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Saab: 1990 Saab 900s Cranks wont start, Saab not starting sudddenly


Question
3 weeks ago my wife went to the store and came home without incident.  Approximately 10 min after she got home the car would not start.  It turns over, doesn't start.  Ive checked and replaced the plugs, the starter(new) 3months ago. Airfilter is clean, sparks at solenoid, No burns in distributor. Suggestions?

Answer
Christian:
 I would check the fuel pump, located within the fuel tank, accessible from the trunk floor. They often fail by not working at the lower voltage(10-11 Volt)during those few moments of heavy current draw by the starter motor. One easy check is to apply 12 volts from the battery directly with two long wires to the pump terminals, observing the polarity. Try starting the engine with the pump thus jumpered and running; once the cranking is over, the running engine causes the voltage to rise to around 13 Volts and thus maintaining the fuel pump.
 Of course, the circuitry energizing the fuel pump could also be at fault, with somewhat less likelihood. Thus you should check the fuel pump relay and the voltage arriving at the fuel pump.
An excellent detailed source of info for any specific car is the website <www.alldatadiy.com> which costs $25/year/vehicle, but is well worth it!!

              Hope this helps,

                        Jerry