9-3 turn of the key & nothing

[andy.h]

im struggling to get my 9-3 hatchback to start when i turn the key .
 it's an intermittent problem that when i turn the key i get all the dash lights but then nothing , no click of the starter or anything , usually i just turn the key again and she'll fire up but this last week ive been struggling for upto 5 minutes and im worried that 1 day it's will leave me stranded
 am i right in thinking it's to do with the ignition barrel

[Max Headroom]

 ...am i right in thinking it's to do with the ignition barrel

I'd say yes, but could be also be sticking solenoid or the starter motor itself

[sgould]

The barrel and the switch below are separate.  You can remove the barrel from above fairly easily.  But the switch below takes a bit more effort. If the barrel isn't sticking and it pops up when the key is removed. It's likely to be OK.

But it could be the ignition relay.  Can you hear it click? 

Could be the starter?  Is the solenoid clicking?

[chris aka zaphod]

Check the battery terminals. If your 9-3 does not start, does the -ve get hottish?

[Max Headroom]

If you can reach the starter motor with a hide-faced (or nylon-faced) hammer and give it a couple of sharp blows it might get it free.
It may then stay free for a while but its pretty inevitable it will get stuck again.

Sometimes taking it off and giving the engaging drive a thorough clean and grease can cure it. While it's off clean up any burrs on the drives too

[sgould]

Diesel starter motor:


Article : Starter motor
PartNo : 9544537
Usage : 1998-2001, (4772968), NLS-USE 93176034
Order Quantity : 1



Article : Starter motor
PartNo : 93176034
Usage : 2002, (53 32 340)
Order Quantity : 1


Petrol starter motors have different numbers

[chris aka zaphod]

, if it was the terminals i wouldnt have the dash lights on or the radio working ..
 

I have known and experienced otherwise.

[sgould]

You don't need to pay Saab prices for these parts.

Most of the parts with numbers starting with a 9 are GM generic parts.  It means that, most likely you will find it as a Vauxhall / Opel part with the same number and it will be the same and will fit.

For example:  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-VECTRA-ASTRA-SINTRA-OMEGA-ZAFIRA-DIESEL-SIGNUM-STARTER-MOTOR-NEW-/170735115922?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27c09b1e92#ht_1315wt_923

[sgould]

I can't speak for the Vauxhall compatibility.

But on Saab that part was used on all the 2.2 diesel engines.  Classic 9-3.  9-3 Sport Saloon 2003-4 and the 2002-2005 9-5.

Later Saabs used the 1.9 diesel engine which has a different starter.