Not starting normal, extended starting period, and acts like it doesnt want to start but still does.

may be a factory setting do u use all of the controls on the panel for air, etc?

You may not believe what I am going to say, but pumping the gas pedal does nothing to make the engine start.
The throttle position sensor does not start sending a signal to the computer until after the engine starts.
However, cranking the engine for an extended period of time could have an effect. If the fuel pressure is low, cranking the engine would build it back up to normal.
I would suggest you have the fuel pressure checked before and after the first attempt of the day. The car would need to sit overnight for the first test.

Normally Shifting out of gear in motion wont damage much unless you revved the engine really high for an extended period. Shifting into park while in motion will make a ratcheting sound, but usually wont hurt anything. However the act of doing so may have tripped a fault in the ECU that makes the car think it needs to be in limp mode. It did just that and got you home albeit running roughly.

Have someone remove the NEGATIVE battery cable. leave it disconnected for a few minutes, then reconnect and jump start the car if the battery is too low. doing so should reset the ECU and restore normal operation. If drivable, proceed to a brand name parts store. they usually will reset your ECU codes for free. IF all is well this should fix the probelm. If something was indeed damaged, you wont likely be able to drive the car.

First off, ether is not the way to go at all! You'll end up messing up the piston rings with continuous use. Also with using ether engines tend to get "addicted" to it (its the only way they will start after some time as the rings get burnt and compression under normal cranking isnt enough)

The fact you can start the engine on ether means fuel prob isnt the problem. I would have said the problem was probably your pre-heating system and to check your plugs, wiring and fuses for the pre-heating system but the fact hot start doesnt work either doesnt make sense.

How long have you been using ether? If it has been for an extended period then I have a feeling the piston rings might be shot and full compression cant be reached during cranking and the ether just kickstarts your engine into starting. Any smoke out the tailpipe?

I would still check the glow plugs.

Hope this helps in some way

Hmm, is this an older car? Blue smoke on start-up is usually a sign of a very minor oil leak going past the rings.

I normally do not consider this to be a problem if:

1. The car has sat for an extended period of time.
   
2. It only happens on the initial start up and doesn't do it after sitting for an hour or so.
   

Please check the condition of your battery and charging system. Hydro the battery ... it should read at least 1200. Your alternator should be putting out at least 13 volts.

Thank you for your interest in FixYa.com

A high oil pressure reading at startup is completely normal until the oil reaches operating temperature it is much thicker. However, if you've added any type of oil treatment additives you may have overdone it and have to change your oil. Thank you, Dana

fuel pump , not enough pressure. check the pressure.

It will; always do that on some vehicles, as long as it doesnt stay on for an extended period of time, i wouldnt worry about it so much.