What would cause a check engine light to come on and for the car not to accelerate?

Question

Tonight I was driving home and after stopping at a stop light I went to turn and my car would not accelerate past 2 RPMs and wouldn't go faster than 20 MPH. The check engine light also came on and whenever I stop the car (such as at a stop sign) the car starts jerking a little and acting like it might die. The jerking stops after I take my foot off the brake and the car starts rolling forward. Any thoughts on what is causing this? I have a 2006 Suzuki Forenza with an automatic transmission.

Also, it might be a coincidence, but this occurred 5 miles after I put gas in my car. I have no idea if this is related.

Update:

It ended up being the map sensor. Thanks to everyone except DR + Mrs Bears face, who was a jerk and doesn't even realize there are no longer Suzuki car dealers.

Also, it might be a coincidence, but this occurred 5 miles after I put gas in my car.  I have no idea if this is related.

Gatsby216 · Accepted Answer

Probably not related to the gas, check that the gas cap is on tight. You could call the gas station and ask if they have  had any other complaints, they will say no even if they had 20 calls, but worth asking. 
You could pour 2 bottles of heat gas treatment, if there is water in the tank that will reduce the problem.

Was the CEL flashing?  Flashing means pull over and stop driving car.

Open hood, start car. listen for any abnormal air hissing. Have assistant slow push the gas get RPM up to 2000, listen for hissing. If you hear any, locate it, turn car OFF, then inspect area. Could be a cracked vacuum hose line or loose air intake.  Inspect air intake area, check air filter.

Remove mass air flow sensor connection. If car runs OK, then MAF is bad or needs to be cleaned. 
DO NOT drive more than a few miles with that off, say you decide to take car to a shop, OK to drive a few miles. If you drive longer than that you may end up causing more expensive problems to catalytic converters. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDlHCjgYf8s

With engine off. With good flashlight inspect all belts, loose, cracked, wear or burn marks?

Or could be timing belt is slipping, I am not sure if car has timing belt or chain.

Anonymous · Answer

a check engine light can be lit for literally 1000's of reasons - the only way to find out why is go to an auto parts store and have them attach an OBD code reader; you write down the code (s) and look at www.obd-codes.com ; that site will tell you what needs to be repaired, and after repairs are done, go back to parts store and have them again attach the OBD reader and have them clear the codes from the vehicles' computer

Anonymous · Answer

Hi No not related to putting gas in it just a coincidental thing. the car needs a service it has needed one for sometime but you refused to accept it and now it has bitten back with the LIMP HOME mode which is what they do when they need expert attention at a Dealer like SUZUKI.

AL M · Answer

Just have a diagnostic reader/scanner retrieve the error codes. 
The codes will guide you to what's wrong with your car.

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What would cause a check engine light to come on and for the car not to accelerate?

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