1989 Cherokee hard start

First start of the day, turns over fine, have ignition, then dies. Second start, turns over fine, ignition, and it starts fine and stays running, and ramps up to cold idle. Does this everytime, no start on first try. Fuel pump comes on with switch, and then shuts off as required. Installed new fuel filter, same issue. Its a straight 4-cyl, FI, 4wd, auto, 190,000 miles.

On your next first start of the day... turn the key on so the fuel pump turns on ( but don t start the engine) then turn the key off... then start it like you would on your second attempt... Could be that the fuel pump is just priming on the first attempt and the second time it takes off... A sign of a tired fuel pump????

Thanks for the input. I'll try today.

Steve

Well, I tried the key-on test, fuel pump runs, then key back to off, then try start again. Still no start. On second start attempt, car starts , ramps up to cold idle and runs fine. Any more thoughts?

Fuel pressure test using a gage
CPS-crank positon sensor
Battery voltage..test it