Engine not running?

1998 FORD TAURUS
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CRIDERFIVE
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Computer problem
1998 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Automatic 140000 miles

The check engine light is staying on and there have been problems starting the car. Sometimes the car will start and immediately stop as soon as the key is released. This normally happens when the car has just has been driven shortly before. After the car sits for a bit and cools down it will run normally for days afterwards and then do this again. Most recently the car wouldn't start at all even after sitting and cooling down. I could not hear the fuel pump kick on when turning the key. After letting it sit for a bit longer and wiggling the key in the ignition the fuel pump finally kicked on and the car started.
Dec 26, 2008 at 3:37 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Test the ignition switch and fuel pump relay
Dec 26, 2008 at 3:42 PM
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CRIDERFIVE
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Thank you for your advice. We did change the relay and the ignition switch but the problem still persists. However, after replacing the ignition switch the engine light went out. The car is still unable to be started for many many hours after running it, let go of the key and it dies instantly. Recently it has begun to run hot, not overheating but the temperature gauge is getting close to the red at idle and dropping back down while driving.
Jan 5, 2009 at 12:25 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Check the igniton circuit from the ignition switch to the coil could be open-Do this turn key On and check for power at the coil-do you have it?
Jan 5, 2009 at 1:32 PM
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