Stalling and low idling

Hi,
I have a 2003 Escape XLT, it has 47k. For the last two weeks it has been stalling when starting and slowing down and been idling very low (barely 10000). It will do this for a few days and then go back to normal. On the days it is acting up, the idle is so low, the car is barely on but it will drive. Just the other day the engine light came on, but has now gone off. Any thoughts?
thanks!