Lately in the morning when I start driving, my engine cuts out (or bucks but never dies) sporadically and both the tach and speedo drop to zero before the engine recovers. When the engine gets to operating temp it usually goes away. I've done some searches on the forum and so far I have changed out the plugs, plug wires, coil packs, and cleaned the maf! Also when it cuts out sometimes I notice the theft light flashing other times it doen't. I don't know if the two are related? My friend seems to think I have a loose wire or ground somewhere on the engine or under the dash? Anyone have a clue as to what it might be? Thanks!

 

Do you have a CEL or SES light on or flashing?

I'd scan the computer first to see if there are any codes stored.

Steve

 

No CEL or SES. There are no codes either.

 

If you notice your gages dropping at the same time, you have a main power interuption of some sort with a connector or connection and not just engine computer fault.
The heat is apparently causing the connection fault to expand with heat and shrink with cooling.
Look at all the cables and connectors and not engine componants, to start with.
Start at the battery and go from there. I may take awhile but
you have to work it out by progression.
May even be the ignition switch.

 

Did you ever find a solution to this problem? My truck is doing the same thing except it does die. No check engine light, no codes.. 99 f150 XLT 4x4 5.4L V8. Thanks. My mechanic is leaning toward a new fuel pump, but I hate to spend the money on that without knowing for sure.

 

I had the exact same problem/symptoms. My solution was to clean the connector leading to the computer (on the firewall.)

 

Is this the connector behind the battery? How did you clean it?

 

Yes, it is behind the battery. Clean with contact cleaner.