I have a 2005 Saab 9-5 wagon. In the past month, it has had a hard time starting on the 1st try in the morning. It only happens once per day, and only if the weather is cool (below 60). I had the battery load tested at a local shop and it came out great. If I turn the key to “on” but not to “start” and then wait a sec (to prime the fuel pump?) and then turn it to off and then to start, it starts right up, or if I just try to start it right up, it starts on the second try.
Waiting a second or two is the key here. The fuel pressure is leaking out of the system overnight. You’re not really priming the pump, but close. The fuel pump is pressurizing the system. Then the car starts as it should. By the way, you don’t have to turn the ignition off in between. Just turn to ON, wait a second or two, then turn to START.
There is a check valve in the fuel line to maintain pressure when the pump is off. The check valve in your Saab is leaking slightly.