Sometimes when I turn the heat on and its cold out the blower fan shreiks like a stuck pig. I'd imagine its days are numbered.

Has anyone gone in there before? Is it hard to get to the blower motor to replace it?

It is the easiest thing you will ever replace on a cherokee. It took me about 10 minutes to remove and put in the new one. There are 3 bolts for it on the rear of the engine compartment in front of the passenger seat. Pull it out, put the fan wheel on the new motor and put it back in. On a renix it is right below the coolant reservoir, not sure what is above it on later years.

This is for a 99 XJ, not sure if it will work on your 96 XJ:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...igerant-96682/

On the '96, the accumulator is mounted closer to the front of the engine compartment.
The windshield washer reservoir sits directly above the blower motor, so that will have to be moved out of the way.
Other than that, it should be an easy replace.


4.0L ENGINE

1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the washer fluid reservoir. Refer to Wiper and Washer Systems for the procedures.
3. Disconnect the blower motor wiring Blower Motor Connector
4. Remove the blower motor mounting bolts Blower Motor Remove/Install
5. Remove the blower motor and fan assembly.
6. Remove the blower motor fan from the motor shaft for access to the motor attaching nuts Blower Fan
7. Reverse the removal procedures to install NOTE: The ears, A and B, of the retainer clip must be over the flat surface on the motor shaft Blower Fan

Oh thats awesome, thanks guys! I LOVE the XJ.....its so F-ing easy to fix !!! Just like my old chevy I had back in high school !!

Sssssshhhhhhhhhhhh!
Don't jynx yourself........................Just hope your heater core doesn't need replacement.