2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic shakes and sputters when recranked after driving. Only does it once it's been driven somewhere and ignition is killed, then recranked. Doing it about a week then check engine light began flashing. Husband had oil changed and all issues stopped. Mechanic said no way oil change and issue/light were related. What gives?

my guess is the gearing , that reverse has is very low.
and with lower gearing a weaker engine can run
id bet you if you use your right foot, on the throttle as you
go to drive, it will move, or use L gear.
the sputter, is not related to the transmission
Sputter is gross misfiring of the engine, 4.0L?? what engine?
and the top cause of that. is not getting a tune up.
spark plugs. ever do those in 10 long years.'
or spark wires>?
filters, fluids and spark? a tune up.
the Jeep runs a map sensor, so does not sputter with air leaks.
the jeep IAC can stick. and not hold an idle ,in drive.
but you can with a fast right foot, if not , its gross misfire for sure.
your right foot is not gas its air
when you press the throttle you add air and the EFI matches air with fuel. in that order
so if it still sputters, is not the lack of air. see?> spark is next,.

for 100 years folks avoid tuneups, is that you? the classic cause?

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2000 WRANGLER. IT TURNS OUT THAT SNOW HAD BECOME PACKED AROUND THE TRANS MISSION AND THEN FROZE. I PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE WITHE A COUPLE OF HEATERS TO MELT THE ICE. I KNOW ITS MAY NOW BUT ARE YOU STILL HAVING THIS PROBLEM?

idle air motor dirty/bad.pull it clean pentle check screw travel when ignition switch cut on & off. if motor is bad replace I.A.M.

I, feel sorry for you, after reading your problem, but don't worry you visit the Reliable-Store they will help you for sure.
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You will need a multipoint check on the engine.
start with the fuel, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel injectors and the fuel lines. Fuel problems are heat dependant and wil show up in cold or warm condition. check calibration of pump.
Now check the ignition circuit of the engine. start with the plugs- now being new- check the HT wires, the HT coils, the triggers to the coils- the ignition system.
Also check the fault condition of the ECU.

Could be your crank sensor has gone bad.

ask a local mechanic to have a look ,must have a sensor problem somewhere but what?? it would need to do it with the mechanic driving it to know for sure whats wrong ,sorry if iam vauge but we only have diesels here a petrol like this isnt worth anything here maybe a 1000 euros if the right dummy comes along but a diesel manual of this year ?' then put another nought on the end

Sound like you might have problems with the spark plug spark plug wires or distributor cap and rotor or worse engine problems. Good luck

possible throttle position sensor ,. air intake leaks , ignition coil or secondary ignition cable , important to have good clean ground and battery connections also