Saab: Cold start on a 9-3 Saab 2001, model saab, jimmy mac

Question
Hi Jerry - I've always found great answers and hopefully this is no different.  I've got a 2001 Saab 9-3 with 127K on it.  Cold start in the morning - sometimes a hit (usually first crank) when it doesnt' - it won't start.  I can hear the fuel pump getting gas through the injectors - even smell it if I turn the key on 3 or 4 times.  This also occurs sometimes when the vehicle has been driven for an hour.  Turn it off - get back in 15 minutes later - won't start.  Turning over fine - new battery . . . baffled.  Thanks for any help you can offer.  Jimmy Mac in Las Vegas

Answer
Jimmy:
I am sorry, but as my profile states, my hands on experience does NOT include your model Saab. What is does sound like, however, is an intermittent spark problem OR a "stuck" cold start subsystem. By that, I mean, from the fact that you smell gas, that the engine is flooding either due to a sensor fault, or cold start valve problem.
 In any case, it calls for a step by step analysis to be pinpointed.
   Hope this helps,
         Jerry