Richard:

I drive a 1988 crown victoria ltd. I went to the grocery store and turned the car off and took the keys out. went inside got my groceries and came back out to put the groceries up and as I was doing so, I could hear my fuel pump running even tho the keys were in my pocket...  I got in started up the car and headed home. halfway there the car shut off and wouldnt start back. I pulled over and turned the key on and off listening for the fuel pump. the fuel pump never would come back on...what could have caused this and what do i need to do to fix it

The only recent work done on it is I had the alternator replaced - and belts
the engine is a standard V8.

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That sounds like the fuel pump relay stuck... and then failed.

It's the relay with the green connector on the left fender apron.

Richard

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You hit the nail on the head; I replaced the relay started right up and is doing fine.  Thanks much for your insight, was very helpful.