Have a 2001 SSEi that has recently been hard to start. I have to crank the engine 3-4 seconds to get it to start. I've noticed over the last few days that if I turn the key on but don't start it for about 5 seconds (thus leaving the fuel pump on), if I turn the key to start it fires right up. Is this a fuel pump or fuel regulator issue?

hmm, is it real cold when you are starting it (air temp)? Whe is the last time you changed your fuel filter? Could possibly be the fuel pump, but go with the cheaper stuff first . Other than that, there are tons of things it could be...i'll leave it to the experts, i just thought i would add my 2 cents.

Mine has been doing the same thing, but I have not been able to change the filter yet, so I can't tell you for sure. But it is worth a try, plus, it is always good maintinance. How many miles are on your car?

Also, don't forget to add your car stats in your signature

It has about 55000 miles on it. The fuel filter has not been changed yet, but I plan on doing that this weekend along with replacing the intake gaskets (coolant leak with Dex-cool on my intake).

You might be having a vacuum leak when cold or something along those lines if you have leaks. Like WJC said..good start is fuel filter.

Testing the fuel system for pressure would be next.

I agree that a fuel pressure test would be a good thing to check. Unfortunately, I don't have a tester but do plan on getting one soon. I was going to replace the fuel filter first and see what the results were after that. By the way, the hard starting occurs all the time, cold and hot engine.

Consistency is your friend. That should make it easier to find. However if you wait, the pump builds pressure. It also sounds like your pump is running for longer than expected. Which would tell me it'* probably a bad seal that allows pressure to bleed back and requires the pump to run and repressurize each time.

After the car has sat for a little while. Push in on the fuel rail schrader valve and see how the pressure seems. Then start the car, turn it off and immediately press the valve. Any pressure difference?