Delay in Starting...Mountaineer 99

[Explorer 99NHS]

Lately, my 1999 Mountaineer (done 87,000 MIles) is not starting in first attempt. I always have to try a second time. Earlier, I never had a problem.
The outside temperature is normal, battery is perferct and I guess the starter also. Can this be due to loss of pressure from the fuel pump...how can I know for sure? Or should I first try replacing the fuel filter (which I have not done for a while now)...Please advise.

 

['97 V8]

Replace the fuel filter, it should help. But if its still slow to start, check the fuel pressure.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! It could be from many different things such as a clogged fuel filter, ECT or O2 out of spec, dirty MAF sensor, leaking injectors or fuel pressure regulator, bad spark plugs or cables, and leaking vacuum lines.

 

[CDW6212R]

Try turning the key on, and off without starting the engine. The pump primes the fuel rails each time. If it starts readily on the second key on sequence, then the fuel pressure in the rails is likely the issue. Good luck,