# SAAB 9-3 2003 Poltergeist?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-9-3-2003-poltergeist/26699>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** saab, batteries, 9-3, starters, stall, ignition, start\
**Created:** [February 20, 2009, 4:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-9-3-2003-poltergeist/26699 "2009-02-20T04:34:05Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![archetypia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/da6949/32.png) [@archetypia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/archetypia)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 4:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-9-3-2003-poltergeist/26699/1 "2009-02-20T04:34:05Z")

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Frequently there is no response at all when I turn the key. I wait awhile and after 10 to 60 min. it starts. If “waiting” were a legitimate fix-it, I’d be doing great. There is no pattern to the problem. I’ve ruled out temperature, time of day, miles driven, etc. Saab dealer did a “computer analysis” and charged me big bucks for a new starter. That made no difference.  
  
 It’s not a battery problem, apparently not an ignition problem. Is it a poltergeist?

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 5:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-9-3-2003-poltergeist/26699/2 "2009-02-20T05:32:27Z")

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If the dashboard warning lamps illuminate and there is not even a starter solenoid click sound when the key is turned the most likely suspects would be:  
faulty neutral safety switch if the car has an automatic transmission.  
faulty ignition switch.  
security system glitch.  
faulty clutch safety switch if the car has a manual transmission.

I’m assuming here the battery, the battery cable ends, and any cable distribution terminal are all good and clean.