2007 700XP Starting Problem

The ranger started sputtering when given gas at speed and progressively got worse. Another odd thing it was doing was that the fuel gage would dim and brighten up constantly. Tested the pressure and was running low 20's, I replaced the fuel pump with the Bosch pump from the parts sticky. After replacement pressure was 39 at start up and while running, idling, and accelerating. The pressure would drop down into the mid 20's after it was turned off but I assume that is the norm. The ranger runs better than it has in a long time, I can spin the tires on dirt again - LOL.

I had a mild starting issue before replacing the pump, but immediately after I replaced the pump I now have starting issue that is becoming more frequent. The starter spins but it doesn't want to crank. It usually starts up relativity quickly the first time, but can act up then. More commonly it doesn't want to crank throughout the day even after sitting for 6 hours. If I give it gas while trying to crank it the motor fires right up, without giving it gas it takes a little while with the starter spinning to get it to start. After starting the idle is very low
(600-800), but after it warms up the idle comes up and it runs fine. The voltage at the fuel pump harness plug (unplugged from the tank) is 12 volts for a second or two and then drops down between 4-5 volts. I assume the 12 volts is to get the fuel pump primed, and that the voltage drop was because after the pump was primed the ECM would adjust the voltage to control the fuel as needed - is this correct or should it always be at 12 volts?

I have an idle issue as well. Low idle at start up, if I hit the accelerator a few times it raises up to 1000. After running it the idle is erratic sometimes high 2000-3000 and sometimes 2000-1500 and slowly drops to 1250, and then other times it will stay where I set it with the throttle cable adjustment at 1100. When it is idling high sometimes if I flip the accelerator it will slowly creep down low enough to be able to shift gears. I have a new throttle cable but haven't had a chance to install it. I didn't think this would affect cranking but didn't want to leave out any symptoms I was having just in case they were related.

I cleaned the TBAP with carb cleaner. It looked clean when I took it out, but since it was out I shot it with carb cleaner anyway. I do get a faint gas smell after starting it. I haven't changed or checked the TPS or idle screw. I haven't removed the rubber hose that connects the air breather to the throttle body but don't feel any breaks or air sucking. I haven't seen any loose or bare wires, but plan to really look carefully when I drop the skid plate to install the new throttle cable. The battery is a 925 Odyssey, although not new it stays on a battery tender and is charged. The only code I get is the transmission position senor (after the dealer installed the white (I think, its been a while) spring it has trouble going into while running and showing neutral on the speedo) the speedo sometimes wont show that it is in neutral.

Any ideas on where to focus my attention to get this starting problem corrected?

I wanted to say thank you to all that have posted to the sticky's and answered questions this site is a wealth of knowledge. Also wanted to thank those that have posted pictures and ideas for add on's, after owning the ranger since new in 2007 I have finally started making things I have wanted to make and put on it for years. So far I have built - roof, lights, floor boards, winch, rear wheel mud guards, under bed mud guard, bed rails, mud flaps, lock and ride plugs, storage box and have much more to build. I will get some pictures up after I get the mechanical issues corrected.