Jeep Grand Cherokee Heater Problems – Tool Blog
November 22, 2008 2:31 pm Consumer, How To Auto Repair, Jeep
Heater door shafts can break causing problems with heat and AC
Jeep Grand Cherokees have a common problem with the dual zone temperature controls. Dual zones, control the temperature on passenger and driver’s sides independently, allowing different preferences.
DenLors tech article section is a source for car repair tips and the use of mechanics specialty tools. Much of the auto tech article that covers Jeep Grand Cherokees AC problems can also be applied to heater problems as well.
Obviously, since it is winter time (during the time this is being written), the heater is what is of interest right now. I thought I would post this link to that tech article for those struggling to keep warm, hope this helps. Jeep Tech Article.
Kjmahnke :
Date: November 4, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
I really appreciate this article you have on here, i currently have my dash off on my 01 Grand Cherokee replacing the blend doors and actuators. Before removing i had been noticing some faint smells of coolant coming from the vents. Im assuming that this would be a faulty heater core, after opening the HVAC case and inspecting the heater core it does not appear to have any leaks or cracks. Could this Smell be coming from anywhere else? Thank you very much
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: November 5, 2009 @ 7:47 am
Kjmahnke, inside the passenger compartment coolant usually smells sweet when it first starts leaking and then after awhile it starts to smell sour. Another cause of odor in the vehicle can be from evaporator water leaking in the passenger compartment wetting the carpet. Sometimes the water can leak from the drain and run back towards the firewall leaking into the vehicle underneath the carpet. By pulling the carpet back you can see if there’s any water there. Some techs will replace the donut seal at the drain, sometimes they are expensive and other seals may have to be purchased to obtain the one you want. – I always just used a sealant (right stuff) on the on the seal to help prevent this type of leak from occuring after having the HVAC case out for any reason. You may also want to see a related article on A/C water leaking into the vehicle for more information.
Dan caswell :
Date: March 22, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
We have a 2008 grand Cherokee Laredo, trail rated with regular (non – auto.) heater system. @40 below zero you cannot drive it without a coat on; or without covering the vent for back seat; in the center console. The front seat can be a comfortable, short sleeve shirt temp @ -40; but the air coming out of the console rear vent is about -30. Chrysler dealer telling us there’s basically nothing that can be done; as this is the way it is designed to work. It’s supposed to be unheated, recirculated cabin air coming out of this vent. Does this sound logical to anyone else, that this 4 wheel drive vehicle is almost un-driveable at temps below About 30d above zero????? Thanks, dan Caswell in nd
bubba :
Date: November 14, 2011 @ 3:21 pm
There is a DIY kit that now allows you to replace the broken plastic doors with quality steel components by removing the glove box and making a small incision in the plenum box with a dremel tool. This saves a lot of labor and parts costs, as dash removal and replacement of the entire plenum box are not required.