Saab 9-3 Struggling to Start | Saab 9-3 Common Problems

Saab 9-3 earth points rank near the top of any Saab 9-3 comm0n problems list. If your Saab 9-3 struggles to start, let me show you a common issue that might be causing it and that you can check for and resolve yourself very easy DIY
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🎥 How to change your Saab 9-3 battery and remove battery tray
• How to Change Battery ...
🎥 The importance of keeping your battery clean:
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🎥 A comprehensive guide to battery and alternator testing
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🎥 How to remove & replace the rear lights and bulbs on your Saab 9-3:
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🎥 Crank sensor failure is such a common issue. Learn to recognise the symptoms:
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Battery cables, red or black, 50cm (19inch)
bit.ly/50cm_cable_R_or_B
Replacement battery terminal clamps
bit.ly/Battery_terminals
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Fibre washers for terminal protection
bit.ly/Fibre_washers_x2
Stainless screws for battery tray - select M8x20 or 30
bit.ly/Dome_head_screws
Decent jump leads with insulated clamps
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I personally prefer a stirrup pump to a foot pump (I use the same one for my bikes and cars)
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Thank you

[@CycloneCyd]

🎥 The importance of keeping your battery clean: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXPOdYKkpaiUl6c

[@CycloneCyd]

A comprehensive guide to battery & alternator testing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4XCiaCirLKJsJY

[@CutofHare]

Does this work for the 9-5?

[@CycloneCyd]

@@CutofHare yes, the basics are the same for any car

[@damiancain219]

Thank you for such a CLEAR explanation.

[@hcic8738]

You are a SAAB GOD!!! Pin point accurate on the MULTIPLE issues that I'm dealing with on my 06' 9-3 convertible

[@CycloneCyd]

Ha ha, I don't think I've ever been described as a 'god' before, but I'll take it 👍

[@guitarlover302]

Very helpful ! Thank you 🙏

[@CycloneCyd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Miok0]

I have to check my connections ... I've got some symptoms you described on my car. Very helpful Thank you

[@CycloneCyd]

Do let us know how you get on and what you find 🤘🤘

[@richardclifton3432]

Hi Cyd. You are by far the best Saab resource. The starting and running problems on my 2007 2.0t Sportwagon seem to be ECU related. Do you have any advice on the ECU? It appears that it is a common cause for concern.

[@Deanowelsh]

😎👍A helpful video because a bad earth can cause you loads of problems

[@CycloneCyd]

Oh, not 'alf!! ⚠

[@thefreestooges636]

Wonderful brother. Thank you so much for your efficient use of language and necessary details/variations. A++

[@CycloneCyd]

You are most welcome 👍🎓

[@Gripengamer]

@@CycloneCyd Hello im not sure if you will read this but, i have a saab 9-3 that has sat for around 10 months. It was completely decharged so i swapped the battery for a new one, but when i try running it, after around 2 min the ”generator not charging” warning pops up. Is it most likley the generator that needs a swap or do i need to drive it around abit?

[@stephenmcdermott4435]

Good advice and not just for Saab 93 or 95. Vectra / Signum (diesels especially), Fiat Croma and any vehicle sharing the Opel Epsilon (about ten other USA cars) platform will also appreciate the advice. Cars built on the same platform tend to have same issues.

[@CycloneCyd]

Yes, quite true. I'll try to remember to include that in the description

[@zaias77]

I love your videos keep up the good work also a Saab fan here as well. 👍😎

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks, will do! What Saab model do you run?

[@zaias77]

@@CycloneCyd i have a Saab 9-5 Aero wagon 2004 and a Saab 9-3 ttid automatic diesel sc 2008. :)

[@kareemmeerak9360]

Brilliant

[@totte-om4dd]

Thanks this video helpt me the + pol Was my problem

[@CycloneCyd]

Loose? Corroded?

[@guitarlover302]

Had parasitic battery drain which drove me insane ! tracked it down to faulty clock set speedo - also the hard wired after market tracker became faulty ! Fitted 78amp battery seems to have cured the problems

[@savvas0711]

Hello Cyd ! Wonderful videos. Can this also cause ECU issues ? Multiple errors codes pop up and car goes into limp mode. ABS light on, ESP light on. When the car is shut off it will not start again

[@thehunterkarlssont7750]

I Will try this on my saab 9-3

[@0JKLim]

He’s a real saab guru contrasting a bragger

[@mcdonaldgc3020]

My positive battery cable has a hole on the rubber mmm very informative like always ...

[@CycloneCyd]

Wrap it with self amalgamating tape. Don't use PVC tape (aka insulation tape). Stop water getting in and eliminate the risk of a short

[@Cornelstefan7]

Hi Cyd , as you helped me before with many things, and your videos are spot on , I can definitely say that you are the BEST I’ve ever seen on saab cars !! Now I’ve got a 2006 9-3 , 1.9 tid , from a while ago it started a rough idle when I start the car , but in a couple of minutes it’s seems to be alright or at least I was thinking it’s alright, up until 2 weeks ago when check engine light came on as last week as well and I’ve taken it to a local mechanic, he did a diagnostic on the car and he said that apart from cooling fan relay which starts in second position ( can’t use AC ) , everything is fine and no other errors found ! He cleared the one error found and job done . This morning while driving home from work the check engine light came on again and I don’t know where to look anymore ! Any advice or thoughts you can find will be very much appreciated! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@CycloneCyd]

Make sure the MAP sensor is clean and check the inlet manifold and the flaps kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppizdKWfpLBgbKM

[@Cornelstefan7]

Thank you for the reply, and for the video , although on my saab I can’t clean that sensor like you do , only because is a diesel car and the sensors are different, I will wait and see the car behaviour once I get that fan cooling relay and once installed I hope everything will be alright ( that relay was the only error code I got on diagnostic) thank you again for shearing your knowledge with me and everyone who needs help with their cars ! Ps I will like to meet you one day as I live in UK , you really know a lot about anything the guy mentioned your a God so I believe he’s right!! God bless you 🙏🙏🙏

[@martinguitarhd28]

a proper voltage drop test should be done with the circuit loaded.the way you did it is not loaded and can seem fine when it is not.always load test to be accurate.thanks for the vids..

[@CycloneCyd]

I try to keep it simple and basic for the DIYer. Taking your point though I may do a video on how to do a load test.

[@costaslantra]

Very good all these informations,and seems to know a lot for these cars. I had some problems with my aero 06 9-3,but really don’t know what it can be.. Before two months check engine light came on .. The reasons were :p0687 P0686 P0692/3 Fans works fine,even though the scales of them(relay box). A/c didn’t work Also boost pressure wasn’t at 0.8bar I used to erase the light everyday. Then everything was ok,until the moment tha check was came on. I gave my ecu to an electrician and he told me that everything seems ok with it. Also relocate ecu and put it back and and the car was running perfect. But two days ago check engine light came on again. It may be anything..but do you have any idea what can cause all these things? or does this happen to any of you before? Thanks to you all!

[@carlbmmgill6527]

Great video and I have added the additional earth strap but still have starting issues. 1.9 tdi 2007 reg. starts ok but then after maybe a 15 mile drive is very sluggish on the restart. Could that be a starter motor issue as battery is charging at over 13 volts when it is running and its a new last year battery from a reputable supplier. Any thoughts would be most helpful.

[@CycloneCyd]

Voltage at the battery with engine running should be 14V+. Any lower than 13.8V is not sufficient. So check the connections and leads for damage or corrosion. If okay, switch on lots of electrical load and raise rpm to 2000. Should maintain 14V. If not alternator is dying. Brushes wear out on starters just as they do on any motor. Faster on a diesel because of the higher load. Inspection is the only way to tell, but if you're gonna take the motor out you might as well get new brushes anyway (if you can). kzbin.info/door/-C_1iVg6Po5xX-sHMhKANQcommunity?lb=UgzDYDcQM00FOq8kwY14AaABCQ

[@user-tk7pl7po6z]

hi, is frank saab 9.3 ESS 1.8T 2004 4doors (yzf) i have problem in botton( in door conductor) front/left in off led blue inside botton ?you can to help ?sometime default lock door and default pression oil ? thanks for to help next time

[@sorinpopa7573]

Hello Cyclone Cyd, I drive a Saab 9 3 1.8t Hirsch 2007 model and noticed that in the cold weather (around 0° C to 5° C) the first start in the morning happens with a bit of effort (the engine would spin about 5 to 8 times). Could it be that my problem is around the battery or the earthing connections or should I look somewhere else? Thanks and keep up the good work, your videos are very helpful and the way you put them together makes them easy to watch.

[@CycloneCyd]

The year of the car along with the symptoms makes me suspect this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKKymp-tZtaSd8k Watch it carefully and do a cold compression test. Have you tested the battery? Checked the connections?

[@CycloneCyd]

Test your battery and alternator kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4XCiaCirLKJsJY

[@sorinpopa7573]

@@CycloneCyd I have tested the battery and the alternator and the figures are similar to the ones from your video. Which leaves me with doing a compression test and see how that will go... Many thanks for your help!

[@Evocati-Augusti]

I have a 05 ARC convertible, and when I just tried my car first the key fob was stuck, but I also heard a long and loud beep after I used the fob to open it, I messed with the steering wheel and I got them unstuck and the dash lights came on, but it wouldn't start, the odometer shakes..I've had a P0300 misfire code for a month but the car run perfectly, and Pepboys didn't do a full diagnostic so there going to do a new one for free...but when I run the scanner no codes come up, but the SID is loaded with 6 contact Saab codes, nothing major sensors, brakes traction airbag...

[@steffen1972denmark]

Would this go for the 9-5 Aero too? A 2007 model. I had it for 2 years - I do start every time, but it sounds like a sick chicken. Every body looks and say that is not going to start battery is about to die. But it does start winther and summer - just sounds awfull.

[@bengtlundgren1810]

When i buy my car saab 9-3 i could drive home to garage,when open garage port it stop,then i charge battery was finnish. After charge it was 14 volt battery and start awhile then died again and never start again so now i buy new kolbridge and see if it helps,tanks for video👍👍

[@bengtlundgren1810]

And i will clean this earth point you show

[@NoCutCardz]

I removed my battery and had water where screws where can that possibly damage connection

[@alessandronikusow1260]

maybe you could give me some pointers. I went shopping, parked the Saab 9-3 1,9 tiD in the underground parking .I am came back after 15 minutes, the battery was flat.. A friend of mine started my car with a booster, I had no batterie charg and no power steering. and everything worked before fine.. what could have happened. If the battery is damaged, it may not be steering wheel controls or charged? Saab 9-3 1,9 Tid from 2006.Greetings Alessandro

[@guitarlover302]

can you get to it via a ramp lift please ?

[@ryanrozario9939]

HELP ME CYCLONE!! I have a Saab 9-3 Auto 1.9 TID and the car doesn't want to start at all!! Just coughs for ages then stops, if I gas it then It will start ( I'm havng to do this everyday). I've had multiple people try and guess the issue, from.... Glow plugs to alternator, fuel injectors etc, I don't know what it is bottom line. Any Ideas?? Also, high pitched wine when I accelarate!! Cheers!

[@CycloneCyd]

Have you checked out the issue in the video? And the positive lead?

[@youcefbenzemmouri5678]

I changed the battery and then it does not work. It writes in the program that the steering wheel is closed

[@Farmer2492]

hi i have a 2006 saab 93 i took battery out for a few days to charge i have put the battery back in but when i turn the key all dash lights come on but nothing any idea what it could be just silent when i turn the key

[@CycloneCyd]

this maybe? kzbin.infoKhCPffsia00

[@mehmetbektas9556]

My Saab 93 is 1.8t 2003 model, if I don't put it on for a few days like 5-7 days, battery gets empty.. also everyday it takes a few seconds to start engine when I ignite it, sometimes it turns on at the first second, but most it takes about 4-5 seconds.. apart from mentioned in video, can you suggest something else to check please? Ignition bobins and plugs are new.. also ignition module has been changed.. they suggest me to make injection cleaning, but with even strong cleaners it doesn't get solution .. it fails constantly.. cheers for your help..

[@CycloneCyd]

Have you tested the battery and alternator: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4XCiaCirLKJsJY

[@mehmetbektas9556]

@@CycloneCyd well it is a brand new battery nearly.. with the old one also it was doing the same thing..

[@bodgeitwithbrian]

This sounds like what is going on with my 2009 SAAB 9-3 estate. If I charge teh battery manually it turns over well and starts, leave is a week or so and especially in the winter the battery will drain trying to start. Once the engine has been running, it restarts easilly. Any other ideas what it might be if it's not the earth?

[@CycloneCyd]

Starter? Mine has just died on me❗

[@CycloneCyd]

Check the positive connections at battery and starter too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXPOdYKkpaiUl6c

[@martinteefy5098]

What is the spec of the earth cable you connected from the neg post to the engine earth point?

[@CycloneCyd]

This amzn.to/3gjzhwT. It negates problems with the 'earth' connection under the battery box due to corrosion.

[@martinteefy5098]

@@CycloneCyd Thanks. You hinted an doing a video on adding a spacer plate to the ECU. I've followed 2 other videos on youtube where they advertise kits for US $100 & AUS $120 plus postage. I added my own kit to my 9-3 today and want to provide this kit to Saabers for practically cost price. Let's chat martin dot teefy at gmail dot com

[@MelindaHerring]

Where do you get the earth cable that you added. I have a brand new battery and I will boost it off and it will be dead the next time. I am having problems with the Steering wheel malfunction. It does not work if I disconnect the battery and reconnect it. I am going to try to clean the part where the key goes. I saw something about pulling a fuse. Also my keybob does not work for doors or trunk. I really want to keep my car. It’s am 05 93 arc 2.0t . It only has 100,000 miles on it. It has a lot of Sentimental value to me. The first time definitions which showed steering wheel lock malfunction I had went to see if my car would start because I was having problems with my battery and I had a doctors appointment. It started and so I went back in the house to finish getting ready and when I came back out again and put the key in the ignition it would not turn and it gave me that steering wheel lock malfunction. I just don’t understand how something could’ve happened to it from the time I went back in the house till the time I came back out because it was only about 15 minutes.

[@jorgeconj]

Does this also apply to a 2000 95? Thanks

[@CycloneCyd]

This is a problem that can afflict many many cars, so well worth a look. Do report back and let us know what you find

[@jorgeconj]

@@CycloneCyd Sadly I sold the car many years ago and that was one of the reasons. Came across your video because I’m thinking of buying another Saab. That 01 95 was my favorite car to this day. Great video content.

[@MINIMOTOMADNESS]

i have a 9.3 diesel,takes ages to warm up...any thoughts?

[@CycloneCyd]

Do you run with ACC on 'auto', ie aircon ON? Try running the first 2-3 miles with aircon OFF kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ_FoH19frusldk Diesels do take much longer to warm than petrols and now the weather is colder, that gets even worse. There is always an outside chance your stat is stuck partially open - when did she last have the coolant serviced (changed)?

[@magnuswreed5122]

First, does the car have parking heater installed? If installed, does it work? The SAAB Diesels has this installed in "cold" countries. Otherwise the engine wont reach correct working temperature. Second, if the parkingheater works at random occasions. Then you might have a charging problem. On the 1.9 diesel engine the positive (red) that goes from the battery go the starter should be checked, and replaced. Especially if you change battery of have charge the battery a couple a times a year. Good luck

[@nickturner7977]

I had this problem of taking ages to warm up, turned out to be the thermostat housing faulty so basically running coolant through the radiator constantly, bought a new one from neo bros and since then it's been fine.

[@jonaslang4266]

Mine stoped charging wen i was driving its lock like it is the computer in front of the right weel taken in water is this somthing you have seen before. Sorry for my bad English . 🤔

[@CycloneCyd]

"computer in front of the right wheel"❓ Guessing it's a diesel and you're refering to the engine ECU behind the RH headlight. Yes, it's a fairly common problem for these to get very wet. Check the wiring integrity into the ECU first.

[@Mareks_Riekstins]

I have similar issue. I put key and turn ignition on, then car will crank like once and then just dies. Usually it will start just fine after second attempt. No error messages. Only i got one message after connecting to obd scanner about spark plug. But i changed them all recently. Could following these steps i could solve my issue? 9-3 2005 1.9 TDi

[@CycloneCyd]

Quite possibly. The diesels are especially prone

[@urbanjentry222]

I did this and got 1.2 ohms tried on just jump leads got same result I am confused

[@urbanjentry222]

01.2 am I reading that right? As in 1.2 ohms

[@CycloneCyd]

Are you saying that your jump lead measured 1.2ohm end to end? Sounds more like a zero error on the meter to me. What's your zero reading?

[@kevinjames9913]

my 209 saab 9-3 has a problem positive cable is getting hot

[@CycloneCyd]

You wanna sort that asap. I assume you mean the connection at the battery. That'll be caused by a damaged or corroded connection or cable. You'll be needing new cable clamps, but be sure to get ones that take at least two cables. These are good amzn.to/3rTi2s4 but you will need to treat the cables with new eyelets - any local electrician should be able to help you with that. Whereabouts are you?

[@kevinjames9913]

@@CycloneCyd thanks

[@mandyk2318]

Would you be interested in buying my Saab 9.3 I can’t afford the water pump repairs but definitely need to figure out another reliable form of transportation so my husband and I can continue to get to work and back home you see we are managing with only one vehicle and still have to get our teenage children to work safely and back home at night after their shifts as well. She’s a beautiful SAAB 9.3 station wagon and she really gets it when you need to get there!! But we are desperate at this point would sell her for $1,000 just enough for us to put a down payment on something else. If not please pass the message along! Thank you!