Intermittent starting problem with Taurus

[jmg]

My 2006 Taurus SEL with 3.0 liter engine and 67,000 miles on it has developed an aggravating non starting problem. When the key is turned, the starter starts churning away, but the car won't start. It's as though it isn't getting fuel. Happened to me in the garage this morning. Tried holding pedal to the floor, but no luck. Then turned it off for a few seconds, then held key in on position for a few seconds and then tried starting it again and it took right off. My wife has been stranded 2x in the past month due to this. What could it be? I was thinking of a faulty fuel pressure regulator or, and I hope it isn't, the fuel pump. The tow truck operator told my wife he thought the battery was bad, but it always seems to have good initial power. I tested it and it tested good, even with the load mode applied. Any ideas would be appreciated. Seems to run ok after it starts.

[JBar]

I would get a fuel pressure gauge on it and find out what your fuel pressure is. If fuel pressure is correct check spark. Sometimes when these problems get intermittant get back to the basics fuel, spark, air sounds to me like fuel or spark but spark would be a good bet if it is intermittant. Just had the same type of problem on a ford pickup found out tfi module on the distributor was falty no spark.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I agree with checking fuel pressure. Unfortunately for you I think the pressure regulator is built into the pump on an 06. You can verify this by looking for two fuel lines going to the fuel rail. If there is just one the fuel is regulated by the fuel pump module assembly.

if its the OHV engine it has distributorless ignition. There have been issues with the harness to the coil pack breaking wires but that usually ends up being a stalled and wont restart symptom.

If its the DOHC engine it has coil over ignition.

Either way its been a long time since I have seen a newer ford with no spark.

[jmg]

A big thanks to both of you guys who responded. My first thought is with the fuel delivery system, but I forgot to add that ever since I bought the car(bought it used in Fall 2006 w/ 26,000 miles on it. It had been a Hertz rental unit), the lights have always flickered, both interior and also, I've now noticed, exterior. Also seems to have gotten worse lately, with more variance in idle speed rpms when at stoplights, etc. I also remember that last winter, when it was quite cold, the engine speed would drop to almost nothing upon initial start, sometimes dying. But when restarted or if it made it by the initial drop in rpms, it would go up to the normal fast idle speed and then drop down normally to the usual range. Could there be some connection? I also had the belt checked because of an aggravating squeak, also intermittent, but noticed at multiple speeds, both on acceleration or deceleration. Again, not noticed when at a dealer. Very confusing. Any ideas?