It usually takes 1 or 2 rotation for it to start up but I've been noticing it's been taking 6 or 8 rotation for it to start up. I started looking and checking the fuel pump fuel lines fuel system can't find the problem. Took it into subaru and was told that they can't work on it because it's a saab even though it has the ej205 boxer motor in it and sent me to gm instead and they sent me back to subaru and kinda wasted my day doing that and I don't have time to drive 2 hour and 30 minutes to have my car checked out at the closest saab dealer we have in Wisconsin. But I've noticed smoke coming out of the hood and changed the valve cover gaskets and spark plugs all by myself and now I've noticed it starts up in 1 or 2 rotation again.. I don't know what's causing that and do you suggest me getting a new alternator since everytime I turn on my ac my lights flicker like the car is dying. Rpm drops then comes on again or do I just have a bad wire or connection somewhere? Main thing is the starting up issue. I just can locate this problem. When running and shut off and left off for 5 to 10 minutes it starts up like normal 1 to 2 rotation but if it sits longer than 10 mins it takes 6 to 8 rotation to start up again and I'm so frustrated with this. At high speeds it runs stays at speeds doesn't bog out but noticed how it lags on 2nd gear like the car wants to die but catch on again and drives like normal again. I've also noticed sometimes when the car sits in neutral with the e-brake up and engine running the rpm needle jumps from 750 rpm to 1500 rpm and sits there for a few minutes and I'm freaking out asking myself what the hell is up with this car. Never had I had a problem like this ever. So if you have any ideas or advice please let me know. Thanks for your time and help.
Those cars are really odd ducks. People who own them are kind of between a rock and a hard place for service. As you know it's really not a Saab, it's a Subaru but as you found out most Subaru dealers don't want to touch them. From what I've read that car does have the same electronics and uses the same diagnostic tools as a regular Subaru. It would be identified as a a WRX on Subaru's scan tools. There's really no reason a Subaru dealer could not do basic diagnostics and repairs on that car. They just would not be able to deal with anything Saab-specific which are mainly cosmetic items. However you bring that in and it's something they are not familiar with (not many were sold) and they just don't want to touch it.
The 9-2x uses the turbocharged version of Subaru's boxer engine and those did not suffer from the common head gasket problems that normally-aspirated Subarus of that vintage have. (Better gaskets were used with the turbo.) However it is still possible you might have a head gasket issue especially if the cooling system has not been properly maintained over the years. Probably worth getting one of those kits that tests for combustion gases in the coolant.
Is engine compression OK? For the electrical issue a good first step would be to check your grounds, especially the ground between the engine and chassis.
Your best bet might be to find a good independent Subaru mechanic who can do diagnostics for you with a fancy scan tool. Dealers tend to be overpriced even if you find one that won't try to rip you off outright.
Thanks you its been done already and it pass had 2 tecs confirmed that the head gasket are still good. It just a car thing but probably in the near future imma drop a sti motor and transmission in it. I have all the components I need to make it into a 2.5 boxer turbo but will keep an eye on it for now since summer is going and fall is near. It's been getting cold lately and it's not a good time to be messing around with a motor when this is the only car I have well not true but for me it is my wife and step son has a car that's under my name but won't hold that against them. Lol but thanks for your advice and help on this issue. I appreciate the help.
Well about a zillion things can do that but I would first say try my video how to tell if your head gasket is blown Scotty. Cuz those are notorious for blowing head gaskets and it could be it's starting to go out then you will get that smoke coming out of the back
Did a test on the head gasket and everything is good. I just don't know what I should do. It runs fine now but it will probably acted up near the summer again if it does probably time for another car. Or a used motor off ebay a bigger motor. Instead of the 2.0 boxer turbo it might be time for the 2.5 boxer turbo. I plan on doing this conversion when this motor is useless but God knows when that is. It has 266000 miles on it already and I do have all the components to make it work just need the transmission and motor. Well thank for the advice but will keep an eye on that. Ps love your shows on YouTube.
This is a long shot BUT, check the neutral lock out switch connected to the clutch pedal that won't allow you to start the car unless the clutch is disengaged. Usually, I just run a jumper wire across the switch to eliminate these kinds of problems.
