My Saab Won't Start

Saab cars are manufactured in Sweden, but still have many of the same working parts as U.S.-made cars. If your Saab won't start, try a few diagnostic checks yourself. But if it the problem goes beyond a mere battery change, you might want to contact a professional Saab mechanic.

Things You'll Need

  • Jumper cables
  • Turn the key in the ignition. Check to see if your fuel tank is empty. If there is not enough gas in the tank, your Saab might not start.

  • Attempt to turn your engine over by cranking your key all the way in the ignition. If your Saab clicks or cranks slowly, but does not start, the battery is probably weak or dead.

  • Lift the engine hood and check the battery. Make sure the battery cables are firmly attached before trying to restart the car. If the car continues to click or crank slowly, proceed to Step 3.

  • Jump start your Saab. Use jumper cables to attach your battery to another car's working battery. Both cars should be turned off while connecting the jumper cables. Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes before attempting to start your Saab.

  • Start your Saab. If it starts, then you know the problem was the battery and you can drive to a repair shop to have it replaced. If it doesn't start, you will need to call a tow truck to take your Saab to a repair shop to diagnose the problem. It could be a number of the things, including a faulty starter or transmission issues. Unless you are an experienced mechanic with access to diagnostic tools, the diagnosis is best left to a professional.