need help

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My 1999 ford windstar died last month while driving. No signs no symptoms just shut off while driving. Towed it to a mechanic paid $400 for a new fuel pump. I get it back and still having problems. The van dies while driving at any speeds. I've had it shut off when starting to stop at stop signs and I've had it shut off while driving 60. Each time I put it in park it starts up just fine. I took it in to get a computer check and all that it said is rich fuel. So they told me o2 sensor. Two mechanics have informed me o2 sensor would not cause those problems. Recently someone told me ignition coil was their problem on a truck they had having the same problems. So I watched a YouTube video and I think I can do it myself. Let me just say I don't know anything about cars but it looks simple and I am not willing to sink money on mechanics that clearly themselves can't figure out the problems. Sorry so long but to get to the point my question is am I right to change the coil or do any of you think it might be something else? I don't want to waste my time if it's not the coil. I have had this van for 3 months. I got for $800 and have now paid about $800 in repairs. Its a good van but im Not paying out more so from here on out this is my let's learn about fixing my own car car. So advice please. I've read some threads about also changing the spark plugs or the coil will break again I'm also think I can do that as well. Again do you think this is the right track or is it maybe something else.

[12Ounce]

I hope I don't demoralize you, that is not my intent. There are about a Kazillion problems that fit your symptoms. We could all "guess away", but those skills are better spent on the lottery.

If I had to guess .... no, I refuse to guess, without a bit more info: It seems you have an electrical shutdown .... Does anything else other than the engine shut down? For example, do the headlights turn off, if driving at night? ... do the instrument panel lights come on, as though at start-up? Do you have a voltmeter?

[phil-l]

Also: You can waste a lot of time and money chasing potential causes of various symptoms.

Let's start with specifics: Does the check engine light remain on while the van is running? If so, get it scanned (note that many auto parts chains - including AutoZone - will often scan for free) and get a list of specific codes (i.e., not just vague descriptions like "rich fuel").

Post the codes here, and we can help you diagnose from there.

[wiswind]

Totally shuts off.....
Does it start back up and then die (foot off accelerator)?......if so...try holding the accelerator down slightly....does it start and stay running?
If so....likely cause is Idle Air Control (IAC) valve.....known for sticking....spray some SeaFoam or similar spray lubricant for engines into the small IAC opening (look for other posts here about IAC).

If it shuts off and does not restart at all.
As mentioned MANY things can cause this......weak battery, dirty battery cable connections (on battery terminals and also at starter).
Don't forget the ground connections.....they are just as important as the power (positive) connections.
Intermittent (loose/dirty) electrical connection can cause exactly the problem you are having.
This can be a physical wire connection or a defective battery or a defective relay.
Bad "new" fuel pump.......but along the lines of fuel.....the computer does NOT monitor fuel flow or fuel pressure, so you will not get any trouble codes for this.
One thing that 1999 Windstar has been known for is the fuel pump relay in the relay box in the engine compartment. Not expensive fix. Relay can become intermittent in operation.
No fuel....No run.....engine will not fire at all.
Intermittent fuel issues are mentioned in posts here for 1999 an newer....
Problem with intermittent issues.....is just that....they are intermittent, and since the added problem of fuel flow and pressure not being monitored means that you will not have a failure code indicating a fuel flow or pressure issue stored in the computer.
Fuel pressure can be checked at the fuel rail (I recommend you have a mechanic do this for you as you mention not being handy).
There is a fuel pressure check point at the center of the front fuel rail....easy for your mechanic to do with a fuel pressure gauge.
Problem is.....to have this check done WHEN the vehicle is not able to start......when the problem is happening.

Ignition coil.....normal issue with this is misfire......We have not seen posts of folks having this item cause the vehicle to not start at all (though there is always a first time). so I would not look there first for this problem.