STARTING TROUBLES

Typical problem when fords do this tends to be a bad coolant temp sensor. Does the car have any trouble starting after driving it for... say 30 mins to the store, then coming out and finding it won't start?

Depends say i was in and out of the store and the car didnt cool down much it will start up fine. But say i was in the store for a good 30-45 mins and parked it in the sun in 85 degree weather it wont start. But if it were to be cooled down all the way, say i parked it in the shade or it was a cool day it will start fine. Or if i were to leave the car out in the sun all day it wont start. Pretty much it will start at normall operating temps and when cold, but wont start anywhere in between.

Strange. When it fails to start, does the starter spin the motor over as if it will start? Or do you get nothing when you turn the key?

Heat increases electrical resistance by a large amount. If your motor will not even spin over, then you could have a bad ground strap.

no the starter spins.... i heard it could be a fuel leak. maybe a bad fuel intjector or fuel pressure regulator??

It could be a fuel related problem, however that wouldn't explain the sensitivity to heat. A bad fuel injector would exhibit itself more while driving than in failing to start. A bad fuel pressure regulator might cause the vehicle to have a longer cranking time before it starts, as will a weak fuel pump.

I tend to lean more towards a weakening sensor.

Oh, and me being stupid! I didn't even ask what engine you have.