I'm tearing into it this friday, still debating if I want to pay the dealer $648 in labor to do it for me. I did an evap/Heater core in a Grand Cherokee a few years back and remember thinking how good $700+ in labor sounded when I got finished.

But since I want it done right, I guess I have to do it myself.

I do have a few questions to those of you who have done this in an XJ...

1.) How long did it take you? (I spread the ZJ out over 4 days, but I dont have that kind of time for this one.)

2.) Other than the Heater core, what else should I replace while I have the dash out? (i.e. things that rattle, like putting insulation where plastic touches metal or something. Or things that would need to be replaced again sometime in the future. I am NOT doing this more than once...)

3.) And finally, Do you regret the job? Would you have paid the $700 for someone else to do it?

 

No one has done this?

 

I don't think there's much difference between doing it on an XJ and a ZJ.
As you stated, I'd suggest replacing the heater core. Check the condition of the actuators and the blend door while you're at it.
I hear I've done a few, but I'd never do another one. (Not able to concentrate that long anymore.)
If your time's worth more than money take it in and spend the time with your partner doing something you enjoy while the pro fixes your Jeep.

 

That's the thing I am worried about, the stealership mechanics here are not too bright from what I have seen. I have experience with A/C and have been working on cars since age 13. I really don't trust my Jeep in anyone elses shop than mine, I'm starting to think i might want to make an exception. Being stuck in a jeep for 7 hours in 102 degree weather does not sound like a whole lot of fun

 

That's unfortunate. I've got a great dealer who's not closing, luckily. I had them put a new trans in my ZJ. $2,400 w/3 year 36K warranty. Bought my WJ there and have always had them service it. They're a great bunch of people.
Maybe you'd be better off doing it yourself then.

 

I did this on my '98xj, it was a pain for sure but only because someone before me replaced it and broke a couple things on the airbox. The steering column must be dropped, and if I were to do it again I would pull the steering wheel off, it just makes it easier. I had also installed a remote start so that had to be pulled out of the way. I professionally installed these for many years so this wasn't a problem, just not something I planned for. I replaced the evap core when I was in there. Mine started when I replaced the heater hoses and slightly distrubed the lines for them to leak. One thing of importance, the foam gasket for the seal to the firewall is purchased at a dealer and the last person that changed it didn't reinstall it so it leaked water onto the floor!! Don't skimp on this because we all know how replacing a floor is on these, worth the $40 for the foam, rip off... I also had rca's for a system that had to be rerouted. If I were to do it again on a bone stock xj it would be worth it. If you need some help with it just shoot me a note.

 

Oh, by the way, the A/C will have to be evacuated and recharged after you are done. Make sure they pull a vacuum on it to get out all the moisture.

 

And change the dryer.

 

This has been driving me crazy. Replaced the a/c compressor, drier, compressor relay, low pressure switch and expansion valve. When I hook up a gauge with gas to the low side, it bangs up to 100 plus. Seems like nothing is going in to the system. Any ideas? Thanks a bunch!

 

Did you pull the system down to a deep vacuum and did you open the king valve?

 

I have my own tools, vacuum and guages, don't need to take it anywhere. All i was wanting to know was if there is anything else in the DASH that i should replace. i already have all the parts i need for the A/C and heater core.
I had to put off the evap replacement today to work on my wifes VW. Finished with that and now i dont feel like doing anything, so the jeep will have to wait till next day off.

 

I decided for the over 800 dollars for the labor my mechanic was going to charge involved in replacing my leaking evaporator coil, that I would remove the dash and buy the evaporator and replace the dash after he R+R'ed the evaporator.

I followed the manual enough to losen the dash so that it could be lifted up and pulled back enough on the passenger side to access the evaporator coil/heater core etc. I did not touch the steering, air bags or glove box. I removed the console and most of the panel plastic shrouding so it wasn't that big of a job taking it apart. of course, now I have to put it all back together! One nice thing is that with a couple exceptions, all the screws used are the SAME so not having to mark what screw goes back where!

Fortunately, my mechanic noticed that my heater core was shot so he took the liberty of replacing it ($70 he said). My 98 Cherokee has 210,000 miles on it.

I did make a mistake by not removing the heater control cable so pulling out the dash broke part of a plastic box my mechanic had to epoxy back together.

Good luck,
Joe

 

I am working on this on my 99 cherokee. And how the hell do u get the cover off the plenum box? Any help?