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Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee 1984-2004: How to Recharge A/C

Is your Jeep's A/C blowing warm air? You may be low on refrigerant. Here's how to recharge it yourself.

By Bassem Girgis - October 8, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee (1984-2004).

When your Jeep gets low on A/C refrigerant, your A/C will start blowing warmer air. At some point, you might be too low on refrigerant that it will become useless to turn on your A/C. Even though the air conditioner system is a complicated one, which consists of a condenser, a compressor, and an evaporator, technology has made it easy for you to recharge it yourself. There are now popular kits on the market that allows you to recharge your A/C from the comfort of your own home. The process take little time and should be effective. Read on to learn how to recharge your A/C and get back to driving with freezing air.

Materials Needed

  • A/C recharge kit
  • Safety goggles

Step 1 – Locate low pressure A/C port

The low port usually has a blue or black cap on it; it's located on a large tube between the evaporator, the dashboard, and the compressor under the hood.

Figure 1. Port is located on passenger's side, under the hood. Cap is removed in the picture.

Step 2 – Attach kit to port

Get your kit ready as instructed. Attach the gauge onto the refrigerant bottle. Remove the low A/C port's cap to attach your kit to it by pulling back on the plastic tab of your kit, attaching it to the port, then releasing the tab to lock it in place on the port. Place the bottle somewhere stable away from any moving or heated components, then start your engine.

  • Figure 2. Pull the plastic tab back to attach.
  • Figure 3. Safely place the kit.

Step 3 – Fill with refrigerant

After starting the vehicle, turn the A/C to maximum cool. Wait a few seconds, then read the gauge on the kit. Compare your reading to the chart on the back of your kit. The chart will show you what pressure you need depending on the temperature you're in. Shake the bottle before filling, then squeeze the lever to fill. Stop and shake once every three to four seconds, then continue until you reach the correct pressure.

Figure 4. Compare the chart to your pressure and weather.

Step 4 – Remove the kit

After you've reached your ideal pressure, turn your Jeep off and remove the kit. Cover the port with the plastic cap again and test your A/C.

Featured Video: Recharging the A/C System in your Jeep

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