I just bought this car as a theft recovery. I've replaced the dash, ignition, some wiring, the entire console, and rims. It's a pretty nice car. I now have some problems starting it. This is what I have done: 1) complete tune-up (with copper plugs, electrical components are putting out fire to the plug), 2)fuel pressure tested directly at the fuel line from the fuel pump is a constant 32 lb., this is after an initial peg of the needle, it then drops to 32 lb.. I only turn the key on to pressurize the system and do not crank the engine.
I do not yet have a manual for the car. The reason for the pressure checks is that I crank and crank the engine, it will catch after about 3 or 4 attempts and then die, it will then idle after the 3 or 4 deaths, but idle very rough. After a warm-up, I try to give it throttle, but it sounds like a choke out, before it increases rpms. Saabs I can work on, but without a manual on this type of fuel injection, I'm kind of lost. Any suggestions will be gratefully appreciated. Thanks, John

check fuel pump relay
 

also the fuse maybe.. I have the same trouble in my 80 380 se euro

Hi,

Be sure to check the fuse on the overvoltage protection relay. The relay's located directly behind the battery and has a red fuse on it. If the fuse is blown, it can cause simptoms such as you are experiencing.

Hope this works!!

Daniel

87 190E-16V Blk/Blk 5Spd.

dan16v, donnie d
 

the car is now running like a charm. the over voltage relay was bad. the 10 amp fuse was good, but apparently the relay was bad. the new, updated relay has two 10 amp fuses. i put it in and the car started up immediately. thanks for the help. now i can concentrate on the dash wiring. what a mess.