Starting Problem. Any suggestions welcome

[Lakelord]

Hi Guys, I have a 1995 2.0 LPT 9000 CDE (auto) that has an intermittant starting problem. When I turn the key, I can hear the solenoid energise but the engine fails to turn. If I keep the ignition key held in the start position, eventually, the engine turns over and the engine starts.
The battery's in good nick so assuming it was the starter solenoid, a new starter motor/solenoid has been fitted but still the same problem exists.
Have checked all wiring/earth connections are clean and tight so have run out of ideas. Can you help?

[Prof Beard]

Next time it happens, try starting the engine with gearstick in Neutral, rather than Park. If it works fine in that case, the selector position switch is getting past it (This is true with NG900 Saabs, and I think they use the same autoboxes) (Mind you I'd live with the problem and start in Neutral, there are really expensive to replace and a PIG to get at)

[Lakelord]

Prof Beard said:

Next time it happens, try starting the engine with gearstick in Neutral, rather than Park. If it works fine in that case, the selector position switch is getting past it

Thanks for the tip Prof but have just tried this and unfortunately the symptom is the same regardless of gear selector position.

[leighp]

Hi here,this may sound a bit cheesy but try some WD40 with the straw provided in the ignition key stem(where you put the key and give it a good squirt)it sounds like dirty contacts,same thing happend to me on an old ford escort some years ago and it worked a treat.
Some times the simplest solution is the easiest one.
Let us know if it works...
Regards,leigh

[Lakelord]

Oh well, took the car back into SAAB for them to diagnose and they are saying that it has to be the starter motor and they will need to replace it again before they can further diagnose the problem. The starter motor was replaced with a new, albeit non-SAAB part so I now have to weigh out for another new one again.
Have tried squirting servisol (switch cleaner) down the ignition barrel but to no avail.
I don't believe that the new SAAB starter is going to fix it so like a flamingo, I can see a large bill ahead of me!!