* Fuel Pump Relay: A failing fuel pump relay can intermittently cut power to the fuel pump. The car runs until the relay fails, then shuts down. After sitting, the relay might cool down enough to function again temporarily.
* Fuel Pump: The fuel pump itself could be failing. It might be struggling to deliver enough fuel under pressure, especially when the engine is hot. The heat can exacerbate the issue, leading to a shutdown. Cooling down allows it to work again for a short period.
* Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP): A faulty CKP sensor won't accurately tell the engine's computer the position of the crankshaft. This prevents the engine from timing the fuel injection properly. A failing CKP can cause intermittent stalling, and heat can aggravate this.
* Cam Position Sensor (CMP): Similar to the CKP, a bad CMP sensor can cause mistiming of fuel delivery, leading to stalling. Like the CKP, heat can make the problem worse.
* Fuel Filter: A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow. Though less likely to cause a complete shutdown *and* the "out of gas" symptom, a severely clogged filter could make the pump work harder, leading to failure under stress (heat).
* Low Fuel Pressure: While you say it *appears* out of gas, the fuel gauge might be faulty. A leak in the fuel system or a pressure regulator problem could cause low fuel pressure, leading to the stalling.
Why the "Out of Gas" Appearance:
The fuel pump's failure to deliver fuel can mimic an empty tank. The engine computer might not detect fuel, and this is often interpreted by the driver as being out of gas.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check the Fuel Gauge: Is the gauge actually showing empty, or is it simply behaving erratically?
2. Listen for the Fuel Pump: Turn the ignition key to the "on" position (without starting the engine). You should hear a brief whirring sound from the fuel pump in the back of the car. If you don't hear it, the fuel pump or its relay is likely the problem.
3. Check Fuel Pressure (Requires a gauge): This is the most definitive way to check for fuel delivery problems. A mechanic will need to use a fuel pressure gauge to accurately measure the fuel pressure.
4. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): A scan tool can read codes stored by the car's computer, which can pinpoint the faulty sensor or component.
It's highly recommended to take the vehicle to a mechanic for proper diagnosis. Attempting some of these repairs yourself could be dangerous if you're not familiar with automotive systems. The issue could be a combination of factors or something more subtle that requires professional expertise.
