My vehicle has never been a problem and I have owned it for about 7 years now. Just in the last couple weeks it just doesn't want to catch and start only after I have driven it a bit then stopped. It is weird. My husband thinks there is dust in the air filter. We just bought a fuel filter to change out. It has been fine for days now just acting up about three times or so. But I am scared of being out on my own at times. I have noticed that when I am about to start it if I let the lights on the dash go away then finish startng it, it does fine.

It's always a good idea to turn the ignition switch to ON and wait for the Check Engine Light to go out, prior to turning the ignition switch to Start. This allows the fuel rail to fully pressurize. Yes, it sounds like the fuel filter needs replacing, which Ford recommends doing every 30,000 miles. I would also replace the air filter, which should be done every 30,000 miles, and the spark plugs (Motorcraft only), if they have not been changed in 50,000 miles.

Thank you. I will change them all.