Jeep Grand Cherokee Climate Control Problems- How to Fix

Uncomfortable temperatures in your Jeep Grand Cherokee can be a real drag. With the proper knowledge and tools, however, you can easily fix climate control problems and get back to enjoying your drive.

You can fix the climate control problems in your Jeep Grand Cherokee by inspecting and replacing each part associated with climate control, including the bend door actuator, cabin air filter, screen, cooling fan, blower motor, and electrical connections.

In this article, I’ll discuss how to troubleshoot and fix common climate control issues in your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Read on to learn more!

Types of Climate Control System:

Modern jeeps contain a climate control air conditioning system, which can be either single-zone, dual-zone, or four-zone climate control.

• Single-zone climate control means the driver can only adjust the temperature for all the passengers.
  
• Dual-zone climate control means the driver and passenger can set individual temperatures for their sides of the vents.
  
• Four-zone climate control means that all four passengers can set individual temperatures for their respective vents.

The jeep grand Cherokee has a luxurious, although complex, a dual-zone climate control system. It means the passenger and the driver can individually control the temperature of their sides of the vents. 

Ideally, seeing climate control is one of the best features of the vehicle, but it does contain some manufacturing or known faults.

The majority of the problems reported by the users were that they could not control or adjust the temperature of the vents. At the same time, it was reported that the users found the fan speed adjuster malfunctioning in their vehicle, making it impossible to adjust the fan speed. 

These issues are not as complex as they seem and can be fixed by following some easy methods.

Common Problems with Climate Control of Jeep Grand Cherokee:

It was seen that several users reported similar complaints about the malfunctioning of the climate control system of their vehicles.

As a result, the company has issued a basic guideline for such problems, which means that if users face the below-discussed issues, they should know how the issue can be fixed.

Some of the most common problems faced in the climate control system of the vehicle are discussed below:

1. Blend Door Actuator Problem:

Some users reported that the car’s AC stopped working at a specific interval, while the car’s heater would work in perfect condition.

The blend door actuator, or HVAC actuator, is a small but mighty motor that helps regulate the temperature (control the climate) inside your Jeep Grand Cherokee. 

• The motor blows air through the heater core into the cabin when heat is intended inside the Jeep. 

• When you don’t want heat, the blend door actuator redirects the airflow away from the heater core.

Unfortunately, sometimes blend door actuators become faulty, causing the air temperature inside your Jeep to remain unchanging — no matter how many times you adjust the climate control settings.

You’ll likely hear repeated clicking sounds below the dashboard if this happens. 

The blend door actuator is probably damaged if the air is cold on the passenger side and hot on the driver’s side.

How to Fix:

Unfortunately, replacement is the only option if you’re having trouble with your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s A/C blend door actuator.

The process is simple when replacing a blend door actuator. The time-taking part of the job is to find and access the blend door actuator under the dashboard.

The replacement process should take around 2.5 hours.

The most challenging part of the job is usually removing the floor air duct, as it blocks access to the actuator. The setup looks like below:

This step can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the type of Jeep model you have and the age of the vehicle.

2. Blocked Cabin Filter:

The vehicle’s cabin filter also plays an essential role in perfectly functioning the vehicle’s climate control system.

A clean and well-functioning cabin air filter is essential for adequately functioning your car’s climate control system.

It helps to ensure that only clean air is being circulated in the cabin, thereby maximizing the durability of your air conditioning system and improving the air quality inside the car.

However, over time, the cabin air filter can become clogged with dust, pollen, and other particles, making it less effective at filtering out these contaminants.

When the cabin air filter is blocked, it can negatively impact the air conditioning system’s performance, resulting in reduced efficiency and comfort. In some cases, it can even cause the system to fail altogether!

How to Fix:

It is essential to check and replace your cabin air filter, if needed, regularly. In addition, you should pay attention to any signs of a faulty cabin air filter, such as an increase in fuel consumption, poor airflow, or an unusual smell from the vents.

If you notice any of these signs, it is best to have your cabin air filter checked and replaced immediately.

By regularly inspecting and replacing the cabin air filter, you’ll be able to ensure the efficient functioning of your car’s climate control system and maximize the durability of your air conditioning system.

This will help keep your car cool and comfortable on those hot summer days and prevent any potential damage to the car’s system.

• STEP 1: Remove glovebox

• STEP 2: Remove existing cabin air filter

• STEP 3: Take the new filter and install it into the slot.

3. Frozen Climate Control Screen:

When the weather outside is cold, starting up the Jeep and running the heat is a must to get warm and comfortable.

But after just 10-20 minutes of running the heat, you may notice that the climate control system has "frozen" and won't allow you to change any of the settings on the climate control screen.

You may still be able to pull up the media and radio or turn on the heated seats/steering wheel, but the climate control screen will remain unresponsive.

Additionally, the airspeed may increase, and the temperature for both the driver and passenger sides may become stuck.

How to Fix:

To fix this issue,

• STEP 1: You must simultaneously push the ‘BROWSE ENTER‘ and ‘VOLUME‘ buttons using two fingers, as shown below: 

• STEP 2: You’ll need to hold the buttons until the screen turns black and the system starts up again. 

• STEP 3: This should reset your climate control screen, and all should be normal. 

Hopefully, this will solve your problem.

4. The Issue with Fan:

The cooling fan is responsible for keeping your engine’s temperature in check, allowing it to function as it should and preventing it from becoming dangerously hot.

Without a properly working cooling fan, your climate control system risks being damaged due to excessive heat.

The cooling fan in your Jeep Grand Cherokee is activated when the engine reaches higher-than-average temperatures. This prevents the engine from becoming too hot and potentially damaging other components.

If the cooling fan has stopped working, then it is likely that the engine is running very hot, and this can cause significant damage.

How to Fix:

To diagnose the cooling fan, follow the steps below:

• STEP 1: Pull the cover from the fuse box in the panel
  
• STEP 2: Locate the fuse for the cooling fan using the diagram below.

• STEP 3: If the fuse or the metal link gets faulty, replace the fuse.
  
• STEP 4: If no issue is found, re-install the same fuse.
  
• STEP 5: Put the cover back.

5. Faulty Blower Motor:

The blower motor of the vehicle makes the airflow through the vents. When the blower motor malfunctions, it might stop the air from flowing through the vents and, at the same time, would produce abnormal sounds that would make the driver conscious.

In rare cases, it can even produce a burning plastic odor or smoke from the AC vents, especially when the fan speed is set to high.

How to Fix:

To diagnose the faulty blower motor, follow the steps below:

• STEP 1: Disconnect the electrical connector from the blower motor.
  
• STEP 2: Switch on the multimeter and insert the probes into the connector, ensuring the metal parts don’t touch each other. (A test light may also be used.)
  
• STEP 3: Activate the AC fan in the Grand Cherokee.
  
• STEP 4: The multimeter should display a voltage reading of around 12 volts.
  
• STEP 5: If the voltage is significantly less normal, there is likely a problem with the blower motor.

If the blower motor is found dead, you need to replace it with a new one.

6. Electrical Problems:

The vehicle’s air conditioning systemically shows some symptoms, which indicate poor wiring or bad ground in it. These symptoms include the automatic on and off of the AC power in the vehicle.

An electrical malfunction in the vehicle may cause the cooling system to cut the supply of the climate control system.

The most common causes for the climate control system not working correctly due to an electrical malfunction in a Jeep Grand Cherokee include the following:

• Low or overcharged refrigerant
  
• Dirty blower motor
  
• Compressor malfunction
  
• A dirty condenser or evaporator coils
  
• Overcharged oil
  
• Defective fuse or relay

How to Fix:

To ensure your climate control assembly is functioning correctly, it must be inspected regularly.

An HVAC technician can check for any of the above problems and other electrical issues that may be causing your AC not to cool properly.

If a problem is detected, they can recommend repairs to get your AC running smoothly and efficiently again.

7. Problem with the Door and Sunroof:

There are panoramic and one-touch sunroofs in the vehicle that are associated with the climate control system of Jeep.

The improper closing of the door and sunroof allows the cooling to move out from the vehicle. The AC cooling only works correctly if the sunroof and doors are properly closed, and it does not work to give away proper output.

How to Fix:

To help ensure that your Jeep keeps you cool when you need it most, always close the sunroof and doors properly.

This will ensure that the air conditioning system is working correctly, keeping your vehicle’s interior comfortable and at the right temperature.

8. The Issue of Loosen Bolts:

There are bolts seen in the vehicle that is responsible for the fixation of components in it.

Lose nut bolts in the system are responsible for disconnecting the whole system of air conditioning in the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle has little relaxation if the air conditioning system is not well-established.

How to Fix:

The most obvious way is to regularly check the tightness of all the nuts and bolts in your Jeep’s climate control assembly, making sure to tighten any loose ones.

You should also check the condition of the nuts and bolts, looking for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you find any, it’s essential to replace them.

Fault Codes Related to Climate Control System:

Recommendations for the Problems of Climate Control in Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Technical and non-technical issues in the Jeep Grand Cherokee can disrupt the working of the climate control system.

In addition, it can make things more complicated, so here are some solutions for the problems associated with climate control in Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Early Inspection of Vehicle:

Instead of fixing the components of the Jeep Grand Cherokee on your own, it is better to seek help from a professional technician who can fix the Jeep system.

They are experts in inspecting the problem and can easily replace worn-out components. Inspect the compressor, cooling fans, and cabin filters to discover their issues.

It is better to replace the entire air conditioner unit if it is not from the original factory.

Checking the Compatibility:

It is advisable to check the compatibility of your HVAC system with the Jeep Grand Cherokee during purchase.

If a specific air conditioner system does not fit in your Grand Cherokee, it is better not to purchase such a piece. Also, keep the electrical components and cabin filters of the air conditioner clean to avoid inconvenience.

Cleaning of the Vehicle:

It is advisable to use a liquid cleaner and a brush to clean the air conditioner and fix the leakage of the air conditioner. 

Also, if there is an issue with the opening and closing of doors, you should get it fixed to keep the cool air inside the vehicle.

Can We Replace the Climate Control System of a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The climate control system completely does not get malfunctioned usually. However, electronic components installed in the vehicles have no guarantees and can be malfunctioned without warning and without an apparent reason at the same time.

If the climate control system ultimately gets faulty there is no other way to fix it than to replace the entire unit.

The climate control unit can be replaced relatively easily. It requires a little attention and a few simple standard tools, and the job can be done easily by following the listed basic steps.

• STEP 1: A plastic screwdriver should be needed to loosen the screws of the climate control unit so that it can be pulled out.
  
• STEP 2: Once the screws are loosened, a trim remover will be inserted so the unit can be pulled out carefully without harm.
  
• STEP 3: Two connectors are placed behind the unit, which attaches the unit to the main wiring of the vehicle. Those connectors have to be pulled carefully by pressing the pins. Afterward, the unit will come out without any difficulty.
  
• STEP 4: A new unit of the climate control system has to be installed in the space, and the procedure mentioned above is to be followed in reverse order to avoid any further nuisances.

Final Thought:

It is essential for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners to be aware of potential climate control issues and to understand how to address any problems that may arise adequately.

While it is possible to fix some issues yourself, taking your Jeep to a qualified mechanic for more complicated problems is essential.

Doing so will ensure your Jeep is running in top condition and that you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Also Read:

Why is Your Jeep Wrangler’s Vehicle Security Light Flashing?
Jeep 2.0 Turbo: Common Problems to Watch Out For
Why Jeep Grand Cherokee USB Port Not Working-How To Fix
Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter Light ON Meaning- How to Fix
How to Fix Jeep Grand Cherokee Suspension Problems?
Why Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Won’t Move in Gear- How to Fix?
12 Reasons Why Jeep Grand Cherokee Won’t Start- How to Fix

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How can a person reset the climate control issue on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The issue of climate control on the Jeep Grand Cherokee can be reset by pressing the browse enter and volume buttons on the Jeep dashboard. Then, hold the buttons until the dashboard screen turns black and powers on again. In this way, you can reset the climate control issue.

What are the main causes behind the climate control problems in Jeep Grand Cherokee?

There are multiple causes behind the climate control problems in Jeep Grand Cherokee, including:

• Fault in vents
  
• Broken interior of temperature sensor
  
• Fault in fan motors
  
• Degraded fan relays
  
• Leak in refrigerant fuel
  
• Insufficient amount of coolant in the engine of the Jeep

How can a person reset the air conditioner in Jeep Grand Cherokee?

A person can reset the air conditioner in the Jeep Grand Cherokee through the following steps:

• The first step is to power down the AC and start the circuit breaker panel. Flip the breaker that powers the AC.
  
•  The next step is to locate the button and hold it to rest this button for about 5 seconds.
  
•  Release the button and restore the power to AC.

Why does the heater not works in the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

 The heater in the Jeep Grand Cherokee fails to work due to various reasons, including:

• Broken heater motor
  
• Issues with the thermostat of the vehicle
  
• Failed blower motor resistor

Where is the rest button of the air conditioning located on the Jeep?

The button is usually found near the bottom edge or around the machine’s exterior. The AC reset button is red and visible so it can be detected easily. If there is no reset button on the outer part, it can be located behind the service panel.

Why does the vehicle blow out cold air when the heater is kept on?

There is a coolant in the vehicle’s engine, which is a mixture of water and antifreeze. It prevents the engine from overheating, and disturbance with this coolant creates overheating. The heater blows out cold air if there is less coolant in the vehicle.

How can a person reset the heat control in the vehicle?

There are different methods for resetting the thermostat and heat control in the system. These methods include the installation of a backward battery, pushing a recessed reset button using a paper clip, and shutting off the thermostat for about 30 seconds.

How much price is required to fix the cold air from the car heater?

The total cost, including the labor, is around $800-$1000 for this fixation. If a person tries to fix the heater on their own, the cost for the heater core is between $100-$300, but it is better to seek help from a mechanic.

How can a person detect the clog issue in the heater core?

Various symptoms can detect the failure of the heater core, including:

• No airflow
  
• The cold air that comes out from the vents
  
• Visible coolant leakage from the cabin
  
• The damp smell from the coolant leakage