This is my first time posting on this forum, hopefully I can get a little advice, and I am more than willing to share what (not very much) that i know. I have a 2004 ranger edge 4.0 and after going cold for a couple hours it often starts very slow, and often needs a second crank, but always starts on the second. However, after not running overnight, it starts perfectly. I'm thinking maybe the fuel filter or the starter, but would value a second opinion

 

Is it idling slow or cranking slow? If it's cranking slow that could be your battery getting old. When they age they can sometimes still hold a charge, but have trouble putting out enough amps. Many parts stores can load-test the battery for free.

With a fuel problem it would still crank full speed. It just wouldn't catch.

If it's idling slow and dying unless you rev it, that could be an air problem. When mine did that it was the idle air control valve.

 

 

Try this
Turn key on, this Primes fuel system for 2 seconds but ONLY 2 seconds, count to 3, then turn key OFF
Repeat
Then turn key back on and try to start

This will build up lost fuel pressure, but I would expect this to effect overnight startup more.

Other thing to check is the ECT sensor temp reading before starting engine
You can get the Bluetooth OBD readers for $15-$30 and the APPS for phone is free, these work with ANY vehicle sold in North America since 1996, its a Law, lol
So not a Ford thing, works for any vehicle to see codes or live data like coolant temp

ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor is only used by the computer(PCM), it is not hooked to dash board temp gauge, that uses a SENDER

PCM will Choke a cold engine for start up, i.e. Rich fuel mix and high idle, if ECT sensor shows below 130degF or so
If the ECT sensor is reporting wrong temp then engine may be flooding a bit or mix is too lean, until water pump circulates some coolant(1st long crank) and ECT reports valid temp and then starts on 2nd crank