Started when van quit running just a mile from home. all indications was fuel pump went bad. pulled it home and checked fuses. ok. tried starter fluid and it acted like it would start but it didn't. pulled it to a shop and had fuel pump put in. fuel pump would run now but it would continue to run, tried to hook a computer to see what would cause this and problem is the 2 computers would not talk to each other. well now it has been in shop 2 weeks and mechanic has no sure fire fix. his next guess is replace computer . I am on fixed income and cant afford to keep guessing at repairs that don't fix it .on disability and not being a mechanic myself i don't know how to fix it myself. any answers? help me if you can. 1996 ford windstar 3.8

to remove contaminated fuel , pull a fuel line of the fuel manifold and run the pump for a few seconds
not firing is sensor , immobilizer , ignition module problem but you stat that it fires on starter fluid so that cannot be right
starter fluid is a d good way of damaging the engine
a better way is to find and fix the fault
now to try and sort out what you are saying
it is cranking so the starter is good
it tries to run on starter fluid so there is spark to the plugs
it will not run and that indicates a lack of fuel to the injectors
a lack of fuel indicates
1--- a bad fuel pump
2--a vacuum in ht e fuel system from the tank not venting properly(EVAP system)
3--- fuel pressure regulator not working and providing pressure to the injectors
4--- bad injectors --- need cleaning
dump the starter fluid , buy a workshop manual and fix the problem properly

Amazing.....At this very moment in time.....my 2000 silhouette is doing the same thing....if you were unaware.....ventures Montana's and silhouette are from the same mold. Very similar in all aspects. My diagnostics have got to the fuel pump part of suspects....but I have already checked filter, relays, fuses and ignition electronics....my latest suspect is the pressure sensor that monitors the pressure of the gas tank....there is also a pressure sensor on the injector rail I'm suspicious of. I'm going to find out how to place each sensor in "okay ....fuel pump turn on and pump fuel to the throttle body" to check them. In my case....I don't smell any gas after turning the engine over....trying to start it.....sometimes for over an hour....never any gas smell....so I suspect fuel delivery is the problem. The fuel pump has several sensors that control whether or not it needs to run....and pump gas. I can hear my fuel pump run for 2 or3 seconds when I turn the ignition to the on or start positions.testing all of those sensors is my plan of action for this 3 day weekend. Your on track with your work and suspicion of the position sensors......vacuum leaks will follow the sensor checks. Vacuum leaks could cause a couple of sensors to fail too.....I dropped my fuel tank last weekend....and found the fuel pump to be in working condition.....I removed my fuel filter and punched a hole through it for free flow.....to eliminate it from the list...after checking the vacuum angle....I will move to the electronics side.....with the ignition switch first and the transmission position indicator switch following.....I've plugged my trouble code reader in and didn't get any indication of any failed electronic devices......my problem and your problem seem to be very similar, except that I am doing all of my work on the van myself. I will try to keep you informed of my diagnostics through fix it.it would be nice to know how yours is advancing too.....there are a few directions you can progress into.....hope one solves your problem....if not.....there will be more ideas to come....until I solve my problem....good luck to. Us both and onward we go......Nick.ps couldn't spell or grammar check because I'm using my phone to compose....and the typing pad covers the entirescript being typed. Sorry for any problems. Associated

Check for spark and if there is any way, check for codes.

I would check the vacuum lines thoroughly as one may have collasped or previous owner replaced with a substandard one,which may be partially collaspe then upon warming up will vacuum itself shut causing the motor to surge then fail to run or start if it happens to be a main line that is affected.

look under the hood on the right side where your brake fluid is..There is a black box to the farest right of the brake fluid. take off the lid to this box were you will find fuses..Reach in and feel the fuses to see if any are loose.The largest fuses in the front, push down on those and then try to start it up..Take them out look at them make sure there ok if this dont work..they the one bad might need to be replaced..

can be any thing-fuel pump-fuel filter-egr valve-ignition- turn key on and observe dash for a blinking trouble light if there is count it will be like 1long 2 short =12 for a code- try a couple of quick eliminations spray with starter fluid -if starts u have a fuel problem/filter-pump,if doesnt check for spark no spark problem ignition if both present and starts but wont stay running problem possible emission/engine sensors

sounds like the pump died after that filet being clogged! fuse and relay are in the fuse block under the hood drivers side fender wall. ecm-b fuse g12 - f11 is what is said the location was! hopefully this helps

it sound like your fuel pump is bad. but frist see if you have power to your fuel pump. ckeck your fuese inside and out ok

well the first part of your question i was all ready to tell you to put a new fuel pump in, now not so sure, there is a relay for fuel pump, can you hear pump cycle and relay click? relay under hood you will have to listen close they don't run long maybe a couple secounds, if you don't relay bad. if you do pump could be bad, do fuel pressure test pump could be weak. don't think sunroof and turn signals are related, but stranger things have happend.

this engine fuel pump prassurae low. it fuel pump celan. Your problem sovel