Engine Cranks but won't start after driving

[TJH1977]

I have a 2006 Ford Taurus that cranks but won't start after driving fine. Sometimes it happens after multiple stops. Sometimes after 1 stop. The length of time driving doesn't seem to make a difference. The stop can be for 5 minutes or 45 minutes.

When this happens I get a low oil pressure message. My oil level is fine.

After letting it sit for about 5 - 10 minutes after trying to start it, it will start and not do it again for sometimes a couple of days.

Can someone give some suggestions before I take it to a mechanic to see if I can fix the problem myself?

 

[ondma]

Sounds like a classic case of vapor lock, but that is very rare in a fuel injected car.
Could be a weak fuel pump, bad injectors, or a sensor that does not deliver the proper mixture when the engine is hot.
Do you get a check engine light? If so some auto parts stores will (at least they have done it for me a couple of years ago) do and OBD scan for free and give you their diagnosis.

 

[TJH1977]

The check engine light comes on intermittently.

And my apologies. It's a 2004 Taurus, if that makes a difference

 

[Rifter]

can you hear the fuel pump turn on when it doesnt start? if not check the fuel pump and its relay.

 

[mindless1]

Pull and post the OBDII trouble code(s).

It could just be from misfires, maybe bad fuel air ratio due to a bad coolant temperature sensor or leaking intake manifold or other vac leak, and this makes it hard to restart warm. If you have a scan tool capable of live data, look at the long term fuel trim.

As far as the fuel pump, when it won't start you could try pressing in the fuel rail valve to see if there's significant pressure or far better you could borrow a fuel pressure gauge as a loaner tool from some auto parts stores (Autozone, Advance Auto, OReilly, etc). Don't know what fuel pressure that engine (3.0L?) should have but probably around 55 PSI with key on, engine not started yet.