New to site 2002 Sport Trac starting issue Please help!

[HThjc5]

I have a 2002 Sport Trac and am having a starting issue. If I turn the key to the on position for a couple of seconds and then back off two or three times then it starts right up. If not then it will crank and crank without firing until the second or third time. I have changed the fuel filter with no change. I was told possibly the fuel pump, but I would think if it was the fuel pump then it would act up even after it was started? Once running it runs fine, but it doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

[02sport trac]

I would try the fuel pump relay first, probably not it but its cheap and about as easy as it gets...........

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome