04 ranger 3.0 fails to start
 

twice in the last month I have been stopped for 1/2 hour or more and when I go to start the engine it acts like it is not getting gas. I give it 15 or 20 tries with no start. stop for about 15 or 20 minutes try again and it starts right up and runs great. Both times it has been 95-100 degrees out. Can something like "vapor lock"happen to a fuel injected engine? It never sputters or loses power so I doubt it would be fuel filter or fuel pump. Any thoughts?

Hi Mike,
Just about anytime you turn the key to just the on position to start the vehicle you should hear the fuel pump run for approx 2 seconds. If you listen for that sound and don't hear it when it doesn't start then we would suspect a fuel supply problem which could be electrical or mechanical. Important to know this first.

In 14 years I don't believe I have ever heard the fuel pump. I just went out and tried it. Not a sound but it starts right up, today.

If you listen closely you should hear it. It is one of the first things a tech would check.