Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

1996 xj hvac controller

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-30-2022, 07:32 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
280ezrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Southern Oregon Valley
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 LTR
Default 1996 xj hvac controller

Has anyone ever had any luck with taking apart the hvac controller (84 to 96 type) to clean the contacts to restore power to the blower switch?
Old 12-02-2022, 12:34 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
RockyMtn96XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Littleton, CO
Posts: 1,426
Received 252 Likes on 195 Posts
Year: '96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Blower switch as in the 4 position rotary **** that controls the flow of air into the cabin? Low, med-lo, med-hi, and Hi?

Have you taken the panel out to look at the back of the switch? They are notorious for melting and leaving you with only 1 or 2 blower control settings. Also the resistor under the passenger dash near the blower box will keep your blower from working correctly.

The switch is $15 from what I saw. Sounds worth it to me to buy a new one.
Old 12-02-2022, 01:55 PM
  #3  
CF Veteran
 
Saudade's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,688
Received 456 Likes on 371 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Do you have no power to the blower or does it only work on high?

If only on High, it's most likely the blower resistor like RockyMtn96XJ says.

You can remove the panel (be careful with the vacuum lines) and spray some contact cleaner in it, or replace it. Check the connector for any scorch marks'

https://www.quadratec.com/p/crown-au...nd-sj-j-series
Old 12-02-2022, 02:55 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
BruceB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Eustis, Florida
Posts: 913
Received 280 Likes on 195 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

I also had a problem with the switch. Seems that the housing for the wires that plug into the switch had failed by melting. I replaced the switch with a new one, put thermal ends on the wires and attached them directly to the switch, and replaced the resistor by the blower. That was about 10 years ago and haven't had a problem since....hope this helps
Old 12-03-2022, 02:27 AM
  #5  
awg
CF Veteran
 
awg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,454
Received 642 Likes on 547 Posts
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

I went the whole hog and bypassed the entire system, by placing 3 relays in the kick panel for the 3 lower speeds, on my '96

Otherwise the full current must run thru miles of wire and switches, including the ignition switch

Eventually your fan may want more startup current, or hot joints develop, I think the fuse is 25A but thats a lot running all that distance

The plastic insulator material on these age XJs is not the best either

now only milliamps flow in the factory harness, not Amps

I avoid setting 4 (max), as I did not relay it out
Old 12-03-2022, 03:37 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Jim Malcolm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: PA
Posts: 865
Received 272 Likes on 228 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

I overdid it a bit and installed one of these instead of individual relays

https://www.holley.com/products/elec...parts/75643-HC
The following users liked this post:
awg (12-03-2022)
Old 03-01-2024, 08:35 PM
  #7  
Newbie
 
maximus18's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: iowa
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Any solutions to the hvac selector killing power to the blower when you switch from say floor to vent or defrost? This whole system is a mess on both my 95 xjs. Would love to hear of any alternative fixes. I replaced controls only to have it fail again within a couple of years.
Old 03-05-2024, 05:05 AM
  #8  
Newbie
 
AdellLowe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Any updates?

Edit: Still waiting.

Last edited by AdellLowe; 04-08-2024 at 03:10 AM.
Old 03-05-2024, 05:09 PM
  #9  
awg
CF Veteran
 
awg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,454
Received 642 Likes on 547 Posts
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

relays are the only truly adequate solution
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LeWayne Fisher
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
0
06-24-2017 11:51 AM
MightyMauz
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
03-12-2015 03:17 AM
96XJ2Door
Wanted
2
03-18-2014 06:02 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: 1996 xj hvac controller



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:23 PM.