Just bought myself a 96 cherokee classic, my problem is that the a/c only blows through the defroster vents, i searched the forum and saw alot of people discuss the vacuum lines and vacuum reservoir failing and causing it. I checked all the underhood lines and even went as far as constructing a makeshift reservoir to see if it would work. it still doesnt. im wondering has anyone here had it be the climate control switch itself? or is it possible that my vacuum leak is hiding somewhere behind the dashboard?

thanks for any help you can give.
Tom

 

Did you checkthe line that goes through the firewall, is there vac there??

 

It has vacuum at the T fitting at the firewall. I just wanted to see if there is anything i should prepare for before taking the dash apart, seems like a lot of work to get to it.

 

it is actually easy to get to the back of the climate control switch,after you get the instrument bezel cover off it will exspose the climate control. It takes about 30 minutes for someone who has never done it,I would say it is either your vacuum switch,a line has come off or broke,or your vacuum motor is bad. sometimes you can here it leaking if you move the controls around from off to on and listen.

 

I have much the same problem on my '92. The A/C will blow thru defrost vents when climbing slight hills and the engine vaccum drops. It is getting worse.

I have only casually looked at the hoses. I will do a more in depth troubleshoot when I have the time. I'm not driving the Cherokee very much right now.

If you find out where your problem is, let us know.

 

I couldnt actually figure out how to get the bezel off totally after i unscrewed it, do you have to take the plastic off the steering column too?

 

It does take some finess or just unbolt the colum a bit and let it drop down,it only takes two 14mm or 15mm nuts that hold it in,that is what I found to be the easiest. Mines is trained it has been out so many times,yours being a virgin i guess might take a bit. I actually broke mine the first time,but I had another one to put in,that is how I learned my lesson.

 

i wouldnt take the dash apart just yet

could also be a clogged vacuum hose.

check the vac hoses that enter the intake manifold and make sure they are free from debris

 

This evening I'll try to blow the lines out with my compressor, see if I can make sure they're clear of debris

 

Victory!! Thanks for the suggestion ktm! The plastic fitting in the vacuum line right at the manifold (check valve?) that says "vacuum" on it was all clogged up so it wasnt getting enough vacuum to the unit. nothing like air conditioning on these 90' days.

 

Hey I don't have a problem with my a/c, but it concerns me about what you say when I have my a/c on and go to turn it off it sounds like its bubbling or as you say leaking. Like i said there's nothing wrong with my a/c just wondering if i got a future problem coming up.

 

no prob

bet you are glad you didnt tear your dash apart lol.