Engine not running

Car will crank but not start after driving for a while, then shutting car off. Will crank just fine but not start. When first turning over key the fuel pump doesn't make a noise like usual. However after sitting and cooling off 30 to 45 minutes it will start working again. Always starts great when cold. Doesn't happen every time. Have checked emergency fuel cut off switch and it has not been activated. No fuel leaks noted. Unable to test fuel pressure. Have replaced fuel filter. All fuses are good. Not sure about fuel relay. Any suggestions?

Can test electrical just didn't have meter with me when it happened. Should buy a pressure gauge, work on enough cars! Thanks for your help.

I have had this Contour for about 4 years now and its been good apart from air intake gaskets going bad (I live in Southern AZ, go figure). Today I had to let my fiance use the car cuz hers was in the shop. She picked me up from work and we got in the car. When she started it there was a high pitched whine and rattling noise. It seems to be coming from the front of the car.

I opened the hood and listened while it was running and didn't see anything amiss and the engine didn't seem to be shaking at all. We turned it off so I could check it and then when I tried to start it at first it wouldn't start. Then I tried again and it started with no problem.

I then drove it home and the sound slowly got quieter and by the time I got home it was about 1/4 the volume as originally. I didn't have any acceleration problems and it seemed to run as if nothing was wrong. I will take it to a mechanic but I want to see if I can pinpoint the problem first and see what my options are.

So update. I decided to go look at the engine again and listen to try to get a better idea of what it could be. Then I tried to start it. Well everything turns on so I know its not the battery. But the engine wont turn on. Lights, radio everything works but when I try to start, nothing not even a clicking sound. I tried replacing the starter fuse as well as double checked the relay for the starter and it looked fine. I guess when I have time I will check the spark plugs.

I appreciate someone finally responding but I fixed it. And it was the starter. Had a feeling.

Got the old one out and put a new one in. Looked inside the old one and the teeth were shredded. I guess thats what the sound came from because now it starts great and no sounds.

Still appreciate you reply.

My car has almost 200 thousand miles on it and recently when I turned off the engine briefly, it wouldn't restart. It is not the battery, which was just replaced, and I heard a humming noise from the engine and then a clicking when I tried to start the car. Prior to this the car had been stalling occasionally in the middle of driving, but infrequently, and otherwise was running very well. I have been told it could be the alternator or the starter: are those easy or expensive to replace? How do I find out? Thanks.

Neither the battery light or the check engine light is on, the battery is still working. The only sound when I try to turn the car is a clicking noise, I think it has to be the starter. Thanks so much for your suggestions.

Car wont start all it does when you turn the ignition is click. I poped the hood and the positive side of the battery terminal is covered with corrosion.