2004, 4.0L, extended cab. If I do not drive my truck every day, it will be hard to start. No firing at all. It will start up if I am pumping the accelerator while starting the engine. Is this a pump problem ? Where is my problem located ?

 

Cycle key on and off 3 times, then try to start engine

Fuel pump only runs for 2 seconds with key on, its a safety thing
If fuel pressure is leaking out when vehicle sits then assume 0psi
Each key on and off adds 10psi
So 3 key on and off adds 30psi, so should get a good start, running fuel pressure in 1998-2011 Rangers is 60psi

If your MPG seems OK then loss of fuel pressure will be in the gas tank fuel pump assembly, it has the pump and a Fuel Pressure Regulator, either can allow fuel to back flow into the gas tank after key is off
If above cycling the key on and off works for faster start up then that's whats happening, won't effect driving

If above doesn't help then it could be the Choke Mode is not activating
All gasoline engines need to be Choked when cold, computer does this on fuel injected engines, runs a Richer fuel mix and higher idle
So on cold start idle should be 1,000-1,200rpms, then as engine warms up it will drop to 750-800 with automatic trans
If that is happening then Choke mode is OK
If its not happening then replace the ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor, it may be showing engine is already warmed up, so a restart after driving, this would make for a hard cold start, and wouldn't set any codes


FYI, pumping the "gas pedal" in a fuel injected vehicle just lets in more air, doesn't effect gasoline side like with carburetors
You shouldn't touch the gas pedal on startup, or have to touch the gas pedal on startup