Here's a video to properly demonstrate the issue:


I took the truck to my local mechanic and they said they weren't able to reproduce the issue. I thought that was strange but when I got down there I wasn't able to either. The next day, I attempted to start it up and experienced the same issue. Notice that it ALWAYS starts up on the second try.

Any ideas? I'm a total newb and not very mechanic savvy...go easy on me!

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2002 2WD Regular Cab 3.0L

Kinda sounds like the switch isn't keeping the fuel pump on during the crank mode, instead of just trying to start it, turn the key on for a second or 2, then off and try it.

Thanks! When you mean turn the key on for a second or two do you mean just far enough that the battery is engaged?

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2002 2WD Regular Cab 3.0L

Yes, and listen to see if the fuel pump is running.

I agree with tomboy that it sounds like the fuel pressure is not up when you try to start it cold. Turning the key to on and leaving it there for a couple seconds should cycle the fuel pump for about a second to get it ready to start. Doing this a couple or three times should bring the fuel pressure to the injectors up so it can start quickly. If it works, then you need to figure out why the fuel is leaving the fuel line overnight.

@neilbur + @tomboy

Thank you both! I noticed that if I turn the key and leave it in there for about 15 seconds I do get better and more consistent results. I also noticed that if I gently turn the key back while attempting to start something sort of "clicks into place." No idea what that's about. Fuel pressure seems to be the general consensus. Do you think I should take it to a shop and request they check out the fuel pump? I'm not that mechanically inclined and don't feel too confident in my ability to switch it out myself.

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2002 2WD Regular Cab 3.0L

Since it runs after start up, it is not likely to be a fuel pump problem. The problem may be that the fuel leaks out of the fuel rail overnight. If so, you can turn the key on a few times to get the one second fuel pump run each time, to build enough pressure to get a normal start. If that works tell the mechanic the SYMPTOMS and let him diagnose it. It could be a leaky injector, or a bad pressure regulator, or something else.