I need on/off switch for my AC

[Kurt V]

1998 TJ. Previous owner installed factory AC on my jeep. It works great, however, he forgot to install an on/off switch for it and the compressor runs even when I’m trying to run the heat. So in the winter I just pull the AC fuse. What I really need to do is install an on/off switch. Does anyone know of a good switch that would fit into one of these blank spaces on either side of the rear window wiper switch? If not, where would be a good place to install one?Thanks!

 

[NashvilleTJ]

1998 TJ. Previous owner installed factory AC on my jeep. It works great, however, he forgot to install an on/off switch for it and the compressor runs even when I’m trying to run the heat. So in the winter I just pull the AC fuse. What I really need to do is install an on/off switch. Does anyone know of a good switch that would fit into one of these blank spaces on either side of the rear window wiper switch? If not, where would be a good place to install one?Thanks!

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Just to be sure, in your pic you are set to defroster - which activates the a/c compressor. Does the compressor still run when you are set to “off” or “heat” only?

 

[Kurt V]

Just to be sure, in your pic you are set to defroster - which activates the a/c compressor. Does the compressor still run when you are set to “off” or “heat” only?

Correct, it runs no matter what position the two horizontal levers are in the AC compressor continues to engage.

As to what switch to use, I should’ve done a better search. Going with a GCD switch off of eBay.

 

[ChasUGC]

Move both levers fully left, especially the top one. This should turn everything off. If it doesn't then you have another issue. Also, it looks like your fan control knob is broken, so maybe the fan isn't working right too. Although, I would be hesitant to say that the AC compressor should be on when you are not in the AC mode. I would take it to a professional AC mechanic and get their opinion of the problem, if moving the top lever to the off position doesn't turn everything off. Who knows, it might not be that expensive. My guess would be a faulty Compressor clutch. Or, maybe the wiring to the clutch has fused. In that scenario you really want to get it fixed right.

A cheap Mickey Mouse solution is never the right choice. I've seen so many problems caused by previous owners installing Mickey Mouse solutions to problems. It really frustrates and angers the next owner. Not only do they have to remove the Mickey Mouse solution, but then they have to find out why you did what you did, and what you did may have even caused more problems. No offense intended. Google AI basically says the same thing:

"If your Jeep Wrangler's AC compressor stays on, it could be due to a faulty AC pressure switch, a malfunctioning temperature sensor, a low refrigerant level, a broken cycling switch, a faulty compressor clutch, or even a problem with the electrical system controlling the compressor, which might need to be diagnosed by a mechanic."

 

[SSTJ]

1998 TJ. Previous owner installed factory AC on my jeep. It works great, however, he forgot to install an on/off switch for it and the compressor runs even when I’m trying to run the heat. So in the winter I just pull the AC fuse. What I really need to do is install an on/off switch. Does anyone know of a good switch that would fit into one of these blank spaces on either side of the rear window wiper switch? If not, where would be a good place to install one?Thanks!

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I have a 97 with AC. 97s and 98s are the only two years to come with that style AC controls.

I don't have an on-off switch, so I'm not sure what you're looking for. The compressor engages depending upon the setting of the top slider.

I guess you could install an on-off switch like you suggested, or else try to track down the wiring mistake?

 

[Kurt V]

After a bit more research, I’ve discovered why the AC compressor stays on no matter where you have the upper slider switch. When the previous owner did the factory AC install he did not track down the slider switch that has the two settings for AC. Those two settings show the little snow symbol and either recirculate or fresh air. They also activate the AC compressor. I have the stock non-AC slider switch. The little snow symbol on that switch just allows fresh air to come in the dash vents. So I can either spend a bunch of money and get slider switch on eBay or just add an on/off rocker switch. eBay has a used HVAC control for $519!

 

[lBasket]

After a bit more research, I’ve discovered why the AC compressor stays on no matter where you have the upper slider switch. When the previous owner did the factory AC install he did not track down the slider switch that has the two settings for AC. Those two settings show the little snow symbol and either recirculate or fresh air. They also activate the AC compressor. I have the stock non-AC slider switch. The little snow symbol on that switch just allows fresh air to come in the dash vents. So I can either spend a bunch of money and get slider switch on eBay or just add an on/off rocker switch.

This is what my non-AC one looks like

 

[Kurt V]

Ibasket, when I look on eBay that is what the non-AC typically looks like. I don’t know why mine has the little snow symbol for fresh air to the dash vents. I added a photo showing what the HVAC control looks like when you have factory air. I definitely do not have that control on mine!

 

[lBasket]

Ibasket, when I look on eBay that is what the non-AC typically looks like. I don’t know why mine has the little snow symbol for fresh air to the dash vents. I added a photo showing what the HVAC control looks like when you have factory air. I definitely do not have that control on mine!

Oh weird. I wonder what that one you have now is off of them

 

[SSTJ]

After a bit more research, I’ve discovered why the AC compressor stays on no matter where you have the upper slider switch. When the previous owner did the factory AC install he did not track down the slider switch that has the two settings for AC. Those two settings show the little snow symbol and either recirculate or fresh air. They also activate the AC compressor. I have the stock non-AC slider switch. The little snow symbol on that switch just allows fresh air to come in the dash vents. So I can either spend a bunch of money and get slider switch on eBay or just add an on/off rocker switch. eBay has a used HVAC control for $519!

Yea, I noticed in your first pic that you had a different kind of slider-style than I had seen before. Maybe not from a TJ.

The ones you're seeing online are the style that came in 97 and 98 TJs. That's what I have. And yes, they often go for several hundred dollars on eBay. Your best bet is to find someone parting out a TJ who doesn't know that. I once picked one up for $35 that way. Facebook Marketplace, etc.

Or, here's at least a slightly better price.

 

[ChasUGC]

After a bit more research, I’ve discovered why the AC compressor stays on no matter where you have the upper slider switch. When the previous owner did the factory AC install he did not track down the slider switch that has the two settings for AC. Those two settings show the little snow symbol and either recirculate or fresh air. They also activate the AC compressor. I have the stock non-AC slider switch. The little snow symbol on that switch just allows fresh air to come in the dash vents. So I can either spend a bunch of money and get slider switch on eBay or just add an on/off rocker switch. eBay has a used HVAC control for $519!

I'm glad you figured it out. There are also places like pick your part that might have the right HVAC control, that will cost you pennies, probably like $20. Some junk yards might have that part too. There are junk yard hotlines that might not charge that much too. Then, you can call junk yards and ask them if they have a 1998 Wrangler. In my area, we have blocks and blocks of junk yards, hotlines, and many pick your parts. You know that you would feel so much better if you did it the right way instead of doing exactly what the PO did to you. See the problem, frustration and I'm sure you're a little PO'd at the PO. Your Jeep though, and ultimately your decision. Best of luck.