What is Wrong with my 98 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4????

You should have your Idle Air Control valve replaced. My guess would be that it is stuck shut first thing in the morning, and after the air temperature warms up over the course of the day, the plunger inside the IAC housing releases and you can then start your vehicle normally. The next time you cannot start it in the morning, put your foot on the gas pedal and push it in and hold it about an inch and then try to start it while pushing the pedal. If it starts then, you definately need an Idle Air Control valve.

Might be an error in the PATS (Passive Anti-theft System). If your key has a little letter S on one side of it, it has a PATS. If you do, try this to determine whether or not that's what it is: go to start the truck and note the "theft" light. If it goes out when you turn the ignition, it should start. If it doesn't, but instead flashes, you need to have it examined. Take it to a local Ford dealer and have them run some codes on it. The key might need to be reprogrammed, or, if that doesn't work, a new key altogether (the chip might be bad). Sorry if that's not the problem!

Heres what I would do. 1st push the gas pedal down 1/4 throttle and see if it starts. If it does then dies after you let off the gas then the IAC valve is bad. This is what lets the engine idle. It is sticking and needs replacing.

2nd If its not that then the pcm relay may be sticking. If you turn the key on and don't crank the motor you should be able to here the fuel pump run and relays clicking under the hood. Be sure you do have fuel psi when it won't start.

Who ever said distributor doesn't know anything... Ford didn't use distributors on those years.

I agree with the others that the best thing may be to leave it with a mechanic who can check and see what's going on as apparently when things heat up it works... The Ford Tech was on the right path with the Idle speed motor as coolness sometimes make them worse.

But best is to leave it with someone as they will need to check to make sure you have fuel pressure and such but apparently it's something that has to get heat possibly to expand to work...

Also check all your connections at the battery and it's ends.... that can also cause the intermittant

Test the Crankshaft Sensor with a Snap-On Scan Tool, such as the Vantage. Also, Check to See if the Connector Plug to the Crankshaft Sensor is Clean and Tight. If not, this will also create an Intermittent Starting Condition.

intermittent problems are almost always the hardest to fix. when you drive it to the mechanic it is running and he can't find the problem and he isn't there when it wont start. try listening for the fuel pump when you first turn it on when it is acting up. no pump no fuel, no start. fuel would by my first guess with an intermittent pump. with electronic ignitions fire can also be intemittent. loss of either one will cause your problem. you may have to leave it with your mechanic so he can try starting it mornings until it wont start for him and he can determine fire/fuel and go from there.

My brother had a Dodge 50 and the wire to the fuel pump was alittle loose,his was doing the same thing

Check the connections

On the side of your distributor, you will find a little box with wires plugged into it called a control module. Replace it. Your problem will be solved.

Check your distributor cap for cracks, if there are no cracks then replace the spark plug wires with a good silicone set.

It may be electrical.....being a distributor pick up or mudule or possible both. Good luck!!