Howler_GT

Just about everyone at one time or another wishes they could kick in the factory electric cooling fan to take the edge off the temp gauge.

Today, while snooping (I call it RESEARCH) around the engine bay of Lil Red, and some poking and prodding. I came up with a CHEAP and easy way to install a trip switch for the fan.

I know...I know... NOT another switch thread.
But this is different. As it looks like it belongs and if done properly, this mod is invisible... except to YOU.

Lil Red (My 94 Sport) uses TWO of the FOUR factory switches below the speedometer.

<FOG> <DEFROST> (STEERING WHEEL) <TRANS> <R.WIPER>

Lil Red has DEFROST and R. WIPER. There are TWO unused ports (covered up)

Since the wire to the glass has become undone in the rear and I DO NOT want to <expletive> with it. (Me and glass do not agree)

This little write-up will deal with using the existing switch. BUT a second switch and connector can be grafted into the wiring and used.

No pics right now but if the weather holds up tomorrow....

FAN WIRE: Between the airbox and PCM/ECU/ECM there is a pair of wires that connect to the electric fan. GREEN & BLACK. From the fan connector to where they run into the main wiring is about 12-13". Pull them from thier "sleeve". Airbox removal helps to give enough room.

GREEN is + /BLACK is -

Use an 18ga CRIMP Splice connector (piggy-back connector) to attach a 5' length of BLACK 18ga wire to the GREEN (+) wire. Electrical tape it to give it some protection.
Push wires back down where they belong and re-install the airbox if removed.

From driver's floor: Drill a small hole in firewall between the brake assembly and the fusebox. Go LOW this will help avoid the brake booster and make fishing the wire easier. Use a grommet for the firewall. Push wire into passenger compartment.

DASH: Remove dash bezel. Make sure you get ALL the screws. One at light switch, one at lighter and two in speedometer area.

SWITCH: I will use the left side.
One screw to remove the switch housing.
Pull housing out.

Another switch can be used. If you use another stock DEFROST switch (make sure you get connector too) main power can be brought up from fusebox (use a 30a fuse)

DEFROST has 4 wires. 2 for indicator light and two for defroster.

For our purposes, we will use the BLACK w/Red stripe. I just used another crimp splice connector. Since the original wire isn't connected to anything in the rear...Im not worried about the integrity of the wire.

Make sure to trim the wire down to an appropiate length before attaching
Put everything back together.

Fire up the engine. When temp hits YOUR desired "hot enough" temperature.
Click the switch. Fan turns on for 5-6min then shuts down. Enough time to take the edge off.
In my case, since I am basically replacing what the original switch activates, it acts EXACTLY like the original.
Light illuminates and all.

ONLY side-effect: When A/C is turned on...light on switch illuminates.

After its all buttoned up. The mod basically becomes invisible.

littleblueman

Very nice indeed Howler!! One question to clarify, you used the defrost switch that is currently in your dash which employs the rear defrost relay and all? Thats how im reading your post and what a great idea to have it auto/power off for you instead of forgetting to trip it off.
Kudos!

a1racer

i need pics i cant read that much with out pics

bigbadxj

Howler_GT

ONLY DEFROSTER ON THIS SIDE:




GREEN wire piggy-backed:



Wire thru firewall:

engine bay--



under dash--




What it looks like AFTER the mod:





I actually timed the fan cycle today. Runs for approx 8min before automatic shut off.

a1racer

much better thanks

patnok

You don't need to drill a hole. Just push the wire through the factory grommet.

I want a woodgrain dash!

bishop letov

Great Idea. I thought about doing this for mine but just opted for an adjustable switch when I changed my rig over to an open cooling system. Ill have to remember this one for my next rig after my wife finally gives me the permission slip to go shopping for another heep..


btw... If you really wanted to hook your defrost back up the metallic glue to put the post back onto the glass is available at most gm and jeep dealers and costs a whopping 3 bucks for a tube and is easier then mounting a new rear view mirror...

fantic238

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/cooling-problem-18411/

sexxxywesley

im glad you have a wood grain dash i just got one and wanted to know how it looks before i have to go and rip my radio out and take all that time i dont have lol. but now looking at yours im thinking im gonna take the time to go do it. it looks nice

Howler_GT

Where ever you can get the wire through.

I opted for a fresh hole and grommet.

Thanks for the tip on the defroster fix.
I will keep that in mind, if I need to fix hers.

For the time being, Lil Red will keep his "invisible" fans switch.
I use it just about everyday. Whenever Lil Red needs a little extra cooling. I hit the switch and the fan runs for the 8min the defroster WOULD, then shuts down...never have to worry about draining the battery. The switch shuts off with the IGN.

Total cost of this mod <$2 IF you have the extra wire and jumper connector, it makes it $0

As for the woodgrain dash bezel:

Early Wagoneers had a light colored woodgrain bezel
95-96 Cherokees (Country) had woodgrain bezel as an option.

Look for the model that has an airbag.
It has the darker woodgrain.
These bezels are sleeker and smoother.
Its actually a bit thinner.
IF you have a Sony Xplod head unit... you can use3 the factory radio mounting bracket.
Some small adjustments, and it will fit better than factory.
Sorry for the lousy picture qaulity...was taken with my old digital camera





I have one from a 95, its just a woodgrain cover thats glued on top of a basic black bezel.

sexxxywesley

haha and i have a sony xplod this makes everything so much better lol

bigomudders

I dont see where you have that connected inside can I get a better pic Because I will do that this weekend.

Howler_GT

Give the post another read.

The written expaination is better than the pics.