Hi folks,

I've got a 2004 escape which has a unusual problem, what I believe is it has something to do with the ECU's 'requirements for start'

so when the key is rotated to the 'on' position, the fuel pump can be heard running, after a few moments the odometer reading shows dashes, then if the key is rotated to the start position nothing happens (as if the ecu is saying it's not ready)
so if the key is returned back to the on position,
the fuel pump continues to run and if left long enough the fuel pump stops, odometer reading returns, the theft and check fuel cap light briefly illuminates and then the car will start.

​​​​​​It seems once the fuel pump stops running the car is ready to start, now it can take upto 15 mins for the pump to stop. It's been doing this now periodically for the last couple of years but it's doing it more often.
I've checked the fuel pressure with a gauge from AutoZone and it's within spec. The fuel pump has also been replaced.

I should mentioned once the car does start it runs fine, gas mileage is reasonable (combined 22mpg) and no check engine light.

Any thoughts?

Thanks