Since this is such a common problem for XJ's I would not recommend a "stop leak" product. Although this job is time consuming making the repair is the way to go.

I did this about a year ago using the info available in this thread. Some notes.

Have someone with you. 2 is better than 1

I did not have to remove the steering column, just lower it

The AC line de-couplers from Harbor Fright worked just fine.

Once the dash is loose it can be pivoted up and out of the way on the right hand side while the other person gets the heater box out. We used a bungee to hold up the dash while we did the repair to the box.

Removing the pax seat is a good idea.

Replace as much of the foam that you can.

A mouse had made its way into our Jeep and had chewed up a lot of the foam. It took 6 hours. Since then the compressor needed to be replaced (more likely due to wear from running with a leak) but all is well now.

This job looks intimidating but it is merely time consuming. Go slow, be patient, and you can do this without breaking any plastic ;-)

You can also practice on junk yard rig first for free!

 

No more than radiator stop leak ruining a water pump. I spocked this stuff out on AMAZON. Different companies, different products varying results based on reviews.

 

My 1994 ZJ Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2L has a failed A/C. The shop diagnosed a leaking evaporator and a leaking compressor.

My plan is to swap everything myself. I've never done A/C but I've rebuilt everything else on the vehicle myself, so I think it could work w/ me doing this job.

These are the planned parts:

Compressor - Unit Pre Oiled
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=871009&cc=1182057&jsn=431

Evaporator
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3919032&cc=1182057&jsn=437 (this one shows rubber insulation already installed on pipes)

or

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=814229&cc=1182057&jsn=439&jsn=439 (no pipe insulation, but looks better. How do I add the insulation?)

Receiver / Dryer w/ Hoses
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=814854&cc=1182057&jsn=448

Condensor
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2770710&cc=1182057&jsn=481

Liquid Line w/ Orifice Tube Hose Assembly
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=818451&cc=1182057&jsn=454

Orifice Tube
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=815382&cc=1182057&jsn=462 (Is this already in the liquid line?)

My assumption is that I would need a vacuum pump, a gauge set and AC line tools, along w/ R134a refrigerant. The compressor is "pre-oiled, so I should be okay for oil, correct? It looks like I reuse those large square connection clips, correct?

My high-volume vacuum pump has a ¼" NPTM pipe fitting on the hose end. What kind of adapter would I need?

What else do I need? Do I need a leak detector? What do I need to know?

Thanks for the help!

 

Anyone have any manuals or lists of parts needed for a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Evaporator Core replacement? ? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum!

Start w/ the FSM.

It may be that replacing all the parts is the best bet for a fully functional system. The evaporator is already the hardest part to change.

The compressor can be damaged from contamination. The accumulator / dryer can be contaminated. The condenser can be difficult to clean. The orifice tube can get clogged.

All new parts worked for me.

Get a topic showing how to R/R your dash.

My good heater core was swapped during the repair because I never want to yank the dash again.

The parts listing on Rock Auto is decent.

 

I had always had a small a/c leak that I had to add to once a year ,usually 1 can was all she needed . This year instead of blowing a little warmer than usual it starting blowing hot like overnight so I charged it up and it was blowing hot again within an hour. Took it to my mechanic that replaced compressor , dryer , orfice tube , $ 565.00 . Then he realized after all of that the major leak was coming from the evaporator core. so what he fixed was my seasonal leak that was always there . He would not attempt to change the core so I would like to tackle this on my own . I have the tools , place and this is not my primary transportation. Can I please have some schematic showing steps on removing & replacing ? would be greatly appreciated.

 

I've got a 2001 XJ with a evaporator that has gone belly up as several members here have. I'd like to tackle the job myself, but need some direction on how to do it from those with experience replacing one--including the dash removal. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hi ol"blue. Hoping you are still on here! I've been installing an evaporator and heater core in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport xj. Been crazy. I got the dash and box out and now I am just looking for a tip to secure the evaporator in the hvac box because there is a lot of wiggle and the previous Styrofoam piece the old one was in was trashed. Is this in the help guide you have PM'd in the past (I see posts for 2010). Any help woudwould be awesome! Thanks!

 

Ol Blue... Was wondering if you could help me out. Need to replace AC evaporator core and heater core in my 2001Jeep Cherokee Sport.

Thanks.

John

 

1999 Jeep Cherokee A/c evaporator leaking. How do you replace it without taking the dash out??

 

Squirt some R-134a into the system and trade in the vehicle for a different one.

 

Hey guys,

same issue as everyone else. Evaporator is leaking. I plan to replace the evaporator and the heater core. From what I've been reading, everyone is mixed on aftermarket vs OEM mopar brand.

I cannot find a consensus but I do not want to do this again, willing to shell out the outrageous price on mopar but with no gaurentees it'll work I can't justify that cost.

Lastly, could I get a copy of the instructions that keep getting passed around on here? My Hanes doesn't seem to cover it...maybe it's time to buy something that does haha. Thanks folks!

 

Welcome to the forum.

Identify the model year and if the vehicle has automatic temperature control or not.

On mine I went w/ Mopar for the heater core and Four Seasons for the evaporator. On mine, I replaced all the AC parts and now have nice AC again.

Removing and replacing the dash sucks, but it is just lots of screw turning, parts removal and replacement. Take lots of pictures to aid w/ assembly.

The R134a is a dangerous product to handle. Wear eye and skin protection. Follow all appropriate procedures.

 

apologies! It's a 2001 Cherokee XJ so temp controls are manual. I had the shop do a proper diagnostic, it's definitely the evap. From what I've been reading a lot more people vote mopar on the heater core and no one has voted mopar on the evap. I have heard four seasons works as well. Thanks for the heads up.


Will have the shop vac and refill, I don't have any interest in messing with R134a

 

Post the inquiry in the XJ / Cherokee forum.

This is the Grand Cherokee forum.

Good luck.