Just bought an 08 ford f150 4.2 5 speed and the engine started shutting off randomly when pulling up to stops. When I put it in neutral or shift into lower gears the steering locks up and all dash lights turn on including check gauges message. Fluid levels are good and the truck starts up after turning key to off and trying again. Not sure if it is low transmission fluid, fuel filter, a sensor issue or something to do with the manual transmission. Any light shone on this would be greatly appreciated.

*SOLVED*
The issue with the vehicle shutting off randomly while driving has been solved. Turns out the ebrake release lever wasnt fully releasing the ebrake which in turn was shutting off the vehicle randomly while driving. This explains why the vehicle spun out when turning an intersection and why there were no codes present on the scanner. The brake light is on constantly and must have been from wear on the ebrake from the previous owners explaining why I never knew the ebrake was fully disengaged. Might sound simple but I just thought this post might help someone driving a standard vehicle who comes across a similar issue, it could save you cash or your life.

Thanks all for your suggestions.

 

have the CEL read and post results

 

CEL is not permanent, only on when engine dies and not on during start up

 

Have you checked for any codes? Even with the CEL off there could be some codes that give us a clue

 

I have seen some threads about talking about possibly maf sensor, fuel pump driver modules that go on these models, vacuum leak, or an injector issue. I am aiming to have it diagnosed electronically asap just looking for some thoughts or possibly someone with a similar issue.

 

I had a 1995 Mustang do something very familiar to what you are seeing and it turned out to be the alternator went bad. Throw a volt-meter on the battery when it is running at an idle. If its not pulling 14 volts, it may not be charging properly at all.

 

yep...could be the alt.

 

*UPDATE*

Condition seems to be getting worse. Engine dies when putting gear in neutral and shifting between lower 3 gears. Lights include engine and battery light as well as ABS and brake light. Brake light and ABS stay on all the time, engine and battery light only come on when the engine dies. Also I spun out the truck this morning in an intersection when switching between 1st and 2nd gear road conditions were slick lucky no oncoming traffic. Any idea how it could be the alternator when car goes into neutral? Would low transmission fluid be the explanation it doesnt pour out of the fill plug but does coat the bottom of threads. Also the battery did die the other day when I left on the headlights if I remember correctly before this issue started.