Try cranking for just a couple seconds, pause, then hit it again.

 

Already tried that. Same thing.

 

What happens if you give it a bit of throttle then try to start it?

 

Same thing. Tried mashing the gas fully and releasing then cranking. Also tried giving it gas WHILE I crank it. Same thing.

 

Seems to be an ignition issue. Put a timing light on the coil wire and crank it over. It will need to make one complete rotation before you should see a the light start flashing.

 

Hmmm. Never used a timing light before. Learning experience.

 

Something occurred to me. My gas cap doesn't click over. Just have to tighten it till it gets tight and stop. Didn't mention it because I have been dealing with it for so long, I just didn't think about it. HAS to be something wrong with the filler neck. I have had the truck less than 4 years and have gone thru 3 gas caps. 2 different brands from 2 different retailers. I am gonna replace the filler neck shortly. Could the gas cap not being sealed completely cause the hard starting issue? Is this an issue anyone has ever heard of with these trucks?

 

If it wasn't sealing, you would get a leak code from the PCM. (it actually pressurizes the system, to look for leaks....) Don't think that's it.

Did you test and see how long it takes you to get spark first thing in the morning?

 

The issue happens at all times, not just when it is cold. How do I check to see how long? Would that be with the timing light that was mentioned earlier? If so, I have to get my hands on one, maybe tmw. If it is some other way, please enlighten me.

 

Now that I read a bit, it says that timing can't be adjusted, that it is controlled by the PCM. So a timing light would be useless to me. Only suggestion I haven't tried is testing the IAC. I have cleaned it in the past but it may just be bad.