Why does the engine start sputtering at a stop in a 1998 Lincoln continental?

You may want to have the ignition coils checked by a free diagnostic retailer (Autozone, for example). One of my engine coils seems to go out every few months in my '98 Continental. They are real easy to replace and certainly not free but at $20-60 per coil they aren't as bad as some things to replace on a car. If it's not this I at least tried for ya buddy. Good luck!