How to Change the Blower Motor in a 1992 Jeep
by Marion Cobretti
The blower motor circulates the heat given off by the heater core throughout the cabin of your Jeep when it’s turned on. Depending on how often it’s used and at what circulation setting, the blower motor could last 10 years or more before defecting. However, unlike most vehicles that mount the blower motor in the interior, the 1992 Jeep mounts its blower motor in the engine compartment. This subjects the blower motor to environmental conditions like water and moisture which can cause it to short circuit.
Step 1
Raise the hood on your Jeep and remove the negative cable from the battery with a socket wrench.
Step 2
Wrap the metal terminal on the end of the cable with black electrical tape. It may take multiple layers to cover the terminal completely, but no metal should be showing at all when you’re finished.
Step 3
Push the cable to the side of the battery, away from its post entirely. Also, make sure that the cable isn’t resting on any other metal or touching the engine itself.
Step 4
Locate the blower motor at the back of the engine compartment on the firewall. It will be recessed into the firewall, so you will only see the top of the motor. The top of the blower motor looks like a tin can, kind of like a tuna fish can, but all black.
Step 5
Unplug the wiring harness from the blower motor. Grasp the harness by its plug; don’t try to pull the connection apart by the wires. The harness plug has a safety clip on it that you have to depress while unplugging the harness. Sometimes safety clips are hard to press down by hand. Use a flat-head screwdriver to assist you if needed.
Step 6
Remove the three bolts holding the blower motor into its housing on the firewall with a socket wrench. Place the bolts in your pocket because you still need them. The new blower motor does not come with new bolts.
Step 7
Pull the blower motor away from its housing toward you. Before you remove it from the engine compartment, make sure there aren’t any wires caught-up or crossing it. Then remove the blower motor and set it to the side of your work area.
Step 8
Install the new blower motor by reversing the removal steps.
References
- "Chilton's Jeep, Wagoneer/Comanche/Cherokee 1984-98 Repair Manual"; Frederick E. Matthew; 1999
- "Jeep Cherokee: 1984 thru 2001--Cherokee/Wagoneer/Comanche Haynes Repair Manual"; Bob Henderson; 2005
Tips
- After you install your new blower motor, test it on all of its circulation setting from low to high with the engine off. Then start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature and check the heat blowing capacity at all vents. If after you install the new blower motor it still doesn’t work, check the fuse in the fuse panel in the interior of the Jeep. Also, check the blower motor relay under the hood in the power distribution center.
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench set
- Black electrical tape
- Flat-head screwdriver
Writer Bio
Marion Cobretti began working as a freelance writer in 2006. His work appears on Newsvine and other websites. Cobretti completed a three-year course in automotive technology and is currently seeking an Associate of Applied Science at Macomb Community College.
