If your 2017 jeep wrangler’s heater is not working, it could be due to a faulty blower motor or a clogged heater core. To fix the issue, you should have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic.
Ignoring the problem can lead to uncomfortable driving conditions, especially during colder months. Driving a jeep wrangler is an exciting experience. The open-air feeling, off-roading capabilities, and sporty vibe make it a popular choice among adventure seekers. However, when the heater fails to work, it can ruin the entire driving experience, especially during the winter. If your 2017 jeep wrangler’s heater is blowing cold air instead of hot, it can be due to numerous factors such as a malfunctioning blower motor, a leaky heater core, or a broken thermostat. Therefore, it’s crucial to take such issues seriously and have them diagnosed and addressed by a professional mechanic to avoid further damage and make sure the issue is resolved soon.
Symptoms Of 2017 Jeep Wrangler Heater Not Working
Driving your 2017 jeep wrangler during cold winter months becomes uncomfortable without the functioning heat. Without a proper heating system, your jeep can be frigid as you brave the winter weather.
Heater Blowing Cold Air
Your jeep’s heating system is designed to warm the air before it is pushed through the vents. This means that the air entering your jeep should be hot and that the cabin should start warming almost as soon as you turn the heat on.
- Only cold air blows out through the vents when you turn on the heat.
- The air temperature coming from the vents is not getting warmer even if you raise the temperature.
- The air temperature coming out the vents fluctuates.
Poor Or No Heating At All
The heating system in your jeep wrangler helps keep your cabin air warm during the winter months.
- No heat comes out of the system, even if you raise the temperature.
- The heating system works intermittently, meaning it may only work sometimes or only work when you’re driving your vehicle.
- The heating system is weak, which means that it takes a longer time than usual to heat up the cabin air.
- There is limited airflow coming out of the vents.
Strange Noise Or Smell
Strange smells or sounds coming from your jeep’s heating system can alert you to potential issues.
- There’s a pungent, usually metallic odor coming from your jeep’s heating system, which means there’s possibly a coolant leak.
- The heating system makes weird noises like clanking, clunking, or banging, which can indicate a loose or broken part.
- There’s a musty odor coming out of the vents, indicating mold or mildew growth in the heating system.
- You smell a weird burning smell, which might suggest a problem with electrical wiring or motor issues.
Understanding the symptoms of a heating system that isn’t working is crucial to identify the problem early on and have it fixed immediately. Leaving it unchecked can result in more significant and costly repairs to your 2017 jeep wrangler down the road.
Causes Of 2017 Jeep Wrangler Heater Not Working
If you own a 2017 jeep wrangler and have noticed that your heater is not working correctly, you might wonder what could be causing the issue. In this article, we explore the most common reasons why the heater in a 2017 jeep wrangler might stop working, helping you to understand the problem and find the best solution possible.
Low Coolant Level
One of the most common causes of a jeep wrangler’s heater not working is low coolant levels. The heater system in your jeep works by circulating hot coolant around the engine and through a small radiator situated behind the dashboard.
Thus, if the coolant level in your jeep is too low, the heater will not be able to transfer enough heat to the interior of your car. Check your coolant level and top it up if needed.
Blocked Heater Core
Another potential cause of a non-working heater in the 2017 jeep wrangler is a blocked heater core. Over time, your jeep’s heater core can become clogged with debris, preventing the transfer of heat from the engine to the interior of your car.
If you notice a sweet or musty odor coming from your vents or a lack of heat, this could be the issue. A qualified mechanic can flush and clean your jeep’s heater core to solve the problem.
Damaged Thermostat
If the thermostat in your jeep wrangler is damaged or worn out, this could cause your heater to stop working altogether. A faulty thermostat can prevent the engine from reaching the correct operating temperature, reducing the amount of heat that can be transferred to the interior of your car.
Check your thermostat and replace it if necessary.
Broken Blower Motor Resistor
The blower motor resistor is a component that controls the speed of your jeep wrangler’s blower motor. If the blower motor resistor is damaged or broken, you may notice that your heater doesn’t work at all or that only certain fan speeds work.
Replacing the blower motor resistor should fix the issue.
Faulty Blend Door
The blend door in your jeep wrangler controls the temperature of the air coming from the heater. If the blend door is damaged or stuck in the wrong position, you may feel cold air coming from your heater, even when it is turned up high.
A qualified mechanic can replace and fix the blend door.
Malfunctioning Heater Control Valve
The heater control valve is responsible for regulating the flow of hot coolant to your jeep’s heater core. If the valve is broken or malfunctioning, the flow of coolant may be restricted, preventing heat from being transferred to the interior of your jeep.
A qualified mechanic can replace the heater control valve and restore proper function.
By understanding these causes, you can more easily pinpoint the problem with your 2017 jeep wrangler’s heater and find the right solution. Whether it’s a simple coolant flush or a more complicated thermostat replacement, you can get your heater back up and running in no time!
Diagnosis Of 2017 Jeep Wrangler Heater Not Working
Has your 2017 jeep wrangler’s heater stopped working? If so, don’t panic – you’re not alone. Many jeep owners face the same problem. However, it’s essential to find out the root cause of the issue and fix it as soon as possible, especially if winter is approaching.
Here’s a quick guide to help you diagnose the 2017 jeep wrangler heater not working.
Checking The Coolant Level And Quality
Before inspecting any other parts, it’s crucial to make sure that your jeep’s coolant level and quality are adequate. Low coolant levels or poor quality coolant can lead to inadequate heat or no heat from the heater.
- Check the coolant level in the radiator and ensure it’s up to the recommended level.
- Check the quality of the coolant. It should be free of debris and contaminants and have the recommended levels of additives to prevent corrosion and freezing.
- If the coolant level or quality is low, refill or replace it as necessary.
Inspecting The Heater Core And Hoses
A leaky heater core or damaged hoses can cause your jeep’s heater to stop working.
- Inspect both hoses to ensure they’re not kinked, flattened, or damaged.
- Check the heater core, located behind the dash, for leaks or damages.
- If you notice any issues with either the hoses or heater core, replace them promptly to restore your jeep’s heater function.
Testing The Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can also be a culprit causing the heater to stop working.
- Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
- Turn on the heater and touch the inlet and outlet hoses. If they feel different temperatures, the thermostat is functioning correctly.
- If both hoses feel the same, replace the thermostat.
Examining The Blower Motor Resistor
The heater’s blower motor resistor regulates the fan speed. If it’s defective, your jeep’s heater won’t work correctly.
- Locate the blower motor resistor near the blower motor.
- Use a multimeter to check the resistance across the resistor’s terminals.
- If the reading is outside the recommended range, replace the resistor.
Evaluating The Blend Door
The blend door directs warm air through the heater vents. If it’s stuck, broken, or not functioning correctly, your jeep’s heater won’t work correctly.
- Turn on the heater and note the airflow and temperature.
- Check if the blend door is opening and closing correctly by inspecting it or using a scan tool.
- If the blend door isn’t working correctly, replace or repair it.
Looking For Problems With The Heater Control Valve
The heater control valve regulates hot water flow to the heater core and can malfunction, leading to no heat or inadequate heat.
- Check the valve’s position and ensure it’s open when the heater is turned on.
- Inspect the valve for damage, cracks, or leaks.
- If the valve isn’t working as expected, replace it promptly.
By following these steps to diagnose the heater not working in your 2017 jeep wrangler, you’re taking a significant step towards restoring it to proper working condition. While some issues may be easy to fix, others may require the assistance of a qualified mechanic.
However, having a basic understanding of the problem can help you communicate more effectively with your mechanic and ensure that the repairs are adequately completed.
How To Fix 2017 Jeep Wrangler Heater Not Working
Experiencing a malfunctioning heater system in your 2017 jeep wrangler can be extremely inconvenient, especially when the temperature drops. If you’re dealing with a heater problem, don’t worry, there are few things you could do before going to the mechanic.
Here are some steps you could take to fix the problem.
Adding Or Replacing Coolant
Without the proper amount of coolant, your 2017 jeep wrangler will lack the necessary heat. If you’re dealing with a heater problem, checking your coolant level is an essential first step. Below are the steps for adding or replacing coolant.
- Step 1: turn off your jeep and let it cool down for a few minutes.
- Step 2: locate the coolant reservoir, and if it’s below the minimum line, you need to add a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant.
- Step 3: if you need to top-up your coolant, make sure you use the same type that is already in the engine.
- Step 4: start your jeep. Let it run for about a minute and then recheck. Repeat until you have the required level.
Flushing The Cooling System
If adding or replacing coolant doesn’t work, your 2017 jeep wrangler’s cooling system might have accumulated grit or clogs that prevent heat. Flushing the system can remove these obstacles and help the heater function properly.
- Step 1: drain your cooling system according to your manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 2: clean the inside of the radiator to remove any dirt, grime, rust or clogs.
- Step 3: refill with your manufacturer’s recommended mix of coolant and water.
Repairing Or Replacing The Heater Core Or Hoses
If your jeep still has heater issues, then it may need a replacement of the heater core or hoses or require repairing. It would be best to consult your mechanic if you don’t have any experience in replacing parts.
Fixing Or Replacing The Thermostat
Your 2017 jeep wrangler’s thermostat is designed to maintain your engine’s temperature at an optimal level. If the thermostat fails, your vehicle may not produce enough heat.
- Step 1: under the hood of your jeep, locate the thermostat housing.
- Step 2: make sure to drain some of the coolant before removing the thermostat housing.
- Step 3: carefully remove the old thermostat from the housing and replace it with the new one.
- Step 4: reinstall the housing and fill the coolant level before starting your jeep.
Repairing Or Replacing The Blower Motor Resistor
The blower motor resistor is what adjusts the fan speed in your 2017 jeep wrangler. If it fails, your vehicle might have heating issues.
- Step 1: locate the blower motor resistor in your jeep. It is usually under the glove box near the blower motor and is connected with wires.
- Step 2: disconnect the electrical connector and remove the mounting screws to take out the old resistor.
- Step 3: replace the old one with the new resistor and reassemble the parts you removed.
Fixing Or Replacing The Blend Door
The blend door controls the temperature inside your jeep by directing the airflow over the heater core. If they fail, repairing or replacing them may help you fix the heating issue.
- Step 1: open the hood and check the blend door actuator. The actuator is usually situated behind the dashboard plate.
- Step 2: remove the wiring harness and screws that secure the blend door actuator.
- Step 3: take out the old actuator and replace it with the new one.
Replacing The Heater Control Valve
The heater control valve diverts hot engine coolant to your heat exchanger. If it becomes clogged or malfunctions, it can prevent hot coolant from entering your jeep’s heater core.
- Step 1: locate the heater control valve in your jeep. It’s commonly positioned on or near the firewall.
- Step 2: drain some of the coolant from the engine to prevent leakage.
- Step 3: using pliers loosen the hose clamps and remove the hoses going into the valve, and then unscrew the valve from the firewall.
- Step 4: install the new heater control valve in place and reattach the hoses and clamps.
Now that you have an idea of what to look for and how to fix a heater problem in your 2017 jeep wrangler, you can save yourself a trip to the mechanic. Happy motoring!
FAQ For 2017 Jeep Wrangler Heater Not Working
Why Is My Jeep Wrangler Heater Not Working?
Your jeep’s heater might not be working due to a broken thermostat, low coolant levels, a faulty blower motor, or a clogged heater core. It is best to have a professional diagnose and repair the issue to ensure proper functionality.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Jeep Wrangler Heater?
The cost to fix a jeep wrangler heater can vary depending on the source of the problem. Minor repairs such as replacing a thermostat or fuse can cost between $100-$300, whereas major issues such as a damaged heater core can cost upwards of $800.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting the heater issue in your 2017 jeep wrangler can be frustrating but not impossible. With the right approach, you can fix the problem and restore the comfort of your ride. From checking the coolant level and the radiator cap to inspecting the blend door actuator and the thermostat, you have several possible solutions to explore.
Remember to be patient, thorough, and safe as you work on your vehicle. Also, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you cannot diagnose or fix the issue on your own. By addressing the heater problem promptly, you can avoid further damage to your vehicle and make your driving experience much more enjoyable.
Keep your jeep wrangler warm all winter long with these tips and tricks!