As far as the check engine lite,have the codes read and that will lead you in the right direction. On an 88, if you have no codes,suspect a bad plug wire.About the stalling problem-I am guessing this car has the lock-up torque convertor that is staying engaged when you try to stop. The easy test is to disconnect the 4 pin connector on the trans. If this stops the stalling,you need to replace the TQ lock up solonoid.