My 1999 Saab 9-3m has a stick and of course the key goes in near the stick on the console. A week ago I spilled tea (10-15 ounces?) while reaching for the cup holder. Four days later, I took the car out for usual errands, came out of the hardware store, and had a car that gave me a full array of electrical stuff (windows, radio, lights, sun roof) but absolutely not even a peep from the starter. No cranking, no struggling, and certainly no starting. I went back the next day and she started like a champ. Brought her to my mechanic (not a Saab specialist, but has done lots of work for me) and once again she wouldn't start. They've had her for three days and have determined that a) there is a major short draining the battery that they've narrowed down to being in the mess of electronics in the consol and b) it's beyond them to do anything about it. So, on Monday they will get her started and move her to a shop up the road that they believe will have the skills to do something. How is it possible that a dollar's worth of tea could destroy my car? They're saying the repair could run to $1,000. Would a daily squirt of WD-40 keep her going? Thoughts? Encouragement? I love this car. She's got over 200,000 miles and is still a kick to drive.

 

The problem was that the ebarke pivots at each drum was seized up and no longer released properly. A can of ol' WD and 15 minutes later i had them loosened back up. While i was in there I also lubed/cleaned up the adjuster and closed it all the way back in to get the drum back on. The brakes find don't seem to bind up anymore, but they could use another bleed.