Ford windstar 98 gl 3.8

To review - - the fuel pump in the tank pumps fuel to the injectors.
There is a fuel shut-off which works in a wreck to prevent a fire.
If the plunger is down, the switch is on. Normal.

It is possible the fuel lines are full of air which would take a long time to purge by cranking the engine. Sometimes you have to use starting fluid or other means to "run" the engine long enough to get gas back into the injectors.
As long as the engine cranks, the battery is fine.
It is also possible the pump was damaged when the tank was run empty. The pump uses liquid fuel to cool and lubricate the electric pump. It can overheat when running the tank below 1/4 full.
It is also possible the fuel filter was clogged with junk from the bottom of the tank.
I would get someone to check for fuel pressure at the injectors and try some carb cleaner or starting fluid in the intake hose next.

If it is like the 98 you need to drop the gas tank.

check fuses,fuel pump ,check the fuel cutout switch

It's located in the gas tank with the fuel pump. Part call sending unit.Hope this was helpful,good luck

u may need some fuel tank cleaning, rust may be clogging the fuel line thats why the fuel cant get thru, change the fuel filters too. hope this helps

i can't give you a diagram... but to get thr fuel pump out of the tank, there is a lock ring that holds the pump in, to remove the ring use a BRASS punch and a hammer to turn the ring counterclockwise. you will see some tabs that stickstrait up in the air- you can use those to turn the ring. remove the ring and the pump may have to twist to the left or right- but most likely will pull right out.

You need to drop the tank.

To gain access to the fuel pump, it is necessary to remove the fuel tank.

1. Depressurize the fuel system and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
2. Remove any dirt that has accumulated around the fuel pump module attaching flange, to prevent it from entering the tank during service.
3. Turn the fuel pump module locking ring counterclockwise using a locking ring removal tool or a brass drift and remove the locking ring.
4. Remove the fuel pump module.
5. Remove the seal gasket and discard it.

To install:

1. Put a light coating of grease on a new seal ring to hold it in place during assembly. Install it in fuel tank ring groove.
2. Insert the fuel pump module into the fuel tank, then secure it in place with the locking ring. Tighten the ring until secure.
3. Install the tank in the vehicle.
4. Install a minimum of 10 gallons of fuel and check for leaks.
5. Install a pressure gauge on the throttle body valve and turn the ignition ON for 3 seconds. Turn the key OFF , then repeat the key cycle five to ten times until the pressure gauge shows at least 30 psi.
6. Check for fuel leaks at the fittings.
7. Remove the pressure gauge.
8. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.

have your catalytic converter checked sounds like its clogged. good luck to ya

fuel filter i would suggest but with half tank i would say it to be sending unit in tank
your vehicle should have 3 standard or more depending who owned before you
one in engine compartment
one on chassis back by the fuel tank under neithe
and the never ending sending unit in the tank this has a filter on it and could be clogged with debry also the gas you use could be causeing the sluggish ness cheap gas has debry in it