Engine cuts out every 3-4 seconds
 

I have an intermittent problem. Every once in a while my van will almost rhythmically turn itself off for a half a second or so, and then immediately turning back on. It did it last night as I was coming home, and it makes driving a bit of a challenge. There is a noise that sounds like a relay activating under the dash when this occurs. It was fine when I started it this AM, so it might be something that gets warm and then fails. The van will also idle just fine. Also, one time when I stepped on the brake it stopped. See the attached video.

I appreciate any suggestions. I hate problems like this, and I don't want to Easter egg the troubleshooting if possible :)

Dave

No attached video, absolutely no indication what year, model or fuel this problem is about. Most here hate trying to be mind readers.

Is it actually turning off and on (dash lights out, starter cranking)? If not, and the engine is just skipping, might have a fuel delivery problem.

Check the easy stuff first - fuel filter, maf sensor, air flow, codes.

If those are all good, fuel pump might be dying.

Fuel pump dying would be more of a stumble at first, not just complete loss of power.

Do you have an aftermarket remote starter or alarm ?

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...6593461e99.jpg
Yikes! Thought I included the video, but it turns out my file format is not acceptable. Attached is a picture of the left side of the dash - the check engine light also comes on. This is a 97 E-350 V-10 with 152Kmi.

The symptoms are the engine quits briefly every 3-4 seconds, but only for a half a second. When it quits, the dash lights - ABS, Check engine, oil, etc come on - just like when the van is started normally. There is also a loud single knock noise that accompanies the outage - sort of sounds like a relay under the dash. I plan to see if I can find a wiring diagram to see what is in line with the ignition switch that cuts out could cut out engine but leaves the accessories on.

I just noticed in the picture that the speedo says zero. Can't explain that. I was driving across the local bridge when this was taken.

Virtually certain this is not fuel related.

Thanks for your suggestions, and sorry about the incomplete info earlier.

It is behaving like the key was partly turned off. It is an intermittent problem, but when it occurs, it cycles about every 3-4 seconds.

Pretty sure it is not fuel related. I have a newish fuel pump. This is more like a problem in the ignition switch or something downstream.

Get the codes read first, as that should point you in the right direction. With the cel, you should have codes