I have 2002 Ford Ranger Edge 3.0. It will only crank on the second try every time. It runs fine after that with no other problems. When I go to crank it, the engine turns over but it won't start on the first try. I replaced the starter this summer. Does this sound like an ignition switch, solenoid, or cylinder lock kind of problem? I've read everything from switches to fuel pumps, so I am a bit confused and I'm trying to avoid replacing a lot parts to figure out thats not what it was. Also, the battery and alternator are fine as well.

 

Cranking and turning over are the same thing, what you are describing, is it's not firing up on the first crank.

Try priming the fuel system, turn the key to start (not crank) for 2 seconds, turn key off, repeat 2 more times

Then try starting, let us know what happens.

Then we will have an idea of what to try next

 

Thanks for the response. I primed the fuel system and it fired right up. Its been doing this for about six months. I'll go to crank it, and it will not fire on the first attempt but will always fire on the second attempt.

 

 

Yes, the check valve in the fuel pump is most likely bad, could be the fuel pressure regulator as well, its on the gas tank

The fuel system should hold pressure when key is off for a few MONTHS, not hours or days, MONTHS

Yours is losing pressure as it sits
Since you do not SMELL gasoline, and engine is not Flooding, that means the pressure/gasoline is flowing back to the tank
All fuel pumps have a check valve built-in, when pump is off it prevents Backflow into the tank, if this leaks then pressure is lost as fuel flows back into the tank

Fuel pump only runs for 2 second when key is turned on, thats about 10psi of pressure, in 1998 and up Rangers you need about 25psi for startup
So cycling the key off and on a few times builds up the pressure so engine can start
Once started, the fuel pump is on full time so the needed 55psi running pressure comes back

You can run this way as long as you want, your not losing fuel
But pump could fail which strands you where it sits, not that it will, no crystal ball here