900 won't crank

Eeyore wrote:
>
> David wrote:
>
>
>>I have a 96 900 non turbo 2.3 that won't crank. When I turn the key the
>>lights dim and there is a click, but it don't crank. I connected a wire to
>>the positive battery post and touched the solenoid post closest to the
>>engine (yellow wire) and it cranked and started. So I'm wondering if I have
>>an electrical problem or could it still be just a bad solenoid?
>
>
> Electrical strap from body to engine has gone. (most likely)
>
> Graham
>
I expect you meant the battery ground cable.....because it happened to
me a few years ago with my 1974 VW Beetle....since sold and now own a
fantastic near mint 1996 Saab 900 se Turbo Convertible. Replaced on the
VW the full ground cable, battery connector and grounded-down the
surface connection to the body, and all was well. Cheers!
 >> Stay informed about: 900 won't crank 

Testing with a multi meter on that solenoid post and there is no voltage
when the key is turned to the start position. It is a manual trans and the
safety switch on the clutch pedal is disconnected but it makes no difference
if you jump the two wires or leave them open. Is there a starter relay or
something?

> Electrical strap from body to engine has gone. (most likely)
>

Wire to solenoid appears to be in the big wiring harness that goes to the
engine and it appears to be ok. It is very difficult to see under the intake
where the starter is, but the best I can tell everything in that area is
connected and in good shape.



"Eeyore" wrote in message
...
>
>
> David wrote:
>
>> I have a 96 900 non turbo 2.3 that won't crank. When I turn the key the
>> lights dim and there is a click, but it don't crank. I connected a wire
>> to
>> the positive battery post and touched the solenoid post closest to the
>> engine (yellow wire) and it cranked and started. So I'm wondering if I
>> have
>> an electrical problem or could it still be just a bad solenoid?
>
> Electrical strap from body to engine has gone. (most likely)
>
> Graham
>
 >> Stay informed about: 900 won't crank 

I removed and inspected the ground and it is in good condition. The car will
crank if I apply 12 volts to the solenoid, but it won't crank with the key.


"LordPacal" wrote in message

> Eeyore wrote:
>>
>> David wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I have a 96 900 non turbo 2.3 that won't crank. When I turn the key the
>>>lights dim and there is a click, but it don't crank. I connected a wire
>>>to
>>>the positive battery post and touched the solenoid post closest to the
>>>engine (yellow wire) and it cranked and started. So I'm wondering if I
>>>have
>>>an electrical problem or could it still be just a bad solenoid?
>>
>>
>> Electrical strap from body to engine has gone. (most likely)
>>
>> Graham
>>
> I expect you meant the battery ground cable.....because it happened to me
> a few years ago with my 1974 VW Beetle....since sold and now own a
> fantastic near mint 1996 Saab 900 se Turbo Convertible. Replaced on the VW
> the full ground cable, battery connector and grounded-down the surface
> connection to the body, and all was well. Cheers!
 >> Stay informed about: 900 won't crank 

David wrote:

> Testing with a multi meter on that solenoid post and there is no voltage
> when the key is turned to the start position. It is a manual trans and the
> safety switch on the clutch pedal is disconnected but it makes no difference
> if you jump the two wires or leave them open. Is there a starter relay or
> something?
>
> > Electrical strap from body to engine has gone. (most likely)
> >
>
> Wire to solenoid appears to be in the big wiring harness that goes to the
> engine and it appears to be ok. It is very difficult to see under the intake
> where the starter is, but the best I can tell everything in that area is
> connected and in good shape.

You're looking at the *wrong thing* ! It's the EARTH STRAP not the live side.

Graham
 >> Stay informed about: 900 won't crank 

David wrote:

> I removed and inspected the ground and it is in good condition. The car will
> crank if I apply 12 volts to the solenoid, but it won't crank with the key.

That's different. You need a new key barrel.

Graham
 >> Stay informed about: 900 won't crank 

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