99 Windstar SE - Rought starts (sometimes)

My 99 Windstar (SE, 3.8, 90K miles) has developed an occasional hickup when starting. About 30% of the time it will start quickly but then run rough for 3-4 seconds. If you immediately put it in drive the engine will run very rough or sometime stall. If you wait 2 to 3 seconds the engine returns to normal with no impact to how the van behaves. The van runs and idles fine after this. No problems idling at a light or accerlating. Just this wierd hesitation when starting. Any suggestion on what to look at?

I have read posts about the 99 and even newer windstars having intermittent problems (even solid no start) due to the fuel pump relay....which in your vehicle is located inside the power distribution box in the engine compartment.
The OBDII system does NOT monitor the fuel pressure or fuel flow......so a fuel issue will not light a CEL with any code telling you that it is a fuel delivery issue.

Fuel pump can also be intermittent.....but that is more expensive and difficult to change.....so eliminate the cheap and easy first.

If the check engine light is on....(make sure that it comes on when you turn the key to ON....before starting the engine), then get the code(s) read.......something like a stuck IAC, or IMRC issue can contribute......

Swap out (with new ones) both the fuel pump relay and the PCM power relay.

Appreciate the advice. The hesitation has dissapeared, as least since I wrote the posting but should it reappear I will take your advice. Thanks for responding, much appreciated.