Honestly, it sounds like a bad fuel pump or a plugged fuel filter. If the car doesn't start right back up, that is the chance to identify where the problem is coming from. What you need to do is check if the engine is getting spark to the plugs and fuel to the injectors. Because no trouble codes were found, chances are it is fuel related.
Codes, as the dealer mentioned, are a way to identify problems. When a component, electrical, sensor, misfire... occurrs, the computer stores that information. A mechanic then plugs a scanner into the system and can identify codes (numbers) that he will then cross reference into English which identifies where the problem came from. It really is a great system, but many fuel related problems don't set codes.
Here are "How To's" for checking for fuel pressure and spark. It will be inconvient to check on the road when it happens, but that will be your best means of identifying where the problem is coming from.
https://www.2carpros.com/dia/test_fuel_pressure.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm
Let me know if you have other questions and the outcome.
Joe
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Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 4:24 PM