CRANKS BUT WON'T START

Tiny
HAYESNAT
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SAAB 9-3
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • MANUAL
  • 95,000 MILES
I can start the car and drive it to work with no problem. I will let it sit for about 4 hours, and try to go to lunch or home, and the car will not start. It will crank and crank, but will not start. After it sits overnight I will crank and start. I has never exhibited these symptoms while it is at the shop, but as soon as I pick it up, it will run for a few days, then I will carnk and not start. I'm afaid to continue to drive it because I am afraid of getting stranded. Can someone help me figure out what's going on with this car
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 AT 3:27 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Next time it refuses to start don't wait Do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark issue.

Disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor /distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, ECM, Ignitor cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
MNTHNY4
  • MECHANIC
  • 612 POSTS
U have a faulty engine crankshaft position sensor, no need to check anything else.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 7:44 PM

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