odd problem new to me, '98 explorer sport

so this morning i was on my way to work, i fired up my explorer ( 2dr sport 4.0 v6) fired up just fine, put it in reverse, everything still fine. but as i slowed down at the end of my parking lot to get on the road, my "theft" light started flashing and the engine cut out multiple times like i just turned off the ignition. now im fairly mechanically inclined but this is a new one to me... once the motor "burped" if you will it ran all day with out a problem. it hasn't even hiccuped the rest of the day. I'm thinking maybe i just need to replace the plugs and wires, maybe the disrto cap. Has anyone else dealt with this issue and if so how can i fix this. Any help is Greatly appreciated! Thanks

How long has it been since the vehicle had a tune up? If it's due, then it won't hurt to change the spark plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, and check the air filter. I doubt however that that will solve the problem. The flashing theft light may just be due to the stall. If you have access to a professional scan tool you could have the PATS codes read and determine if there are any. Maybe you'd find a code for KAM loss which would suggest a problem with the battery, cables, or connections. You might also find that the fuel pressure is low due to a weak fuel pump. If that's the case though you want to change out the fuel filter and recheck the pressure (unless you changed the filter already because you performed the tune up mentioned above). If the pressure is still low even with a new filter, the pump is probably getting ready to leave you stranded.

-Rod

thanks for the help, i did have a guy at work scan the codes and all that popped up was bad O2 sensors. as far as the entire tune up i havent gotten around to finishing yet, but i know it needs to be done reguardless. also the truck hasnt done the formentioned propblem sence this post.