Saab 9-3 Stuck
Discussion
My Saab 9-3 is stuck outside my house and it won't start. When turning the key I just get two loud clicks and then nothing. All lights/ dash lights etc work ok. I'm not convinced it is the battery but I guess it could be. My internet searches suggest starter motor or corroded wiring potentially. I can't seem to see anything.
I have no AA or equivalent cover. I was thinking of calling a mobile mechanic, I'm in Leeds. Any ideas?
I have no AA or equivalent cover. I was thinking of calling a mobile mechanic, I'm in Leeds. Any ideas?
panholio said:
Can give it a go. Have another vehicle and a halford's nearby.
You'll no doubt find something suitable for less elsewhere, but Halfords do a simple multimeter for about £8, or a one-trick battery voltage tester for £14.50.If you get to know the basics of a multimeter, they are very useful to have around.
Happy to t
t the starter with a spanner 
Thanks for all the help guys, I will obtain a multimeter in the morning and see what it is reading. Lights do work.
What niggles me slightly is my brother in law (mechanic located some distance away) investigated a rattle/ clunking noise when my missus was up near him at the weekend. He "moved something out of the way of the exhaust" which has solved the clunking... I just hope no vital earth straps inadvertently messed with.
We'll see. Multimeter is a good test. If the battery reads low I'll order a new one online.
t the starter with a spanner Thanks for all the help guys, I will obtain a multimeter in the morning and see what it is reading. Lights do work.
What niggles me slightly is my brother in law (mechanic located some distance away) investigated a rattle/ clunking noise when my missus was up near him at the weekend. He "moved something out of the way of the exhaust" which has solved the clunking... I just hope no vital earth straps inadvertently messed with.
We'll see. Multimeter is a good test. If the battery reads low I'll order a new one online.
SS2. said:
You'll no doubt find something suitable for less elsewhere, but Halfords do a simple multimeter for about £8, or a one-trick battery voltage tester for £14.50.
If you get to know the basics of a multimeter, they are very useful to have around.
£5.90 in Toolstation if there's one of those nearby too http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Electrical/Electri...If you get to know the basics of a multimeter, they are very useful to have around.
A simple test of the battery is to switch the blower fan to max. If that works then turn on the lights as well, also try the wipers and windows - if everything works as normal then it's more than likely to be a duff starter motor, dirty solenoid contact or (if you're lucky) just a loose cable.
The clicking you can hear is the starter solenoid (see picture) which is like a beefy on/off switch or relay for the starter motor.
You can take this apart to check the contacts yourself if you're into DIY. Failing that, a replacement unit isn't very expensive.
The clicking you can hear is the starter solenoid (see picture) which is like a beefy on/off switch or relay for the starter motor.
You can take this apart to check the contacts yourself if you're into DIY. Failing that, a replacement unit isn't very expensive.
Mr E said:
When our 9-5 did this, it was a dicky crank sensor. I wonder if the 9-3 has the same (relatively) common fault?
Do they click though? In my experience a crank sensor usually sees the engine turning fast but not firing because the crank sensor is not reporting seeing the pulley moveGassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff