While your Jeep is the perfect four-wheel drive for bumpy rides, specific issues might cause you trouble. Jeep Wrangler owners come across a common malfunction in the car with the heat not working on the driver’s side. Sound familiar? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This brief guide will provide you with simple money-saving tips that are sure to solve your problem!
How Does the Jeep Wrangler’s Heating System Work?
Before looking into the problem, let’s explore the functioning of the heating system in a Jeep Wrangler. If you have basic knowledge about cars, then you’d know that, like other vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler’s system contains a thermostat, radiator, blower, and heater core.
The engine is where the heat builds up in a car, and a coolant maintains its temperature. The coolant keeps the engine cool by passing through the heater core. Keeping the coolant cool is the radiator’s job, as this coolant prevents the car’s engine from overheating.
The hot coolant spreads throughout the car when the heating is on in a Jeep Wrangler. The coolant becomes hot after passing through the heater core. The blower then throws hot air inside the car to make it warm.
What Causes the Heating on the Driver’s Side of a Jeep Wrangler to Malfunction?
Many people face the issue of the heat not working on the driver’s side in a Jeep Wrangler. There isn’t one specific issue that causes this. After knowing how the heating system works, it is easier to identify the exact issue with the heating.
Let’s look at what might be causing your Jeep Wrangler’s heater on the driver’s side to malfunction.
Low coolant level
Keeping the engine cool is not the only job of a coolant. Water and antifreeze are the main contents of a coolant that help maintain the temperature of an engine. At the same time, a coolant absorbs the heat of the engine.
This signals the heater core to produce more hot air that is supplied throughout the car from the air vents. If your Jeep Wrangler has a low supply of coolant in the engine, it might affect the car’s heating.
Broken thermostat
A thermostat signals the heater core to release the hot air produced. If your Jeep Wrangler’s thermostat is broken, the heater core will not receive the signal to distribute heat evenly across the car.
So you might be turning the heater on and not getting any hot air from the air vents inside the car due to a broken thermostat.
Blocked/Malfunctioning heater core
The heater core is where all the magic takes place. It is the main trajectory for the coolant to reach the engine. It acts as a pathway for the heated coolant to reach the radiator. From the radiator, heat gets dispersed throughout the car.
A blockage or malfunction in the heater core will not let the heating work properly.
Since you can’t see it, certain signs can help you identify problems with your heater core. Here are some of them:
- When you turn the heater on, you can smell the coolant.
- You turn the heater on, but the vent throws cold air only.
- The Jeep chamber becomes foggy.
Problems with a resistor or blower motor
The blower motor can malfunction and cause the fan to stop working too. You might notice a grinding sound when you turn on the heater, telling you that the fan isn’t working.
The heating system of a Jeep Wrangler can become damaged if the blower motor is broken. A resistor is a part of the blower motor that balances heat in the inner chamber of the Wrangler.
You may notice that the heating on the driver’s side is not working if the resistor is not working properly.
Leakage
If there is a leak in any part of the heating system, the heater and cooling won’t turn on. The coolant may leak and cause the engine to cool down slower than it should. Leaks in the radiator or other parts of the heater core will stop heat from being distributed throughout your Wrangler.
5 Solutions To Fix the Heating on the Driver’s Side of a Jeep Wrangler
Now that we know what issues can cause the heating to not work correctly, here are some easy solutions.
Check coolant level
Look under the hood of your Wrangler to check the coolant level in the chamber. If your engine overheats, then your Jeep Wrangler may end up having more issues as well.
Change broken thermostat
If the thermostat is broken, you must replace it because it regulates the temperature inside your Jeep. You can easily find a thermostat within a price range of $60-$90.
Repair or replace the heater core
While you can easily open a clogged heater core by flushing it, a malfunctioning one must be replaced. The parts cost between $309-$440, apart from labor costs.
Repair or replace the blower motor
A rattling sound when the heater turns on means you need to replace the blower motor. You can replace it from $10-$30, excluding the service costs.
Fix leakages
If you find fluid discharge and moist areas under your Jeep Wrangler’s hood, there’s a leakage. You can fix leaks with welding or epoxy at home, while it costs around $100 to inspect and repair a coolant leak at the shop.
Conclusion
As the saying goes, prevention is better than the cure. So, make it a habit to check your Jeep Wrangler thoroughly to ensure that the heating works properly.
You can fix any problems with your Jeep Wrangler at home with a simple screwdriver or get it checked by a professional. Heating issues are common problems that can be resolved easily without much expense.
FAQs
Why is my Jeep throwing cold air when the heater is on?
Various factors may be causing this problem. A low coolant supply, a broken thermostat, or leakage in the heater core may all lead to cold air from the air vent when the heater is on.
How costly is it to fix the heating system of a Jeep Wrangler?
Depending on the problem and the parts that require replacement, costs vary from $100 to $350. Fixing leaks is much cheaper than replacing entire parts.
How can you tell if the heater core of a Jeep Wrangler is having issues?
The first hint is cold air when the heater is on. The smell of coolant from the air vents indicates something is wrong with the heater core. Get it checked to prevent further issues.
How can I tell if my Jeep Wrangler’s heater core is plugged up?
If the heating system is throwing out cold air rather than hot air or if there is a weak airflow, it means that the heater core is plugged up somewhere.
Can I drive with a clogged heater core?
You can still drive your Jeep Wrangler with a clogged heater core, but we don’t recommend it for your safety.
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