i have a 2001 ford escape with essentially the same issue…finally took it in and mechanic thought it was the throttle body bore and mass air flow sensor, noticed excessive carbon deposits, cleaned out and everything was fine. about three weeks later, it happened again…
waited about 30 minutes, it started, took it back and they kept escape for a day and half couldn’t get to “not start”. so picked it up.
so a cople of days ago, it doesn’t start again…for two days. never starts so
towed to shop…waiting to hear what they say.