If your rpm and speedometer gauge drop oil pressure temp shoot up fan shuts off but if you tap on the steering wheel they all go back to normal could it just be a loose wire?

While a loose wire could potentially cause these symptoms, it's important to note that the issue you described involves multiple gauges and systems malfunctioning simultaneously. It's unlikely that a single loose wire would affect all of these components at once.

Here are a few other possible causes:

1. Faulty Instrument Cluster: The instrument cluster is responsible for receiving signals from various sensors and displaying them on the gauges. A faulty instrument cluster can lead to incorrect readings or malfunctions of multiple gauges.

2. Electrical Issues: Problems with the electrical system, such as a short circuit or a faulty ground connection, can disrupt the signals between the sensors and the gauges, causing them to behave erratically.

3. Sensor Problems: If one or more of the sensors responsible for providing data to the gauges are faulty or damaged, it could lead to incorrect readings and malfunctions of the affected gauges.

4. ECU (Engine Control Unit) Issues: The ECU is the primary computer that controls various systems in modern vehicles, including the engine, transmission, and gauges. A malfunctioning ECU could cause the gauges to behave erratically.

Given the complexity of the issue, it's advisable not to assume it's a loose wire and instead have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring or misdiagnosing the problem could potentially lead to more severe issues or safety concerns down the road.