Been having some trouble with my GF's 2001 xj. Her AC almost never turns on (so on full AC + 4 speed) and it doesnt blow at all. I recharged the system, and it seemed like it actually got better (was turning on and blowing cold). But just today it still doesnt turn on reliably at all. With the engine open it looks like the compressor clutch either doesnt spin, or only spins slowly compared to how it was when it was 'working'.

I went through, checked all the fuses, swapped relays and no change. The electric fan also does not turn on (but I didnt let the jeep get warm enough, so maybe unrelated?). The heat as well does NOT turn on. Something wrong with the dashboard switch? Something else?

Please let me know what I should try next, and thank you for any help.

 

I pulled the climate control panel, disassembled all of it. Honestly it looked pretty good, I cleaned up all the contacts, and its a very simple switch so dont think this was it. I swapped out the blower heater relay (?) whatever was behind the glove box. It is not 100% fixed, I did restore 1-4 stages of selection, but it still has a hard time kicking on all the time.

 

Same issue is still present. I have all four stages, but often it simply will not turn on.

 

I think, first, you need to verify the refrigerant charge. If you were low before, you have a leak somewhere. Topping off gets it to work until enough refrigerant leaks out again. If it's low again, you'll need to use some leak detector to locate the culprit.

If the charge is good. The check the "air gap" on the a/c clutch. When the clutch material wears, it opens the gap. Once the gap opens enough, the magnetic force is no longer strong enough to engage the clutch.

 

So low charge on the AC would impact if the heater comes on?
Also how do I check the air gap?

 

Are you asking about the AC or the Heater? Your first post appeared to focus on the AC. Low charge has no effect on the heater side. If you move the selector to any Heat position, except defrost, you turn off the AC.

There are a zillion YT vids and post on checking air gap. I have no preference.

 

The 4 speed blower motor will come on, on any setting but off.., at whatever speed you have selected...if that is what is not working you have a switch/relay/blower fan issue...it has nothing to do with a/c or heat per say.

 

Right, I should clarify, regardless of heat/ac. Its when I change the the speed that is the problem, it doesnt always respond. Often it'll be on 3 or 4 and get nothing, then a minute later turn on, then turn off.