Ok I looked around and can't find anything like this so here we go, I have a 2008 FX4 4.0l engine. Manual trans. Since I bought it it's a little hard to start and by that I mean it doesn't doesn't usually light off until usually the second starter engagement sometimes the third. It runs great it tends to idle a little high until good and warm 1100 rpm then slowly drops too 700 rpm. Just did a complete tune up plugs, wires, fuel and air filter, and cleaned the MAF. Fresh oil and fluids with a new starter and battery. Any insite would be appericiate. My next stop is replace the MAF. Oh and I've tried turning the key to on and letting it fully pressurize the fuel system before starting. It's more an annoyance then anything Lol I would just like it to light off on the first attempt.

 

Fuel pump only runs for 2 seconds when you turn the key on, leaving key on longer doesn't help
You have to turn the key on, count to 3 then turn the key off, Repeat 3 times, then try to start, that will build up any lost fuel pressure

Is it only hard to start Cold, i.e. after sitting longer than 5 hours
Or is it hard to start anytime?

 

Seems to do it more when it's warm. But sometimes when it's cold. I know not very helpful lol.

 

So update stiill the same problem. No smoke when starting so if I'm losing fuel pressure it's not a leaking injector( I think). I'm leaning toward fuel pump relay or more likely fuel check valve. Does that jive ? And if it's a check valve is there anything to do outside changing a pump or should I just wait for the pump to crap out lol.

 

All there is is the check valve, on 2008, to maintain fuel pressure with engine off

Fuel pump relay would be long shot, they don't fail often and easy to replace if in doubt, it is in the engine fuse box.
Listen for the fuel pump to run for those 2 seconds after key is turned on, it isn't quiet.
Thats the fuel pump relay working, sending power to pump for 2 seconds

 

If the relay is bad will it still turn the pump on when you start cranking ? Like off a oil pressure switch?

 

And thanks Ron you provide a lot of great info, and I just checked sounds like something turns on for about 2 secs. A little high pitched

 

see if you can locate the Fuel Pressure Test port on the engine, it is on the Fuel Rail, that feeds the fuel injectors
Looks like a tires air valve, because it is, it is a schrader valve with a pin in the center to release pressure.
May have a cap on like a tire valves cap

With engine off you can test if you have pressure, COLD ENGINE!!!
Watch out and be careful, if there is pressure then fuel will spray out

Or you could rent a fuel pressure tester, and see whats what with pressure, engine running and engine off
Also engine at 2,500 RPM for 30 seconds

Replacing fuel pump is expensive, so best to test as much as you can first

 

I have run into this problem a few times with Ford Rangers and 99% of the time it's the fuel pump. I have a 2004 right now that is doing it. I noticed that the fuel pumps for the extended cab Rangers are more expensive, I thought that was kind of strange because they shouldn't be any different.

 

Nice I'll check that for sure. I've been listening for the pump when I turned the key on and twice today I didn't hear it prime. So now I'm back to thinking an intermitment fuel pump relay.

 

Just replace the relay on speculation, it is not expensive
But pull it out first and look at the tabs and slots, looking for discoloration/corrosion

It is in engine fuse box

Owners manual here will show you exact location: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...1-models-3747/

 

Good call on the corrosion. This girl say a lot of off-road use before I got her. Thanks again

 

New update the pump doesn't always prime when the key is turned on, I've replaced the fuel pump relay no difference. If I shut her off and restart within say 20 mins it will prime the system. Anything longer and it's hit or miss LOL!!. Oh checked for corrosion everything looked good even pulled the other relays and they all looked clean.

 

Then reads like electric motor on fuel pump is failing.

Electric motors common issue is brush gap so motor won't start up, once started it will work fine but after shut off restart can be iffy.

Many have experienced this with starter motors, won't work all the time, if you tap/bang on the motor it will start to work again and work fine for awhile then quit again.
Electric transfer case shift motors do the same thing, a few taps and they work again.

You can try tapping on the bottom of the gas tank and see if it starts working again, but ultimately you should just replace it.
You may find the connectors at the top of the tank are the problem, so pump is OK, up to you at that point if you replace the pump or not
My 1994 factory fuel pump is still working fine, knock on wood, so it is very odd your 9 year old pump should fail, can happen of course just unexpected.

Sliding the bed back or tilting it up is the best way to get access to fuel pump and wiring

Many videos on doing that on youtube

 

Thanks for the help and info. I'll keep an eye on it and be ready to change out the pump.