2003 Taurus "chokes"

[lnavarro]

My 2003 Taurus SES (60k miles) starts immediately at the first crank. It runs great, and the fuel economy is very good.

However, it has happened a couple of times that, if you don't hold the key long enough to start the engine, then it will refuse to start. If you wait long enough before trying again, the engine starts just fine.

Yesterday it was really bad: I was able to start it at the 4th trial, but the engine wouldn't idle and stopped. I waited for 30 min, and the problem was gone. It feels as if the engine was choking, but I really don't know what could be the problem.

Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!