89 89 Lebaron 2.5 intermittent fuel pump problem

My 89 Lebaron is giving me intermittent starting problems. The car runs great once I get it started, but I need to turn the ignition switch a few times until I hear the fuel pump go on before the car can turn on. Sometimes I hear it on the first turn and sometimes it takes a dozen. But once I hear the humming of the fuel pump it starts instantly. Until then I just open and close the ignition. Luckily the car almost always eventually turns on. I replaced the fuel pump relay and fuel pressure regulator but there was no change. When the car actually starts I have great fuel pressure.
I used to start it by spraying starter fluid in the intake but since I learned to listen for the hum of the fuel pump this has not been the case.
Can anyone help me solve this mystery? It's driving me crazy!

Next time it does not come on, have someone Whaaaaap bottom of fuel tank as you turn key on...If pump leaps into action by being bumped, you have a bad fuel pump and it needs replaced. Sooner or later it will leave you stranded- it is worn out.

I have tried that.
It has not responded. Any other thoughts?

If your hot and ground to FP all check out.. then it's pretty cut and dry-- replace the FP.