I already know that it's probably gone bad (fans turned on when cold, wouldn't turn on when hot, or just wouldn't turn on), but I was wondering if this could also be culprit for a hard start condition. If my car sits overnight, its two or three cranks and it starts. If it sits for a few minutes, it starts right up. But if it's somewhere in between, it starts when it wants to start. I don't think its the opti, coil, wires, etc., all ignition components have been replaced recently. Just wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what could cause this and no other problems. It seems to run fine at part and full throttle.

 

The simple answer to your question is "yes". A faulty waterpump coolant temp sensor can cause hard/no start issues.

As Injuneer stated in a previous thread
Hope this helps,
Thomas.