Saab: starter issues, screw driver, dead car

Question
hello-

I have replaced my starter (1985 900 turbo) twice now, with the second starter only lasting a week.  As i was driving, i noticed smoke from my engine compartment, possibly coming from the area next to the driver's side wheel well where there was some wires connected to the wheel well .  So, I had smoke and my power windows died the last time i drove it.  I never had any problems with my windows until that last time i drove it, when they wouldn't open after i started the car.  Then the smoke.  Then... nothing.  A dead car.

An aside issue, my key got twisted in the ignition so that i cannot even attempt to turn it on any more.  The whole time i have owned it, i could remove the key while it was runing, and a couple times i started it with a screw driver (years ago), but now the ignition is stuck in lock, and the key is too torn to be able to turn the ignition (the key itself is not stuck in it).  Should i just replace the whole assembly?  Are the two issues related?  What is killing my starters?

Well, thank you much for any input.  Please let me know if any more info would be helpful.
jim.

Answer
Finally a question regarding a model year and issue that I am familier with!
I doubt the two issues are related.
Regarding the starter, smoke, and windows. Sounds to me like to you miswired the starter or poorly wired it such that you ended up with a short (the positive wire hit ground. When this happened you proby blew up a whole bunch of fuses - not sure how but that is the only way I can explain the windows. Start by checking out the wiring around your starter to see if it is frayed, burned, or incorrect. If bad, fix it with new wire and heat shrink. If all looks okay, then try and turn the engine over by using a screwdriver to short between the hot wire and the engine block. That will verify if the starter is still allright. If not, replace from the junkyard or ebay. If the air conditioner is in your way, rip it out - I am assuming it proby doesn't work. Regarding your windows check and replace the fuse if bad. If the screwdriver test doesn't work check to see that you have voltage between the hot wire on the starter and the engine block. If not, check the connection at your battery - might be loose and corroded.
Regarding your ignition key, I would suggest doing what I have done with my 87 and my old 85 - Rip it out and replace with switches. I started my 87 with a screwdriver -leatherman is the best - for years until the ignition cylinder sheared out. The car isn't worth much and not worth the time and effort involved in replacing the ignition cylinder. So, I use 2 single-pole single-throw (latching) rocker switches to replicate the 1st two clicks electrically on the key and a single-pole single-throw (non-latching) spring loaded push button to acuate the starter. The two latching rockers were mounted to a small piece of tin cut from an old license plate and fixed to the location of the old coin tray (on my 87) just in front of where the old ignition cylinder was. The non-latching switch was mounted to a blank punch-out on the left side of the dash underneath the light switch. If you don't have time for all of that, I would just use a screwdriver until it shears out. When it shears out, if you are lucky, it will be in the pre-start postion in which case you simply get out of the car and short across the starter to start the vehicle.
If you have voltage to the window switches (pry them out with a small flat head screwdriver) and they still won't go up douche them out with an electronics cleaner. Simply push in the plastic stud on the side and pull the switch apart. In the bottom of it you will find a couple of brass or copper switch plates. Clean them good and repair with solder if neccesary.
The thing proby killing your starters is either a shredded fly-wheel (bad problem) or poor installation.

Good luck,
Richard