Could this bee a bad check ball/valve on the return side?

The only thing on the return side should be the regulator. But since the system isn't holding pressure it'* most likely internal to the pump.

I agree with Bill. The extra tests that it shows (with special tools that the dealer has) is to disconnect the fuel lines, pressurize the rail, and see if it holds pressure. If it leaks down, the checks from there are FPR and injectors. If you are not getting gas into the FPR vacuum line, that would eliminate that, and as quickly as it leaks down, I would doubt an injector.

The other half is then tested, and the solutions for that if it leaks down are lines or the pump itself. So, if the FPR and lines have been ruled out...it leaves the pump.

Replaced fuel pump now everything is alright. no more codes no more hard starts. I think the pump was bad from the begining due to the fact that it started very hard but i was told by tim at zzp that this was normal just turn the key slower. now all i have to do is bump the key and it fires right up!

Leak down isn't normal. Sorry but I think Tim is full of it on that one. Whether the pump is new or a performance pump... it should hold pressure to start the car.

I have seen plenty of other vehicles with issues like this and it all comes down to the check valve in the pump as being stuck open or busted.