365 days a year

Saab Won’t Start Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my Saab wont start?

First of all, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that could suggest an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is most likely one of the main causes talked about in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Saab mechanic in your area or online.

How to tell if my Saab wont start because of the battery?

Indications of a battery issue in a Saab consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If the battery is old or weak, it may be best to simply change it.

How can I prevent my Saab not starting issues?

In order to ensure this annoyance never ever occurs again, routine maintenance is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning it’s terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended / needed, and getting your Saab inspected by a mechanic frequently. It’s also a great idea to drive the car frequently so the battery remains charged.

Can I ask a mechanic online if my Saab wont start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply immediate professional Saab mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you having to leave your house. If your Saab can’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly useful.

How can services like Mechanic Answer help if my Saab will not start?

We link you with certified professional Saab mechanics who can provide recommendations on your specific situation. You can inform them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can effectively explain and show the issue. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.