Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: Why is My Blower Motor Not Working?

If your blower motor is not working, learn how to identify and resolve the problem here.

By Jerry Perez - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

Your Jeep's blower motor is a small electrical motor that powers the rotary fan mounted behind your Jeep's radiator. It turns on automatically when dictated by other parts like the thermostat, and it helps regulate the speed of the incoming air flow into the cabin, which is set by the driver via the fan speed knob on the dashboard. The fan blower motor may eventually wear out and stop working, not allowing you to control the fan speed at all. Follow this guide to help diagnose why yours may not be working.

Materials Needed

  • New fuses
  • Phillips and flat head screwdriver
  • Voltmeter (optional)
  • Needle nose pliers

Step 1 – Check the fuses

The fuses could be blown.

The components in your Jeep receive stable electrical power thanks to the fuses that regulate them. If the fuse that controls the blower motor starts acting up, or even worse—gets blown, then the blower motor will work intermittently or not at all. Follow these steps to examine and possibly replace your Jeep's blower motor fuse.

  • Access the fuse box located on the left panel of the driver's foot well.
  • Use needle nose pliers to remove the fuse number 25.
  • Replace if the fuse looks damaged or burnt.
Figure 1. Remove fuse number 25.

Step 2 – Check the control switch

It could be faulty.

The blower control switch in your Jeep's dashboard is the the turn knob that chooses from Hi to Low fan speed by the driver. This switch is attached to a wiring connector in the back of the dashboard, which sends electrical power to the switch and then relays the information inputted by the driver to the actual motor. If the switch is faulty or not receiving power, it will render the blower motor obsolete. Follow these steps to inspect and possibly replace the control switch.

  • Remove the dash trim panel.
  • Remove the control panel where the switches are located with the help of a Phillips screwdriver.
  • Inspect that the wiring connector is clean and in good shape.
  • Use voltmeter to make sure it is receiving electrical power. (You could have this done at a local auto parts store.)
Figure 2. Remove panel to access the switch wiring.

Step 3 – Check blower motor

It could've stopped working.

Your Jeep's blower motor forces air into your car by spinning at the speed set by the blower motor control switch inside the cabin. Like many other parts in your Jeep, the electrical motor is susceptible to wear and tear as well as possible failure throughout the years. Follow these steps to inspect and possibly replace the blower motor in your Jeep.

  • Open the hood and locate the blower motor.
  • Use a voltmeter to make sure the wiring connected has a live current. (You can have this done at a local auto parts store.)
  • Use a Phillips or flat head screwdriver (depending on year) to remove the fan and motor unit if needed.
  • Replace the motor.
Figure 3. Fan and motor unit.

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