Engine dying on me
 

Hello all, first question for me. I searched the forums, but couldn't find anything quite the same as what I have here. I acquired a 2000 Mazda Protege from a family member about a month ago. I believe it has a 1.4 automatic and has 38k on it. Before he passed away, he told me he wouldn't take it on any long trips and I think I know why now. Been driving around several places shopping for a couple of hours like many times in the past. Parked, went in the store, came out 20 minutes later. Got back in the car, cranked it up, cut right off. Tried again, it coughed and sputtered like a riding mower with the choke handle pulled even with the gas pedal to the floor, eventually cutting off again. Tried again, just cranked over without firing. There was no engine light, smoke or smell. I figured I would disconnect the battery and reset the computer, but didn't have any tools, so I walked the shopping center to find some without luck. Came back to the car 20 minutes later and as I was getting ready to call for a ride, I tried one more time and it cranked up just fine as if nothting ever happened. Any ideas? Thanks.