1999 mercury villager chugging

:banghead:the van started chugging a few days ago and is now completely useless. it will start but stalls out almost immediatley. my dad tried replacing the distributer cap but no luck.....what is wrong with my car?!?!?! oh yeah and the warning lights have not gone off yet.:banghead:

Welcome to AF.

How many miles on vehicle? I assume it is the 3.3 engine.

No check engine light? Have you checked for any codes??

When was fuel filter last changed?

Check fuel pressure with a fuel pressure tester.

Clean throttle body and IAC/FIC valve. Does it help to atep on the accelerator to keep it running???

Remove the vacuum line from fuel pressure regulator and check for fuel in line, if fuel is present replace regulator.

i don't know if this helps but the car runs better cold than hot, i don't know if that is a symptom of something specific or if it just sucks!

Check fuel pressure with gauge, fuel pump is cooled by the gas in the gas tank as it passing thru pump. Pump could be getting bad, works fine cold but as it warms up it looses pressure. Best if you could attach pressure gauge so you can watch the pressure as it warms and starts to run poorly.

Another thing to check it the optical sensor in the distributor for any evidence of brownish dust on it, if dust is present that is a sign of bearing going bad in distributor and distributor will need to be replaced. Also check the screw on the rotor to make sure it is not loose or missing.

Have you checked any of the suggestions in post # 2???