ford ranger cutting off when driving--help please?

[Goat G]

I have a 2001 ford ranger... today it cut off on me as i was getting on the interstate. everything was fine, then it just wouldn't accelerate. the "check engine" light came on, as did the little rectangle symbol with a plus and minus sign on it, but it was only on briefly. so, i pulled to the side of the road and turned off the truck and it cranked right back up. i was then able to go on home... there was a small rattle in the front for about 3-5 seconds, then it stopped and did it again, but was completely fine for the rest of the way home. like i said, it drove normal from there on out....but what is going on? what could be the problem? thanks so much