So it happened again (twice) last night while my wife, son and I were out shopping. The first time the check engine light flashed, I returned the key and then tried again and it started right up. The second time was about 30 minutes later, after driving to another store across the street, and this time the car wouldn't start at all.
I noticed that if I held the key in the ignition long enough the check engine light will eventually (after about 5 seconds) start to flash. Each time it flashed 8 times.
Called for road side and, after about 45 minutes of waiting for the tow to arrive, the driver tried to start it without luck. He said he hadn't seen the problem before. Had it towed to the dealership. Contacted them first thing this morning - apparently it started right up for them. They are going to see if they can look at it today. On a side note, he said this was only the 2nd edeg he's had to tow in the last 2 years.
I took video with my ipod so that they won't think I'm simple and unable to start a vehilce.
No one else has ever had a problem like this?