1999 ford windstar se 3.8l wont start

i tried to start my car this morning and at first i would not start. i tried again and it did but it only stayed on when i pressed the gas. when i took my foot off the gas it slowly shut off. then i gave it some more gas and it reved back up but went down again

This is a classic sign of an Idle Air Control (IAC) valve problem.

The engine computer uses the IAC to adjust how much air the engine gets in order to maintain the correct idle speed. If the valve is dirty or gets stuck, the engine can't idle properly. As you've discovered, manually pushing the gas pedal supplies the needed air to keep the engine running.

The IAC is attached with two bolts to the throttle body (look for what moves under the hood when someone presses the gas pedal), and has a connector with two wires attached to it. The valve is easy to remove, and cleans up nicely with a quality fuel injector cleaner (Berryman's is my favorite). This only takes 5 or 10 minutes to do this and costs almost nothing. See how to do it here:

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar02.html

You can also replace the valve, which isn't terribly expensive.

I hope this helps!

thanks alot i went out and bought the part and my windstar started right up. i have about 99 plus thousand miles on it. really need to get a tune up. the engine sounds great its like the car is not even running. i've only had it for a year but i've had to take it back to where i bought it at at least 10 times. a couple times for the check engine light once for a stabilizer bar again for a new battery and altenator once for a leak problem with the intake manifold once for the sensory and other things i can't remember. hopefully i dont have to worry about any of those things for a while. so what do you suggest i look out for

i have a 1999 Ford Winstar that we have having starting problems with. Engine cranks ususally 2nd 3rd time starts van runs great when started. Have been in and out of dealer no problem codes, battery tests fine, fuel injection service performed and fuel filter replaced. Dealer was not able to replicate. 3rd visit dealer replaced Idle Air Control valve worked fine for about a week back to cranking on first attempt wait try again 2nd or 3rd starts up. can you please help with any other possibilities to resolve thanks