2009 9-3 turns over but no start

[Hertog_Jan]

Hi all

I recently acquired a Hirsch tuned 2009 9-3 2L petrol automatic. I'm not using it often, a few weeks ago it was starting slightly rough, but it started. Yesterday morning it wouldn't start at all. It turns over well (at a good pace), so I don't suspect the battery currently. I'm new to Saabs and would love your pointers as to what I could get started with to investigate. On my list I have fuel (maybe the filter or the pump) and spark. What order would you investigate?

Thanks so much!

[Digger]

Before you spend any money, pull the battery cable to reset the car's computer system and see if it makes a difference.

It's not just Saab. Crank Position Sensor's fail on many different cars. On the this 2.0L Saab it is very easy to get at and an inexpensive preventative maintenance item that will be needed eventually even if it doesn't fix today's problem.

After that fuel at the rail is the next easiest to check.

[Hertog_Jan]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll pull the cable and leave it off for a minute or so, that should probably be long enough I’d think?

I called the garage and they also mentioned the fuel pump as easy to check so I’ll be doing that as well.

Finally I’ll check prices for a crank angle sensor as well, see if they are as cheap here in Switzerland.

[Digger]

Don't forget to unplug the MAS air sensor after you check for fuel pressure at the rail. If the car starts replace the MAS as soon as possible, if it doesn't start, plug it in and move on.

[Hertog_Jan]

I checked the fuel pressure and that is good, or at least there is some if I depress the little nipple. It squirts out quite vigourously. I have disconnected the MAF sensor as well but that didn’t result in a start so I reconnected it again.

I realised I had a generic OBD2 reader somewhere, apparently the ECU throws code 'P0685', 'ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit /Open'.

[Digger]

With any used car you never really know who did what or how well it was done. Though Hirsch tuned shouldn't make any difference, it might and from the initial description starting slightly rough, then not starting at all sounded more like a failing MAS and P0685 suggest bad wire connection.

As you you have the car in front of you, you need to decide what looks good and what doesn't. This P0685 started with what might be an intermittent / loose / dirty wire connection which will require a close and thorough visual inspection. Find the power relay on the left side end of the small relay fuse box that hangs in front of the battery and look for anything obviously loose, then check fuse 4 in the big fuse box. If everything looks good swap the relay with an identical if you have one and if that doesn't get you going start wiggling wires.

Hopefully you can find and fix this without needing to get your hands on a Tech 2.

[Hertog_Jan]

Thanks for the continued answers! I do know that the car was treated well and always had its maintenance as it used to be my mother's

I have checked both fuse 2 and 4 in the fuse box under the hood, they are both fine. I'll check the power relay later as it is getting dark and rather cold outside. I have found a Saab specialist relatively close by, so if worst comes to worst there is someone with a Tech2 that can help out. Up until now I've simply been trying to avoid the additional cost, but I'm starting to reach the limits of what I can do outside and without a more specific readout.