My 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee struggles when starting - like it would if the battery were dying. A few weeks ago the battery totally died (after about 5 years, so I wasn't surprised). I replaced the battery and it worked great - for a few weeks, then had trouble again. AutoZone tested the battery and confirmed it was shot (12 volts, but not enough amps to start). I replaced the battery under warranty and same issue - barely starts. The lights are bright and a battery test shows that the battery and alternator are fine.

I recently replaced plugs, wires, cap, & rotor because the car was stalling while driving, but this morning it nearly stalled (sputtered, then came back to life).

I looked at other postings, but most talked about the engine not cranking at all (electrical problems). My battery is strong, but it barely cranks.

Please recommend what I should check next. Thank you!

The stalling issue could be related to many things, but sounds like a crank sensor problem. When it Sputtered and came back were you driving or idling?

The Battery issue. I would start by making sure the battery cables and post are clean. and check the wiring at the starter make sure there is no Oil or any kind of build up on the connections.

When my Jeep sputtered and came back I was driving (maybe 30 MPH). The controls & dials (RPM, etc.) dropped to zero for a split second, then came back. Last week (before the tune-up) it did the same thing, but actually stalled. I shifted to neutral and pulled over, started it up again, and it was fine. Also before the tune-up it would occasionally stall while idling at a stop-light. The engine sounds fine when it's running, except when it stalls (i.e., it doesn't struggle or have continual trouble) - it just works fine most of the time, then dies, then starts up again with a bit of effort. I mostly drive locally (about 10-15 minutes), so I haven't tested it on longer trips.

This is deffinate signs of a bad CrankShaft Position Sensor (CPS).

I purchased a Crank Position Sensor (CPS) and Starter from AutoZone, and began working to replace the CPS. After about a half-hour of searching, I finally found the sensor, but could barely reach it (back-left of the engine near the firewall) - I couldn't get a wrench on it so I left it alone and went after the starter. Electrical tests and even a bench test (removing the starter and hooking up jumper cables to test that it spins) all showed that the old starter worked fine (two Jeep dealers were convinced that it was an electrical problem based on my description of the problem - even though I told them I already tested the electrical system). Then I did a bench test on the NEW starter, and it spun MUCH FASTER & sounder more powerful overall.

I replaced the starter and it works great now! It makes sense that an old starter motor might not be as strong as a new one. I'll return the CPS - I think I'm set for now!
(NOTE: As far as my car stalling while driving - I'll see if that gets worse. At least my Jeep will start after it stalls).