engine light on, and off, hesitates when beginning to accelerate, chugs and sometimes stalls out.

 

if all possible pull the code that triggers the check engine light with a diagnostic tool. This could be caused by a few things like EGR, PCV, or fuel system not working properly. The easiest to test is the PCV Valve which is located on your valve cover. Carefully remove it and shake it . If it rattles, the valve works. The other test require a little more... Some simple things to check are make sure the battery terminals a properly clamped down and are not corroded.