My daughter's 02 Ranger XLT 4.0 will not start when you 1st crank it in the am, but after you cycle the key a couple times is starts. It runs fine after it starts. If you cut it off and then right back on it starts every time, but if you stop it and then come back 15 minutes later you have to cycle it a couple times again. Fuel pressure at the shrader valve is 20 psi when you first cycle it. It goes to 60 psi after cycling it a couple times but drops almost immediately to zero after the key is cut off. I believe it's the fuel pump. Anyone else have other ideas??

 

Fuel pump.

I had this exact issue. The fuel pump pressurizes the injectors and in your case isn't getting enough fuel to the injectors, but after it runs a couple times it will start fine.

The fuel pump is in your tank and I recommend a strap wrench to get the retaining ring off.

Oh, and be careful with the retainers for the hoses, they are brittle

 

Actually, it is the check valve in the fuel pump. It maintains pressure when you shut the engine off. Turning the key once to start it will not build up the pressure enough to start the engine if the pressure bleeds off.

Since the check valve is in the fuel pump, you still need to replace the fuel pump. I have found it is easier to remove the bed to replace the fuel pump rather than dropping the tank.

 

Wow thank you! I've had this problem since I purchased my truck 6 years ago. Never had any issues and fuel pump never has failed in 6 years so I learned to live with it. Good to know what I need to do this spring