It was well over 60 degrees here in WNY today, so I charged up the A/C ( I am the mobile A/C tech at my work place) on my 2000 XJ. My 97' didn't have A/C so this is my first exp. with A/C on a Jeep, at work I mostly do farm tractors, and big trucks. I only brought the high side up to 200, and it didn't kick on so I stopped, waited for the engine to get to op. temp, and then gave her some gas and the high side went up to 250, still no fan on. Does that fan even have any tie in with the AC system? On my wifes Caravan it does, and quite a few other Dodge/Chrysler and Fords do as well. I have not pulled and fuse's or run any test lights yet.Thanks guys.

 

I believe on '00/'01 XJs, the efan comes on when coolant temp reaches 218F. On '99 and earlier, efan comes on at 218F coolant temp or when a/c compressor engages. Seems like there have been posts that '00/'01 models could be re-programmed at the dealer to kick the efan in when compressor engages.

 

E fan should kick on automatically at 218 IF it's temp sender in the thermostat housing is functioning properly. Bear in mind also the dash temp gauge isn't super accurate either so give it, say, a 5-10 degree variation in readings,

The compressor will cycle on and off with def or ac unless it's really cold out.

The E fan is more of a backup for high temps. If the rig is running over 210 and ac's selected it will come on periodically as needed to keep temps below 218 and help the condenser. Neutral temps (50-85+/-) it may not be needed for the a/c. Best to test all associated parts to be sure all is functioning as it should anyways. It's simple on these things thank God.

You may check the E fan relay in the PDC by the battery. I'd just replace it since they're less than 6 bucks though.
Test fan itself by jumping power from bat. to it's wires at the connector.

Next is temp sender at thermostat housing. Easy to see and get to, Cheap to replace (about 15 bucks last I checked), and good to do anyways for piece of mind.

Dash gauge temp sender is on top back of block by firewall driver's side. It's a ***** to get to but cheap to replace as well.

 

I believe '97 up have only 1 temp sending unit......it's in the t-stat housing