98 windstar rough idle then dies

1998 Ford Windstar Minivan - 3.8L V-6

Hi guys! Hoping someone has some experience with the problem I encountered this morning. While on my way to work, cruise set at 65, the van just died... like someone reached over and turned the key off. I popped it into neutral and restarted it and back into drive. Was able to go about 1 mile and it did it again. This time i pulled over and started checking things...gas at 1/2 tank, temp well into normal range, no other lights on dash, oil level was full, nothing seems out of the ordinary. I closed the hood, got back in and started it up, let it run about 30 secs, seemed ok (thought maybe a tiny bit of water got in the line). Put it in drive and pulled away...this time i made it less than 1/4 mile and it did it again. Pulled over again. Let it sit about 5 mins while i called in late to work. I then started it again...it will run about 10 secs, then idle really rough. I tried giving it some gas but didnt help...dies after about 5 secs, then wont start again unless it sits for another 5 mins (turns over fine, tries to start but doesnt). Anyone got any ideas as to the problem? Its never done this before, however, in past 6 months i have noticed occasionally it will spit and sputter if u turn it off and then restart it within like 2 mins (i.e. going in convenience store to buy a drink). But the spiting and sputtering has always cleared up with a simple pat of the gas and it doesnt do it all the time. I figured it was just needing a throttle body cleaning or new plugs or was caused by crappy gas with water in it.

I appreciate any and all info that anyone has to offer and want to say Thank You in advance for your help!

Channing

Sounds like fuel pressure. When was the last time you changed the fuel filter?

Its my girlfriends van, so not sure about the last filter change, but that was what i planned to change first when i get off work. Thanks so much for that info!

If that doesn't help, it might be a failing fuel pump. It's (almost) definitely a fuel issue.

There is a fuel pressure test point on the front fuel rail....middle of the rail.
It looks like a tire valve.
One problem that comes up is that the fuel pump can fail, just as you describe.
Of course, I would try the fuel filter first.......as that will reduce the back pressure that the fuel pump is pumping against.

The other thing to check is the "Inertia" switch.
This is a safety switch that will disable power to the fuel pump in the event of an accident.
They can become intermittent.
The inertia switch is located in the jack compartment in back.....it is below the jack....should have a label on it.
You push the button to "reset" it.
The switch contacts could be corroded or even the wire connectors where the plug into the switch.

That is 2 things to check before the expense an LABOR of a new fuel pump, which is located inside the fuel tank.....you have to remove the fuel tank from the vehicle to access the fuel pump.

I do not know for sure......if they went to a fuel pump relay in the relay box in the engine compartment?
My '96 still had the fuel pump relay inside the "Constant Current Relay Module" (CCRM).
If you have the separate relay....that would be something that I would check/replace also.
Because the problem comes and goes.......it will be hard to troubleshoot.

Dear ChanningB
Wiswind, Olopezm, 12Ounce and Tempfixitis are experinced and good advisers. I appriciate them. but read these two posts/ threads. You will also appriciate them and may find some solution.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1067905 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1067905)
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1074785 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1074785)
AzharJ