Jeep Grand Cherokee Climate Control Problems & How To Fix Them

Are you diagnosing your jeep grand cherokee climate control problems? Nothing is worse than hot air coming out of the climate controller unit in summer when you are on a trip.

The heating system and cool air in the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be managed separately from each other. The problematic heating system and air condition do not affect your driving but create a suffocating or freezing environment in the jeep.

However, there are two types of climate change controllers, automatic and manual. Both of these controls have their own advantages such as, in a manual controller, you set the desired temperature. As well as, you can change the jeep’s inside the environment according to the circumstances.

In the automatic climate control system, you set the standard temperature. The controller monitors the temperature, for example, if the outside temperature is -3 degrees and you set the temperature to 15 degrees the climate control system will maintain 15 degrees inside.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Climate Control Problems

Different parts of the climate system work together to provide you with a stable environment. Issues come when there is any leakage, clogging or the fan is not working. However, the problems are hard to come with the new jeep grand cherokee, they just develop over time. The climate change problematic system can ruin your tour if you do not fix it.

So, here are some major problems of jeep grand cherokee climate control, let’s discuss each of them.

Major Jeep Grand Cherokee Climate Control Problems

1. Low Freon Level

Low Freson is one of the major reasons for the jeep grand cherokee climate control problems. If you do not know about Freon, it is a non-combustible gas used in air conditioning for cooling. The Freon is altered into liquid on the high side and becomes gas on the low side. Circulation of the Freson on high and low side pressure keeps your jeep grand cherokee cool.

Over time, the leak pipes begin to drop the Freon amount in the air conditioning system. The insufficient amount of Freson not only decays the performance of AC. But it also reduces the gas mileage because it forces your climate control system to work harder. You can also check about Snow Mode in Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Symptoms Of Low Freon

1.1. Warm Air

Low freon level forces the air conditioning system to work harder, as a result, it blows warm air. Warm air is the sign that the freon level is down. The inadequate freon level is unable to circulate. But the air conditioning tries to work, so the cool air is unable to come out of the system and normal warm air blows.

1.2. Clutch Engagement

When you turn on the air conditioner, there is a clutch engagement. The clutch engagement generates a slight sound of a click. When the freon level is inadequate, the clutch is unable to engage and there is no sound. Listen closely when you turn on the air conditioner if there is no sound, the freon level is low.

1.3. Visible Leaks

Serious Freon leakages can appear under the hood. You can see the leakage on the ground where you park your jeep. These leakages look like a greasy liquid. The leakage also appears in the cabins. However, these leagues are hard to tackle so take your vehicle to the automobile repair shop as soon as possible.

2. Pressure Controller Solenoid Switch

Sometimes a bad switch of pressure control solenoid is the reason for the problematic climate controller. This problem also develops over time. To avoid the problem, check the switch from time to time. Clean all the compressors occasionally and keep the switch safe from dust.

3. Non-functional AC Pressure Switch

The AC pressure switch controls the pressure of the freon and air. It also detects the pressure level and shows you on the screen. If the switch is not functioning, you may face problematic climate control. The bad switch does not detect the level of freon and your AC starts blowing warm air. You can also check, common problems with Jeep Chevy 305.

4. Radiator Fan

The condenser is an essential part of the air conditioner when it gets hot. Radiator fans cool down the condenser. If the radiator fan is not working properly. The vehicle heats up and it automatically turns off your climate control system. The fan does not work properly because over time the dust covers it.

Another reason, if the fan is not getting proper power from the motor it stops working and the vehicle heats up.

5. Odor Coming From AC System

Some jeep grand cherokee users report a bad odor coming out of the climate control system. The reason behind it is a malfunctioning motor. Or sometimes the fan is not working properly to cool down the overheated motor. Well, if you smell an odor, it is a sign that you should clean all the machinery and change the climate controller’s basic components.

6. Cabin Filter Problem

Cabin filters work as ventilation for the climate control unit. A dusty cabin filter can stop air ventilation and disable your jeep climate control unit abruptly. To eliminate the chances of an inactive cabin filter, change it occasionally and keep it clean. Low airflow through the filters will reduce the gas mileage.

How To Replace The Climate Control Unit In The Jeep Grand Cherokee?

First, confirm that the basic problem is in the module before you start removing the climate control unit in the jeep grand cherokee. Because sometimes the problem is not with the unit but with the cooling fan or cabin filter not working properly.

Now if you have identified the problem in the control unit follow these easy and simple steps mentioned below to replace the unit.

Removing Old Climate Unit of Jeep Grand Cherokee

Step 1

The unit is covered with a dashboard. In some models, to remove the dashboards, you have to take off the bezel. They are attached with 3 screws. Start loosening the screws with a screwdriver and take off the bezel. Sometimes the bezel is clipped at the position. So, try to find screws. If there are no screws, clip off the bezel with your hands politely.

Step 2

Start by removing the dashboard cover or anything covering the climate control unit. Well, some dashboards are clipped in, without screws so, you can remove them with your hands, depending on the model. Do not use a hammer or any heavy tool to remove the dashboard. The purpose of removing the dashboard is to have access to the screws of the unit.

Step 3

Do not pull the unit when you successfully remove the dashboard because it is attached to screws. Now there will be 3 to 4 screws fastening the unit in place. Start loosening all the screws one by one and collect them in a safe place. Do not apply extra force on the unit as well as neither pull out the unit after removing the screws.

Step 4

Now you have the unit in your hands but it is still attached to the vehicle with some electrical connectors. Disconnect all the electrical connectors and vacuum lines. It will take 2 to 3 minutes to release all the vacuum from the vacuum lines. If you feel resistance while disconnecting electrical connectors or the connectors are stuck use a flathead screwdriver to disconnect them.

Step 5

Now you have removed the unit but in some jeep models, the climate control unit is connected with a cable. You cannot take off the unit without clipping off the cable. However, cutting the cable is not a good option because in the end while installing a new unit, you have to ultimately remove it. So, start following the location of the cable, there are chances that the cable ends at the floorboard of the passenger side.

In some models, the cable is screwed but the old jeeps such as the 1997 jeep grand cherokee use a clip to connect the cable. It might be difficult but with a flat blade screwdriver, you can remove the clip. Apply force a little on the clip and it will be detached. Keep the clip because you might need it when you install a new unit.

Installing New Climate Unit In Jeep Grand Cherokee

Now you have removed the climate control unit. Make sure you do not break the old unit. The old climate controllers possess some parts which can help you if the new one stops functioning. So do not throw out the old unit.

Now we are going to discuss how you can install a new climate controller easily. Before we break down all steps, make sure the new unit matches your jeep model.

Step 1

Place the new unit in the slot and hook up the electrical connectors one by one. Do not apply extra force, just slightly push the connectors back. When you are done with electrical connectors, place the LED lights in the slots. LED light helps to detect power for the climate control unit.

Step 2

Now it is time to clip in the cable we have removed from the passenger side dashboard. Place the cable in the hook and clip it in. It is hard to tackle the hook with your hands, so you can use a flat blade screwdriver. Check the cable by pulling it back, once it has clipped in.

Step 3

After attaching the cable and electrical connectors are connected, tight all the screws with a simple screwdriver. Place the dashboard in the position and tighten all the screws. Now, clip in the bezel, or if it supports screws, tighten all the screws slightly. And you have installed a new climate control unit perfectly.

Replacing the climate control unit of the jeep grand cherokee is not a messy task. All you need is a screwdriver and skills to tighten and loosen the bolts. Make sure the screws are not loosening because it can turn off your new unit. Also, check the cable if it is placed accurately because it is the only tricky job in the whole replacement process.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Climate Control Reset

Sometimes, the problem is solved by resetting the climate control setting. Maybe you have tried to find a reset button but failed after many attempts. There are different ways to perform this job. But the simplest way to reset the climate controller is by holding both cold and hot buttons together. After holding for some seconds, there will pop up a bar titled, engineering menu on the screen.

Find the reset factory default in all the available options. Press on the rest factory default and it will ask your permission for continuing the process. Tap on yes if you want to rest but keep in mind that it will change all the settings and delete your data from the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my climate control not working?

There could be several reasons such as cabin filter problems, malfunctioning compressor, radiator fan not working properly, low Freon pressure, and outdated operating system.

How to fix jeep grand cherokee climate control problems?

It depends on the type of problem. Well, repair the leaking spots, check the Freon level occasionally, clean the cabin filter and reset all the settings. For climate control, frozen issues, hold volume and browse enter together. The system will reboot and reset all the frozen problems.

Why is my heat not working in my jeep grand cherokee?

If the heater blower motor is damaged, the climate control will be unable to blow warm air.

How do you know if your climate control is bad?

Visible Freon leakages, dirty cabin filters, inconsistent air, the operating system of climate control is slow, or an old version of the software.

What is the difference between air conditioning and climate control?

Both air conditioning and climate control can blow warm and cold air. But the climate control automatically adjusts the inside environment and maintains it. On the other hand, an air conditioner cannot control the inside surroundings with sensors.

Final Thoughts

The best way to fix all the climate control problems is to update the software, check the Freon level, clean the cabin filter and check the compressor from time to time. Well, if you do not want to replace the control unit, take proper care of it.

The major problem occurs when you do not check the freon level and regardless of factory reset the default setting. Now you can easily diagnose jeep grand cherokee climate control problems. Also, you can change the climate control unit by following 5 easy steps and reinstall a new unit with 3 simple steps.