The Jeep Grand Cherokee AC cannot work when the AC fuse blows, which controls the electricity flow in the AC system, and it usually happens when any components of the AC system become weak and require more electricity to function properly. Besides, the AC does not work when there is a low refrigerant level in the AC system due to minor leaks in the hose, condenser, O-ring seal, and evaporation core.
Additionally, the AC is not going to function properly in Jeep Grand Cherokee when the compressor of the AC system is broken due to a torn-off compressor belt or worn-out compressor for long-time use. Also, a clogged condenser, cabin air filter, and dirty blower motor will reduce the airflow from the AC vents and can deteriorate the life expectancy of the vehicle’s AC system if it is not cleaned for a long time.
What Causes Jeep Grand Cherokee AC Not Working? (Troubleshoot)
The most probable causes that you may face when Jeep Grand Cherokee AC is not working are the AC fuse being blown, the AC condenser not working properly due to leaks or blocked, there is a low refrigerant level in the hose pipe, the cabin air filter is clogged, the blower is malfunctioning or dirty, and the compressor is broken.
1. AC Fuse Blown
The AC fuse blows to protect the condenser and the compressor, and it happens when excessive electricity passes through it and makes a short circuit. When the AC fuse blows, it shuts off the entire AC system of the vehicle.
Solution To AC Fuse Blown
To troubleshoot the AC fuse blown problem, check the refrigerant pressure from the AC valve, and if it is working fine, then check the fuse box, which is located under the hood inside the engine compartment. Pop up the lid of the fuse box and find the number “F62” written “AC Clutch” on the back side of the lid.
Count the fuse number from the lid and the fuse box; most probably, it would be the 6th or 10th number fuse, depending on the model year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. After that, pull out the old AC fuse and replace it with a new one. The price of a 10amp fuse may vary, and it would cost around 0.50 cents to 1 dollar.
2. AC Condenser Not Working
The AC condenser of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is not working due to the dust and debris that is covering the condenser from getting airflow or the condenser leaking from the bottom of the condenser, which is a green color liquid oil that is dropping under the vehicle. When this issue arises, warm air will blow out from the AC vent.
Solution To AC Condenser Not Working
When the issue is related to the AC condenser of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, spray water directly into the condenser using a water pressure gun by removing the front bumper of vehicle, and to do this, unscrew all the bolts and caps that are connected with the bumper. When spraying, be careful not to damage the fin of the condenser, which can create a leak in the condenser.
In case of a leaking condenser, replacement is mandatory, and it is a bit complicated process, and it is better to get help from a professional. A condenser for Jeep Grand Cherokee may cost around $100-$300, depending on the model year of your vehicle.
3. Low Refrigerant Pressure
The AC vent will blow hot or warm air instead of cool air when there is a low refrigerant pressure in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It occurs when there is a small leak in the hose, evaporator core, condenser, or O-ring seal. The freon will go out quickly from the leaks if it is not repaired.
Another possible reason is that when the AC system is not serviced for a long time, the freon will gradually get low, causing the system to lose its cooling capacity.
Solution To Low Refrigerant Pressure
To diagnose the leaking and recharging issue, get an AC refrigerant kit such as Xetron HVAC Refrigerant Leak Detector, which comes with UV light and Gauge, and it may cost around $150-$200. Jeep Grand Cherokee has two types of freon- R134a and R1234yf; make sure to check the exact freon for your vehicle by checking the manual.
Firstly, find the AC valve, which is labeled L, on top of it, and if it is not labeled, the pipe that is thicker is the low “AC Valve” because the connector only comes for low-pressure lines. Then, you have to start the engine and set the AC temperature to the maximum low level and the blower to the maximum high level.
Secondly, connect the pipe of the can to the L-valve, hold the trigger of the can constantly, and rotate it to a 3-12 clock position until the PSI gets to an optimal level.
Lastly, you have to wait 1-2 days and run the AC for at least 20-30 minutes per day to find the leaks, which will appear in green dye when using UV light. After finding out the problem, seal the seals to fix the problem.
4. Clogged Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter helps to purify the air by obstructing the dust, pollen, and odor that comes into the vehicle from the AC ventilation system. A clogged cabin air filter will reduce the capacity of cooling and the airflow from the air vents of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is mainly located on the passenger side behind the panel under the dashboard.
Solution To Clogged Cabin Air Filter
When the cabin air filter is clogged, it is recommended to replace it with a new one. The price is not that high, and you can get it within a price range of $20-$50. An air filter of the Jeep Grand Cherokee should be checked every 10,000 miles, and it is mandatory to change it within 16,000 miles, depending on the road pollution.
To replace the air filter, you have to go to the passenger side and pull from the top of the panel carefully to unclip the panel from the dashboard. After that, unhook the black lid from the bottom and then the top of the box, and then pull out the clogged air filter from the box and put the new one inside. Hook the black lid with the box and clip the side panel to complete the job.
5. Malfunctioning or Dirty Blower Motor
The blower motor is responsible for providing airflow into the air vent of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It can malfunction or get dirty when the bearing is damaged due to long-time use, or something is stuck, such as leaves or any other objects inside the blower motor.
When it malfunctions, the blower will stop rotating, causing no air into the AC vent, and the blower will rotate slowly and make a strange sound like hissing or rattling if it is dirty.
Solutions To Malfunctioning or Dirty Blower Motor
The blower motor of the Jeep Grand Cherokee needs to be changed when it is malfunctioning or not working at all. The price range of a blower motor is between $70-$150, depending on the model year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
To replace the blower motor of the vehicle, open the plastic panel, which is located under the glovebox on the passenger side. After that, remove the clips and the wires from the blower and take it out to replace it with a new one. Also, in case of a dirty blower, clean the old blower with a brush and install it again.
6. Broken Compressor
The compressor of the Jeep Grand Cherokee compresses the vapor from its low state to its high state by circulating around the AC system. It breaks due to the long time usage, or the compressor belt is torn off, and as a result, it won’t engage, and warm air will come out from the AC vent.
Solutions To Broken Compressor
The price range of a Jeep Grand Cherokee compressor is expensive, and it can be within $200-$500. To fix the broken compressor of Jeep Grand Cherokee, remove the belt that is on the compressor with a wrench by rotating it clockwise. After that, detach the hose pipe and the electrical wires that are connected to the compressor. Remove the old compressor by pulling it out, place the new compressor, and connect the wires and the hose pipe that is detached.
Professional Help vs. DIY Repairs: Which Is Better Option for You?
Comparing Professional help vs DIY repairs of Jeep Grand Cherokee AC not working depends on many factors. A professional would identify the specific problem of your AC and diagnose the problem in a more professional manner, whereas DIY repairs would be cost-effective and time-consuming, but there is a risk of making mistakes that can increase the additional cost of repairing.
When there is a problem with the AC condenser and compressor of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, professional help should be needed in order to troubleshoot the problem in a convenient way, as it involves lots of parts to be detached from the vehicle. DIY repairs are also possible, but there is a risk of making mistakes that would probably cost more than hiring a professional.
Moreover, when the AC of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is not working due to a low refrigerant level, there is a possibility of a leaking issue in the hose pipe, evaporator core, condenser, or O-ring seal. Finding the leak and then sealing it completely needs advanced tools and equipment, which a professional has, and they can provide a permanent solution to the issue.
Though DIY repairs can also be possible, refrigerant kits, such as Xetron HVAC Refrigerant Leak Detector, can identify the leaks with the help of UV light and seal them completely.
However, when the problem of the Jeep Grand Cherokee AC arises due to a fuse blown, a dirty or malfunctioning blower, or a clogged cabin air filter, these works are simple and can be done by an individual who has sound knowledge of DIY repairs.
On another note, repairing the Jeep Grand Cherokee AC with the help of a professional would cost a high amount of service charge, so considering the facts, whether you want to do it on your own or get help from a professional, and it’s up to you to decide which one is better.
How to Prevent the Problem of Jeep Grand Cherokee AC Not Working?
You can follow the steps to prevent the problem of Jeep Grand Cherokee AC not working.
- Run AC for at least 10-15 minutes a week at a maximum fan speed and lowest temperature. This will help to keep the compressor running well and get rid of the moisture.
- Change or clean air filters once a month to keep the airflow from the vent fresh and odorless, and moreover, this will put less pressure on the compressor.
- When you start driving, keep the backseat windows open for 5-10 minutes and set the fan speed at the highest level; this will force out the hot air from Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Clean the mattress, seat, air vent, and trunk once or twice a week with a vacuum cleaner, and ensure the Jeep Grand Cherokee is cleaned properly.
- Do regular monitoring and regular check-ups from the service station to keep the AC system of the Jeep Grand Cherokee running smoothly.
How Often Should You Service Your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s AC System?
Servicing your Jeep Grand Cherokee AC system is based on the miles or kilometers you ran with the vehicle. It is recommended by the manufacturer to go through a schedule for servicing the AC system of the vehicle.
When your Jeep Grand Cherokee runs 16000 miles or 26000 kilometers, it is mandatory to change the Air filters for the first time in the vehicle with a new one, and this process will repeat every 16000 miles or 26000 kilometers.
Furthermore, when the AC is not functioning properly due to a fault in other components, it is better to take the Jeep Grand Cherokee to any authorized service center or station and do a complete check-up of your vehicle by a professional before summer or warm season.