So your current problem is a SES light AND the car wants to bog down and die in gear.

Since the light is on that means a code reader you can most likely isolate the problem so we don't have to play the guessing game. If i were you insted of spending money on a scanner take your vehicle to an autoparts store and see if they scan for free. (Call them first obviously to see if they offer this).

After you find out the codes or code write them down and post it up here.