windstar 2001 dying out

the van seems to run just like it had a clogged fuel filter . it would sputter a bit then die out .
the fuel filter was almost clogged . it was replaced and it still acts the same . the van can run in nuetral and when in drive it has almost no power and if you accelerate too much it will backfire .the van has aprox. 60k miles .. any thoughts ?

I would change out the PCM power relay and the fuel pump relay ... if that doesn't do it, then test the fuel pressure ... you may have a clogged pump inlet screen.

You did not mention any CEL light. ???

the cel is on

Whoa!

Before any other action, can you go to AutoZone (or the like) and get the actual alpha-numeric code(s)?

My 3.8L, 1998 Windstar has the same problem. Did you fix yours. Can anyone tell me what the fuel pressure is suppose to be at the test value above the engine, when the engine switch is first turned on but before cranking engine? Also, where is the computer located? I know where the test plug is.
Thanks!

The PCM is located on the firewall, passenger side.....above and behind the top of the strut.
Fuel pressure:
1. Verify that the pump comes on when you turn the key to "ON".
You should hear the pump "hum" for a couple of seconds.
If you do NOT hear the fuel pump hum when you turn the key to ON, troubleshoot the cause of NO power to the fuel pump, such as the inertia switch that is located near the jack in the back a bad PCM relay, or fuel pump relay (not sure if the '98 has a separate relay for fuel pump or if it is in a sealed unit (CCRM), also verify fues(s) for the fuel pump. If power is getting to the fuel pump, then it could be a bad fuel pump.

2. If there is power to the fuel pump, AND you can hear the fuel pump hum for a second or so when you turn the ON.
With the key OFF, release fuel pressure, connect fuel pressure gage, and turn key ON (make sure that you do not have any leak(s)). You should be able to measure some fuel pressure. I do not know for sure what the pressure should be, but I would guess that it would be 30 to 40 PSI, which is the maximum range.

Thanks Wiswin for the pressure info. Regarding the computer, are you saying it is inside the engine compartment near the top of the firewall, way back under all that stuff?