All About Troubleshoot Air Conditioner in Jeep Cherokee

It is important to keep the A or C in your Jeep Cherokee up and running this summer.

Repairing the A or C system sometimes involves a simple issue with the valve control or a blown fuse, but sometimes requires further investigation from an experienced mechanic.

Before immediately taking your Jeep to the shop for what could turn out to be an expensive diagnosis, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can run through on your own to diagnose the problem.

How to Troubleshoot Air Conditioner in Jeep Cherokee

Check fuse box

Check the fuse box, which is under the dash near the brake peddle, for any damaged fuses. Read the instructions on the inside of the fuse box cover on how to locate the fuse connected to the A or C system. If the metal wire inside the glass tube of the fuse is broken or damaged, replace the fuse with another one of the exact amperage rating.

Start engine and turn on electric fan and A or C

Start the engine and turn on the electric fan and the A or C. Check whether any of the A or C switches are damaged. If the fan does not turn over, it may mean that a fuse has blown, or the fan could be malfunctioning. If the controls are damaged, replace them. In either case, a mechanic can investigate this further for you.

Inspect all A or C hoses for any kinks or damage

Inspect all the A or C hoses for any kinks or damage.

If you notice any kinks, squeeze the hose between your thumb and forefinger until the kink disappears.

If there is oily residue on any of the hoses or A or C components, you may need to replace them.

A few droplets of refrigerant around the connections is normal, but an excessive amount will likely signal a necessary repair.

Turn the A or C up to the coldest setting with the engine running.

Look under the hood to see if the magnetic clutch connected to the compressor engages.

You will be able to see and hear the clutch turn over.

If you do not see the clutch engage, the system may be low, or out of refrigerant.

Have a mechanic refill the system for you.

If the clutch does not turn the compressor, the clutch may need a replacement.

If there is a leak around the compressor shaft seal, the seal may need to be replaced.

If the compressor is excessively noisy, there may be air trapped in the system.

Start the engine and open the hood.

Locate the firewall, which is the metal sheet partition between the interior of the vehicle and the engine compartment that extends from the bottom of the windscreen to beneath the engine.

Feel the two heater hoses, each the thickness of a regular garden hose, at the firewall to check for warmth.

Both should be warm, but one should be noticeably cooler than the other.

If this is not the case, the valve control may be faulty.

Turn the A or C up to the coldest setting with the engine running.

Look under the hood to see if the magnetic clutch connected to the compressor engages.

You will be able to see and hear the clutch turn over.

If you do not see the clutch engage, the system may be low, or out of refrigerant.

Have a mechanic refill the system for you.

If the clutch does not turn the compressor, the clutch may need a replacement.

If there is a leak around the compressor shaft seal, the seal may need to be replaced.

If the compressor is excessively noisy, there may be air trapped in the system.

Start the engine and open the hood.

Locate the firewall, which is the metal sheet partition between the interior of the vehicle and the engine compartment that extends from the bottom of the windscreen to beneath the engine.

Feel the two heater hoses, each the thickness of a regular garden hose, at the firewall to check for warmth.

Both should be warm, but one should be noticeably cooler than the other.

If this is not the case, the valve control may be faulty.