its an automatic so i am confused. going from reverse to drive it'll shut off some times. and at red lights if the car is in drive it'll start shaking like it is about to shut off so i put iit in neutral till the light is green. anyone got any ideas of a diagnosis.

Could be a few things.. My escort did that until I changed my plugs/air filter now it's fine. Maybe your coil pack is crappy, or a plug wire is bad. I'd just get it tuned up and see what happens, I am sure it will solve your problem
-Scott

ummm more likely a vacume leak

ummm more likely a vacume leak
there was a hole in the intake tube