2007 9-5 2.3t Car won't start, looking for diagnosis help

[MikeB63]

I think the fuel filter is in the tank on the 2007. I double-checked the fuel pressure and it stays at about 39 PSI. Does anyone know what it should be? I have read that anywhere between 30 and 60 PSIG is good, but my test gauge documents say SAAB should be 27 PSIG. Can I be getting too much fuel? I can hear it circulating at the rail. I may still try replacing the DIC, but what might stop the injectors from firing? Is there a relay or something that might be bad? Another sensor to check?

[Pali7]

I would craw under the car and look close to the gas tank to see if there is a filter outside of the tank. Could be. Then read about taking the pressure out of the line before you replace it. I often look at Jim Ellis Saab parts for diagrams. Looks like it is not in the tank.

[MikeB63]

I'll take a look for the fuel filter, but if you look in the Tutorials section on replacing the fuel the fuel filter, there's a note that on 2006+ 9-5's, they changed the fuel pump to the 9-3 Sport Sedan-style design and there is no serviceable fuel filter.

[Digger]

I think the fuel filter is in the tank on the 2007. I double-checked the fuel pressure and it stays at about 39 PSI. Does anyone know what it should be? I have read that anywhere between 30 and 60 PSIG is good, but my test gauge documents say SAAB should be 27 PSIG. Can I be getting too much fuel? I can hear it circulating at the rail. I may still try replacing the DIC, but what might stop the injectors from firing? Is there a relay or something that might be bad? Another sensor to check?

The ECU is what can stop the injectors from firing and you don't absolutely need the Tech 2 to test the DIC and injectors, but it does make it an easy job. The wire harness can also stop the injectors from firing.

[MikeB63]

DIC replaced, but no start. Sounded a bit stronger in “wanting to catch”, but no cigar. The only thing I can say is that the fuel pressure regulator is supposedly 3 Bar, which is about 43 PSI. I’m measuring 35-39 PSI, but I would think that would be enough to start the car. Running out of ideas.

[nordwulf]

add stuff for water in the fuel. change fuel filter. Time to look for odd things.

Good advice, I had this same problem before. A bottle of Heet is cheap and easy.

Check with the gas station you last fueled up at to see if this may be a bad gas issue. That happened to someone else here on the forum.

[MikeB63]

I did add the HEET today also. I filled the tank the night before the problems started. Gas station did recently have new tanks put in.

[MikeB63]

Well guess it’s time to have her towed to the garage. Rechecked all I could. Tried to start her again. This time I could smell fuel. I tried the starter fluid again and again in caught for a couple seconds. So i seem to have spark, I have pressure at the fuel rail, I can smell fuel fumes after cranking, but she won’t start. Almost like timing is off. Very frustrating!

[Pali7]

You can check to see if the timing cam/chain slipped. You have to pull the valve cover, set the lower timing marks and see if the lower and upper (cam) timing marks line up.

[MikeB63]

Thanks Pali, but I don't have time to get into it that deep. It's been a struggle for week getting back and forth to work and dodging raindrops in the driveway. the only thing I haven't changed that I could is the pressure regulator. You couldn't tell me the pressure at your fuel rail could you? I would think 39 PSIG would be enough to start the car, but maybe I'm wrong. Whatever it is, it's going to cost about another $1000 to fix at the shop I'm sure.