There are many aspects to vehicle air conditioning. We will focus on an odd pair; jeep air vents and the Jeep compressor. Read on for more on these two parts in Jeep Air conditioning.
The Air conditioning system plays an important role, especially when those hot summers roll around. We will concentrate on two important parts: jeep air vents and the compressor.
This article will discuss their roles in proper AC operation and what to do if either of these parts fails. We will also discuss replacing the AC compressor and air vents. Take a look at our air vent and compressor-associated air conditioning issues.
The AC compressor
This is the belt-driven pump attached to the engine that acts as the processor of the entire system. It has a magnetic clutch at the front to activate the compressor when it receives power.
When active, the compressors’ role is to compress and afterward transfer refrigerant gas. In other words, it pumps refrigerant in its gaseous state to the condenser in a loop.
The refrigerant is responsible for cooling the hot air, which is then released back as cool air. You may know this refrigerant as Freon.
It is also known as R1334 and is widely used in many vehicles. Older vehicle models use a refrigerant that is no longer available to the public due to its high-pollutant nature.
A notable pressure difference helps divide the AC system into the ‘discharge’ high-pressure and the ‘suction’ low-pressure sides. The compressor sucks low-pressure gas from the evaporator and accumulator, compresses it to a high-pressure nature, and sends it to the compressor.
Some signs of a failing or bad compressor
Stuck compressor clutch
If your clutch is not moving, you might consider a compressor checkup. The clutch on the compressor controls the pulley, which disengages and engages from the engine power, ensuring the compressor is on when needed.
Strange noises
Weird noises are often an indicator that something is not right. This applies to compressor failure. You may experience loud noises after you turn on your AC on. When the compressor components fail or break, the result is a weird noise. A replacement is the only way you can fix this sort of failure.
Notice we did not say loud noises; we said strange noises. While you should consider weird sounds an issue with some Jeep AC systems, some Jeeps have loud cooling fans, which can be considered ‘normal’.
The HVAC system on the JL, for example, is louder than the one on the JK.
HOWEVER, sometimes you might hear strange noises e.g., hissing sounds coming from your system or the rattling we’ve discussed above. This indicates a problem and should be cause for worry.
High temperatures inside the cabin
When a compressor has issues, you will begin to notice temperatures inside the cabin are higher than usual. A bad compressor will not properly pressurize the refrigerant, causing overall failure within your AC system. This failure will prompt overall AC operation failure and thus fluctuating of the air blown inside the compressor.
Compressor associated leaks
While leaking might not be a direct sign of a failing compressor, it is a major cause for worry. In fact, leaking might trigger some of the sings we have discussed above.
Dangers of refrigerant leaks
Apart from making your AC system work harder, and increasing your energy bills, refrigerant may affect the air quality and harm your health or the environment.
If you suspect any leaks from your AC system, you must have it checked and remedied immediately. Some of the ways professionals use to check for leaks include
Replacing or repairing your Jeep AC compressor
Because of the important role the compressor plays in functioning of the AC system, a bad compressor or compressor failure will mean a replacement or repair. Otherwise, your AC system might not even function.
Replacing a Jeep compressor or any other compressor will vary in cost depending on the model year and your location. Often these two factors influence the parts cost and labor costs respectively.
For example, on average the cost of a Wrangler compressor replacement is between the range 596 to 837$, including the parts which can go from up to about 730$ and the labor which is between 87 and 110$.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee on the other hand will cost between 599$ to 917$, including 122-155 dollars for labor and 477 to 762 for parts.
When choosing between the replace and repair option, it is important to get a second opinion. A professional must inspect your AC thoroughly, confirm the compressor is the source of your HVAC troubles and help you decide on the best possible solution.
Sometimes, it is best to replace an old compressor. Getting a newer one could save you all those trips to your mechanic whenever you experience a leak. It could ease the cost of the constant repairs each time it experiences failure.
Air vents not working?
Air vents are second part of the AC we are going to discuss. Like with the compressor, there are several reasons why your jeep air vents may fail. This failure manifests in two ways: warm air that isn’t necessarily cool blowing from your vents or no air blowing whatsoever. Take a look at some of the reasons why your air vents might not be working properly.
Clogging
A clogged air intake partial or complete will affect proper functioning of your AC system. The fresh and re-circulated air intakes must remain clear to properly circulate air.
Blown parts and poor relay causing electrical issues
Because the AC is an electrical unit, it relies on a fuse for protection from large currents. If this fuse blows, then the circuits stop working and so do your vents. Similarly, the relay, the small current controlling the large current powering the ventilation, can fail. If the relay is bad, no power is received to operate the vents.
No function or malfunction
This applies to the blower motor that sends air through the vents. If this motor fails, the result reflects on your ventilation system. This motor relies on a resistor to regulate air flow speed through your vents. The trouble with the resistor limits the conditioned air getting delivered to your cabin.
Cleaning out Jeep air vents and ducts
Now that you know clogging is bad for your air vents, how do you fix it? Well a little vent clearing or cleaning should do the trick.
The best way to clean air vents will ensure you get into every nook and cranny. The best tools are often small objects like cotton swabs, toothbrushes or even small paintbrushes that can get into your air vents and clean out all the gunk.
Using a cleaning solution will help eliminate any odors accompanying the dirt clogging your vents. A simple solution of water and vinegar mixed in a 1:1 ratio should do the trick.
After removing the mold, bacteria and dirt clogging the vents, you may use pressurized air to remove dirt around the vent area and dislodge anything remaining inside the vents. Once you’ve dislodged this material, turn on the car and run the air for a while. This blows away all the debris you dislodge with the pressurized air.
If the smells from your vents don’t go away, you might need to change the air filters.
Replacing Air Vents
Because the air vents are not overly complicated, many replacements are available in the market today. In fact, with some automobile experience, you could make the replacement yourself. Just ensure that you install a vent which is compatible with your vehicle. A compatible part allows your vehicle to work more efficiently and productively.
There is a tab within the vent. You can feel for this tab after rotating your vent to allow you access the tab. This is accomplished by moving the vents to align downwards with the tab. The flaps on the vents must align upwards to remove the vents successfully.
Using a flat head screwdriver, gently press the lever inside the tab. As you do so, the vent will pry right out of your vehicle.
Conclusion
The compressor is an important part of your AC, and so are the air vents. Each has its own critical role in ensuring your system works properly. Therefore, you must care for these parts properly, ensuring they are in top condition for optimal AC function.
You can always check for compressor leaks and ensure it is in good condition. Likewise, monitor your vents, ensuring they are mold and bacteria-free and do not have no malfunctioning parts.
