Over the past few times I have driven my car, I can drive for maybe a 1/2 hour or so then park. I can run into a store and come out in a matter of minutes and the car does not do anything. All the lights on the dash are on and my battery is good (tried to get a jump but that did not help). The car does not turn over or do anything except light up the dash when the key is in the "on" position.

I then wait a about 10-15 minutes then the car starts right up. No engine light or anything. No codes. I was told by another Saab owner that it might be corrosion on my starter's screws or it could possibly be my transmission range sensor. Anyone ever had this issue and possibly be able to shed any light?

 

Your co-Saab owner is correct on both possibilities if your 9-5 is a 4 cylinder. The possitive battery connection at the starter on 4 cylinders somehoe will become slightly lose and not allow current flow to the starter. This however will occur even at cold starts. For V6's and 4 cylinders, most likely it is your range switch on the transmission. Not to hard a repair if you have nimble hands. However, the part is somewhat expensive. Take your time installing it and make sure you line the switch up properly becuase it is also your neutral safety switch.

 

might be your crank shaft position sensor,, i think is what was told to me about mine.. my car does the same also.. but mine also shuts off at red lights and when i'm stopped in traffic

 

it is definately your cps, it doesnt cost much around £35, and is simple to fit, approx 20mins, well thats what it took me to do, car running perfect now,

 

Thanks everyone for your details. Oddly, I haven't had the problem since a couple days after I posted this. The last time it happened what I did was close the door, lock the door with the key to engage the alarm system, then opened the door to turn off the alarm and unlock the doors and I haven't had the problem since. My mechanic advised me to do this as he said that the computer will sometimes need to be reset if the car has been sitting idle for long time which mine was. I am not sure if this had anything to do with it or not but I did it and my problem has not come back at all.

 

Mine used to do that. We replaced the ignition cassette... then it started lagging on excel. It needs to be reprog'd. We'll see if that fixes it.

 

Mine did that too. I have a 2000. I replaced the ignition cassette and now it starts fine. Just make sure that you reprogram it.

 

As another member mentioned, the NSS could be the problem or the starter connection. The next time this happens try moving the shifter through all gears and also try to start the car in N. If it was the CPS the car would at least crank but not start.

 

When you say reprogram, what actually did they reprogram? If the computer does need to be reprogramed will the check engine light come on?

 

The battery is positive in the entry, 4-cylinder somehow become a bit loose and not allow the circulation of currents in the entrance. However, this will happen, even in cold start. For V6 and 4 cylinders, the more likely is that the switch of the transmission line. Not difficult to repair if you have nimble hands. However, the game is a little expensive. Take your time to install and make sure the line switch correctly, because it is also your neutral safety switch.