9-3 not starting

[TotalControl]

My sister recently purchased my 2003 9-3 1.8t Vector and loved it. However, today her patience was tested (as well as mine) when she parked up at Asda Watford, went in, came back out and the car just wouldn't start at all. Nothing.

I changed the battery and the original fault code (Anti Lock Brake failure) disappeared but after the initial checks stating everything was OK, there was nothing. Only the amber engine light was on.

When turning the key, you can hear the click coming from the starter motor but the car isn't turning. All lights and radio work absolutely fine. I'm assuming it's probably the starter motor but I may be wrong.

It's currently still stuck in Asda car park where none of us can do anything until the weekend.

So what's happened here then? Anyone want to shine some light on this situation please?

[EvansAbove]

Starter motor or a flat battery?

[TotalControl]

It's definitely the starter motor.

Any ideas where I could pick one up from?

[FraMac]

Poor earth? Sorry I can't recommend someone for a starter.

Edit. Bump start?

[TotalControl]

Forgot to say, it's an automatic.

[FraMac]

TotalControl said:

Forgot to say, it's an automatic.

I thought that would be the case, but just checking.

[mywifeshusband]

Recently I picked up a used starter motor from Neo Bros for <£30 delivered. My solenoid was u/s so a new one from ebay means I have a spare starter for my 2 Saabs. A starter from a B204 and B205 is interchangeable. No difference auto or manual either.

[Pickled]

TotalControl said:

Forgot to say, it's an automatic.

Inhibitor switch on the gearbox? Car might think its not in P or N so won't allow starter to spin.

[TotalControl]

Some places online suggest it could be the battery. Although the replacement is smaller, could this also be an issue on them?

[TotalControl]

Pickled said:

TotalControl said:

Forgot to say, it's an automatic.

Inhibitor switch on the gearbox? Car might think its not in P or N so won't allow starter to spin.

Could this be bypassed?

[Pickled]

TotalControl said:

Could this be bypassed?

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100345

[TotalControl]

It started. She's alive!

Apparently there was a switch that was turned to some sort of off mode but I feel my parents haven't quite explained the issue properly. I'll ask the guy who came to take a look later for future reference.

[FraMac]

Good news. I'll be interested to find out what the problem is or was. (very) Occasionally when I take the keys out of the ignition the brain in the car doesn't register it, and I have to do it twice. The way it presents, is the radio stays on and you can't lock the car on the remote.

Keys back into the ignition and back out, problem solved.

[Pickled]

FraMac said:

Good news. I'll be interested to find out what the problem is or was. (very) Occasionally when I take the keys out of the ignition the brain in the car doesn't register it, and I have to do it twice. The way it presents, is the radio stays on and you can't lock the car on the remote.

Keys back into the ignition and back out, problem solved.

That'll be the ignition switch, my 9-3 had that problem, due to the position of the switch it fills with crap overtime, popped it out and thoroughly cleaned with contact cleaner.

[TotalControl]

It was the little yellow button on the battery terminal that needed pushing. Something as simple as that? I'm sure I pressed it before...

[FraMac]

Pickled said:

That'll be the ignition switch, my 9-3 had that problem, due to the position of the switch it fills with crap overtime, popped it out and thoroughly cleaned with contact cleaner.

Many thanks Pickled, I've got a day off tomorrow so I'll take a look at it. It's something I'd notice over the four and a bit years I've owned the car - just hadn't moved up the to-do list from "noticed" to "flipping irritating on a regular basis".

Thanks again. Still learning about the car so I may keep you all busy.