Hi all. 2000 XJ 4wd w AC.

My blower motor has been working intermittently for a year. It worked on all speed settings but would randomly go out.

It would usually start again if you tried slamming the glove box, tapping on the plastic behind the glove box, or tapping the motor itself on the firewall from the engine compartment. It was making no unusual noises.

Now it has stopped entirely and nothing will get it working. I took the dash apart yesterday and examined all of the controls; everything looked good. I don't quite understand which part is the resistor or how you visually check it, but since the fan was working at all speeds am I correct in assuming that isn't likely the issue?

I will buy a multi-meter and test the blower connector - assuming it is getting 12v, I would guess the motor needs replacing.

My main questions:

Does it matter where I buy the blower motor? Some places have it for $45 online, while Autozone and O'Reilly's have it for $90.

and

Is there any way to replace this blower without dismantling the AC or requiring professional help?

This blower is not the type that appears almost flat against the firewall with only a center hub protruding. It is the type that is more bulky and rounded, like this:

http://www.carparts.com/details/Jeep...FeJcMgodJD4Alg

 

I would try a new blower motor resistor first - it really does sound like the resistor if it was working intermittently. Usually when the blower goes, it is the bearing and it will start grinding or seize.

Take a look at this how-to;
http://www.cherokeetalk.com/forum/f6...acement-11133/


The blower resides in the HVAC air handler, which is a royal PITA to get out of the Jeep (around 8-10 hours for Removal & Reinstall). Also you need to discharge the AC system, and pray to god that you don't bend any of the metal tubes or break any crappy plastic connectors.
You might be able to get it out from the engine-bay but I honestly doubt it.

 

I stand corrected, the blower can be removed from the engine bay (at least the jeep engineers didnt screw one thing up...)

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/9...cement-367612/

 

I say their are two things. The windshield wiper motor and linkage can be reached!

 

The video makes me hopeful. I just wish he'd shown which blower he had - the flatter type with the small center hub, or the big full size assembly that mine has. Does anyone know which his '99 may have had?

Also, are the $45 blowers like I linked to complete, or missing the fan? Some blowers specify 'with fan' while others say nothing.

 

I'm no help. If they do sell them without fans, they must be changeable, put yours on it?

 

Anybody know? Surely someone has replaced an XJ blower before...