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Jeep cherokee AC controls only out of defroster, where does the line go?

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Old 12-18-2020, 09:47 AM
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Default Jeep cherokee AC controls only out of defroster, where does the line go?

Hi everyone,

First things first, I just got my first jeep! It is a 1994 cherokee se 4x4 auto that was a whopping $800! And it runs and drives, but just doesn't stop...

All jokes aside I'm slowly but surely bringing it to its former glory and getting it in good working order but there is one thing that I have tried to research and find but have had no success. The AC controls are stuck on defrost, I have meticulously repaired all of the vac lines and checked the valves, and they're all oddly in fine working order. So I traced them through the engine bay and found that there was a line that was completely disconnected tucked under the battery tray, naked and exposed to the world. So I untangled it and checked where it came from and it is from the #3 (per my pic) vac tee off with a check valve. From my research, it looks like it goes to the HVAC control inside the dash. So my only question really is what is the best way to reconnect this line? I didn't want to tear through my dash in case it was a relatively easy fix or something. And of course any other tips or things to watch out for on my new beauty are much appreciated! And of course I am sorry if this exists somewhere on here and has been asked a bunch or something, thanks!



Last edited by 14cherokeeboi; 12-18-2020 at 09:54 AM. Reason: forgot something
Old 12-18-2020, 12:09 PM
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I have a 99XJ and while not the same it is close to yours. What I would try first is go to a auto parts store to find some vacuum line and some connectors.
I would then connect the new line to the end of your line that connects to the #3 "T" then run it out of the hood through the passenger side door or window and connect it
to the vacuum harness that should be right behind the glove box. You will disconnect the black vacuum hose and connect your new line there. Then check to see if you can
redirect your air flow with your HVAC selector from defrost to floor to vent etc. If it works then you just have to route the vacuum line from the engine bay to the connection point
behind the glove box. I would suggest going through firewall where the wiring harness enters on the passenger side just below the hood hinge.
The only reason I have not tried this so far, is that the crumbling rotten vacuum line of mine is still holding where it goes through with the heater core lines in the engine bay.

Let us know how/if it works.
Good Luck!
Old 12-18-2020, 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Sig220
I have a 99XJ and while not the same it is close to yours. What I would try first is go to a auto parts store to find some vacuum line and some connectors.
I would then connect the new line to the end of your line that connects to the #3 "T" then run it out of the hood through the passenger side door or window and connect it
to the vacuum harness that should be right behind the glove box. You will disconnect the black vacuum hose and connect your new line there. Then check to see if you can
redirect your air flow with your HVAC selector from defrost to floor to vent etc. If it works then you just have to route the vacuum line from the engine bay to the connection point
behind the glove box. I would suggest going through firewall where the wiring harness enters on the passenger side just below the hood hinge.
The only reason I have not tried this so far, is that the crumbling rotten vacuum line of mine is still holding where it goes through with the heater core lines in the engine bay.

Let us know how/if it works.
Good Luck!
Okay awesome, I already have spare vacuum line so Ill try to connect it as soon as I take my lunch break. Thanks!
Old 12-18-2020, 06:22 PM
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Stuck on defrost is the default position. So you probably need to establish vacuum to the whole system. If you have cruise control I bet it doesn't work either. Anyway, one of the most common things is a cracked vacuum reservoir behind the front bumper in #4 in your diagram. A piece of good tape could probably fix it. Make sure all lines are intact, no cracked rubber lines at the manifold etc.
Old 12-18-2020, 06:59 PM
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up near the firewall the thin hard plastic line attaches to standard rubber vacuum hose (on my '96)

Its real easy for this to detach, or much worse, the hard line fractures, check this, and also whether you have vaccum when you detach some other line
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