Noisy Air Conditioner / Heater Blower

Last week when turning on the A/C for the first time it made a horrible sound and the entire steering column was vibrating. Took it in to the dealer Saturday and left it there until yesterday when I get a call that it's ready. They tell me the problem was some leaves and other debris that got in and that what caused the blower to vibrate. OK I sign the paperwork, get the keys off I go. I turn on the engine, turn on A/C and it's still doing the same thing:eek: , just not quite as loud.

I couldn't believe it. Did they actually think I wouldn't notice?

The service manager comes out and first tries to tell me that ths is normal. I said OK let's go see if any of the new ones on your lot make the same noise. He mumbled something and said the blower needs to be replaced but he won't have one in until Thursday. So the story they told me about debris was pure bull. I will go back to have it fixed and that will be the last time I step foot inside that dealership.

The same thing happened to me as I was driving my Commander home from the dealership. I took it back to the dealer. A piece of sound deadening material had dislodged and stuck to the blower. It threw the blower out of balance and really vibrated the steering column when the fan was on high. It was annoying but strangely enough my girlfriend wanted to take the Commander out for a drive by herself more often :) Anyway, the service department said that they removed the material and the blower worked fine after that. The Service manager said that it had to have happened in production. Don't feel bad. You are not alone.

Hmmm, good to hear I'm not alone:). I understand that kind of stuff happens but I am upset that they did such a poor job fixing it and then tried to convince me that the 1/2 finished job was done.

I took my Saab in for service this week as well for scheduled (and free for 36 months by the way) maintenance as well as a couple of warranty issues related to the on-board computer. Not only did they fix what was wrong on the same day but the service manager called me and told me he noticed the engine idling funny (which I didn't notice) and asked me if it was OK for him to take a look even though it may mean having to keep the car overnight. I said fine, no problem. At 5:30om he called and said he was done. He sent out the shuttle to get me, even though it stops running the shuttle at 5:00pm but he sent it anyway. And of course the car was washed and detailed upon pick up and I had no waiting as everything was ready for me upon arrival with the keys in the iginition.

Contrast this to my Jeep dealer experience: I had to leave the car for 2 days. It didn't get fixed properly. I was lied to and told all was OK. I had to beg and plead for a shuttle pick up. The Jeep was not washed. I had to wait in line at the cashier's office to get the keys. And this is the kicker, I was offered a cup of coffee....$0.75 a cup!!! I couldn't believe it.

Why does a $41K Saab get me service like a king yet a $44K Jeep gives me service like I'm a piece of garbage? I have owned Audis, BMWs, a Volvo, a Toyota and a Honda and I have never experienced such poor dealer service as I have with the Jeep. I will try some of the other dealers around town but I have a feeling it will be the same. That's what I get for buying American I suppose

I think you had a dealer problem, Not an "Amercian car" problem. Besides Jeeps are German anyway.

there are poor dealerships out there that dont care. I purchased my vehicle over an hour away from where I live. The service I recieved at my surrounding dealers was so bad I almost purchased from a competitor. The dealer I got my JC from was incredible. They went way out of their way to make me happy. Hopefully I dont have service issues because I would have to go through my local jeep. dont lose hope.

Even though I dont have my Commander as of yet...hopefully in the next couple of days the service I get from my dealer is really good (have a couple cars from him right now) so I guess it goes to show not all dealers are created equal. The smaller dealership I used to deal with was terrible and therefore that is why I am dealing with the current one.

Noticed a terrible vibration when A/C is on high. Went to dealer and they were backed up until Friday, so I pulled the blower and found a black piece of foam stuck to the blades. Removed foam and glue & it's good as new. Dealer would've said it wasn't covered by warranty.

edlv, post dealership name so others from Las vegas and future commander owners will have a heads up on that particular dealership. maximo

edlv, post dealership name so others from Las vegas and future commander owners will have a heads up on that particular dealership. maximo

Good point.
Integrity Jeep Chrysler @ 215 and Rainbow.

Why does a $41K Saab get me service like a king... That's what I get for buying American I suppose

G.M. owns saab... the 9-3 is a Malibu with better clothes :)

G.M. owns saab... the 9-3 is a Malibu with better clothes :)

More like the Malibu is a Saab since the Epsilon debuted with the Saab 93 and Opel Vectra in '03. The engine in a Saab is nothing like a Malibu and above all else it's never touched by any U Aint Working assembly line workers.

But you are right and over the years the GMness of Saabs will probably increase meaning this will probably be my last one.

Just happened to me at 3500 miles. Had the stereo up so loud that I couldn't hear it but the steering column started vibrating like a S.O.B. Truck goes into the shop Friday morning. Will see what they say.

OK, my first post! I just had to add my two cents on the dealership discussion. For the last 8 years, I also drove a Saab 900 SE Convertible, and was never less than thrilled with the service that I received from them. I don't know if it is something in their franchise agreement or not, but I have NEVER seen service with the integrity or genuine concern for their owners. It was extremely difficult NOT to buy another one, and having never owned a JEEP product before, I am "preparing" for the worst from the JEEP service department, and hoping to be surprised at the way the JEEP dealer hadles their customer satisfaction. If any of you are in the Dayton/Cincinnati area give em a holler. PS: the SAAB dealer is JUST SAAB if anyone is interested; they just became too GM for me to appreciate them. I guess I miss my Saab more than I thought.

Now, with regard to the thread - does the A/C blow cold air - I don't have anything to compare it to, but as the weather heats up, it just seems that I don't have any more than a vent - air just doesn't seem to be getting cold - even after driving for 30 to 45 minutes. Just wanted to see how others felt before going to the dealer and complaining about something that is normal in the Commander.

Thanks!~

My A/C gets downright chilly. (When it's not trying to shake the car apart.)

Do you set the fan position dial over to recirculate?

...I pulled the blower and found a black piece of foam stuck to the blades. Removed foam and glue & it's good as new...
Same thing with ours today. I could hear it from outside the truck it was so loud. Pulled it and found the tar/foam crap. Must be from the hot weather, it was over 87^f. today.
Still a slight vibration on high. Think it's from damage to the squirrel cage hitting the housing. I'll wait for a few more items then take it in.

Took mine in on Thursday, got it back the next day with a new blower. Nice and quiet and cool again.

Funny thing is a mechanic was standing next to the guy at the counter when I explained the problem, and without even seeing my vehicle he sighed and said "Is it a Commander?" He had one in a stall already for the same thing.

Oh well, ****e happens, and I still love my truck.

Dup

Have to give an update; called on Friday evening to my dealer and was informed that they would not be having their advertised Saturday service hours, and would be closed on Monday - I don't begrudge anyone a holiday. So, I am explaining to the employee in Service that I am concerned about the A/C and not being cold at all, and he then asked me whether I had a 2005 or a 2006! I about lost it! I said that I couldn't believe their service department didn't know that the Commander was a 2006 model! I am losing faith in the dealer before I even drop it off tinight for my first impression. Hopefully, I am pleasantly surprised, but from what I am hearing and reading, I may not even hope for the service that I got from my SAAB dealer!

I'll let you know once I get my truck back, and hoprfully fixed!

Andretti -- make sure you get all of the glue off the blade. If they're not absolutely clean it will still vibrate on high.

I am really beginning to re-think the Commander purchase! Took it in for service yesterday, and my FIVE STAR ELITE dealer's (for what that's worth) opinion of a comparable car to put me in (under the service contract) was a Neon. When I refused, they tried a Sebring, and after trying that, and THEM realizing that I couldn't even sit in the seat comfortably due to my height, finally put me in a CARAVAN! Comparable - I think not!

Service Advisor called this morning and the A/C has no Freon - said that they couldn't get the gasket in to replace after taking it off and putting flourescent dye int he Freon to check for leaks, and the best part is that DC service contract only covers 24 hours for a "loaner", and I will have to pick the truck up unless I want to pay for the additional day myself. I told them to work something out with DC or the owner of the dealership, as I was not going to pay one cent for the use of a car while mine is sitting waiting on parts with only 1300 miles on it! Then, they stated that I need a new wiring harness to deal with the "airbag warning light" illumination, and there is no possibility of having that part in until early to mid next week! I find it absolutely ridiculous that they can't get parts in for these things!

Ready to just leave it at the dealer and head back to the SAAB dealership that is 45 minutes each way to avoid having to deal with a JEEP dealer that is only 2 miles from my house! PLEASE tell me that service isn't like this everywhere. The advertising costs from DC should have been spent on supply chain management and a TRUE customer service!

I am rethinking my decision to purchase the truck, although I love it, minute by minute! If this is how they treat customers with a truck with 1400 miles, I can't imagine the struggles to get service once it is out of warranty.

I hope you all are having better luck than I am!

... Jeeps are German? Well Germans do not think of their Fords, or Opels as American. Neither do I think of my Jeep as German. Yes, my Mercedes is German, but what do you call a Toyata that is build in the USA? A Volkswagen that is build in Mexico, or Chrysler that is build in Canada? How many % of used parts qualify for you to be from where? They are all "world cars" these days if someone asks me, but my Jeep is an American :)

Had the same fan vibration problem, started the day before yesterday, I took it in yesterday and they had it sorted in about 45 mins and it humms along as smooth as silk now. My service manager told me it was "electrical tape" stuck to the fan blade. I'm sure he was just trying to gerealize the description to me....oh well, it was sorted very quickly at no charge to me and I'm happy enough.

Now, I just need to get that damn whistle noise fixed! LOL!!...I havent checked in on the forum for awhile and was unaware that others are having the problem....untill today...I'll do have them take care of it at the next oil change.

Wow! I had exactly the same problem. I thought it was a fluke but sounds like it is common. Though to be fair, my dealer fixed it within 2 hours no questions asked. They told me it was a chunk out of one of the fan blades putting it out of balance.

There is a TSB out that specifically addresses that issue.

Last week my fan started vibrating quite badly. Took it to dealer who diagnosed it as a bad blade from debris in it. Ordered totally new blower--2 days to get--2 hours to install. Blower has never been so quite. I'm very pleased. No hastles.

Well, I'm back with an update: still having A/C problems! After the third visit to fix the problem, and being told that the A/C is fixed, now the passenger's side A/C is at least 15 degrees warmer than the driver's side. The Service Department is now telling me that a baffle or "door" in the heater box must be sticking. Why can't I get the darn thing fixed? Hopefully, 4th time is a charm, because the third time didn't fix it!

Does this not fall under the lemon law? :confused: I know it varies from state to state.

I've had my first (hopefully last) TSB issue.

Driving along normal when suddenly steering wheel and dash began to vibrate and sounded like driving over a rumble strip. Turned the HVAC blower (fan) off and it stopped. I assume this is the TSB reference the tar mastic patch getting stuck on the blower motor fan wheel.

I'll call the dealer tomorrow and will post the results.

XKPearl

Yup, happened to me. Dealer replaced entire blower assembly (debris destroyed fan blade), and all's well now. (Even quieter than when new.)

If I understood the tech correctly, the tar mastic patch is used to seal a cowl stud. It appears that it can come loose when it's hot and will get stuck on the blower motor fan wheel. This out of balance will cause the entire fan motor to vibrate when on high speed shaking the dash and steering wheel.

A very minor problem that is easily corrected but it sure does sound like the bottom is falling out of the truck. Thankfully I recognized the problem as soon as it surfaced and was not overly alarmed but I feel sorry for anyone that was blindsided by this and thought their XK was falling apart.

It's good to stay informed,
XKPearl:)

I just had this happen to me too. My husband took it into the dealership and it turned out to be something that got sucked up into the fan. About a week later it happend again while I was driving home, but it stopped before I could take it back in.

Took the XK into the big city this AM to get the HVAC blower fixed. They gave me a Green XK 65th 4x4 as a loaner. I took care of some business in town and checked back at noon to see if it was ready. My contact was out for lunch and the info relayed to me was that they hit a snag. It may just be they were unable to clean up and reuse my blower and may need to order a new one. Regardless, I'm driving the new 65th Anniversary until mine is ready.

XKPearl

Is it me or does common sense tell the dealership that if this is a known problem that they should address BEFORE it occurs... God forbid a service department or DCX be proactive in keeping customers satifsied :rolleyes:

I got it fixed and it's good as new. Just like I thought, they were unable to clean up the blower motor and had to order a new one. I enjoyed the new 65th Anniversary loaner XK so I didn't mind them keeping mine in the shop an extra day. They took the extra time to get it squared away so I shouldn't have this issue again.

XKPearl:)

[QUOTE=DB_ONE]OK, my first post! I just had to add my two cents on the dealership discussion. For the last 8 years, I also drove a Saab 900 SE Convertible, and was never less than thrilled with the service that I received from them. I don't know if it is something in their franchise agreement or not, but I have NEVER seen service with the integrity or genuine concern for their owners. It was extremely difficult NOT to buy another one, and having never owned a JEEP product before, I am "preparing" for the worst from the JEEP service department, and hoping to be surprised at the way the JEEP dealer hadles their customer satisfaction. If any of you are in the Dayton/Cincinnati area give em a holler. PS: the SAAB dealer is JUST SAAB if anyone is interested; they just became too GM for me to appreciate them. I guess I miss my Saab more than I thought.

Now, with regard to the thread - does the A/C blow cold air - I don't have anything to compare it to, but as the weather heats up, it just seems that I don't have any more than a vent - air just doesn't seem to be getting cold - even after driving for 30 to 45 minutes. Just wanted to see how others felt before going to the dealer and complaining about something that is normal in the Commander.

Thanks!~ My wife has said the same thing about our new commander, We have had it a couple of weeks. She only drives it a few miles to work, it takes the a/c much longer than my f 150 or the lexus that we traded to cool the jeep, It never really seems that cold. I think I am going to take it back and let the dealership look at it. Todd

My wife has said the same thing about our new commander, We have had it a couple of weeks. She only drives it a few miles to work, it takes the a/c much longer than my f 150 or the lexus that we traded to cool the jeep, It never really seems that cold. I think I am going to take it back and let the dealership look at it. Todd

i thought the same thing about our AC. its not quite as cold as our other vehicles and takes forever to cool down. i mentioned this to someone and they said the reason it takes so long to cool is because there is so much more cubic feet of room to cool. that would make sense but i would think they would have designed it to compensate for that.
the air in my 10 year old truck is twice as good. if it were a 95 degree day i would probably leave the JC at home and take my truck.:confused:

As much as I hate to make this statement - the air in my XK is about the only thing that seems to work fine. I live in the Northwest Georgia area and we have had temps in the 100-110 range with high humidity - The A/C (for now) has worked very well. I do use the rear air to get the inside cooled faster but usually turn it off within about 15 - 20 minutes of driving.

Just started getting the noise when my fan is on high.....2,000 miles...Going to call dealership today

I live in Florida and it had been 90+ since I purchased the Commander. I haven't had any complaints about the A/C not getting cold, as a matter of fact, my passengers in the second row of seats asked me to turn the fan down, as it was too cold on them. I only have 1200 miles so far, so I guess I havent hit the 'problem' mark yet - we'll see.

man thats crasy the a/c on mine will freeze you out. i had a 98 tahoe i traded for the commander and the commander is by far a better vehicle. the tahoe was nothing but a nightmare on problems. both of them were black so they got pretty hot but the commander gets cold alot faster. about 1400 miles and god willing no problems yet. randall

well so far I havent had a problem with my jc except the wind noise but this was easily fixed on my jc by just adjusting the seal around the sunroof.
the dealer here in western australia has been fine and offers me any adivce i need.

I am a new owner of 06 commander with 50 miles and my ac/heater blower is vibrating real bad. I found out from here on the site that the blower has had problems with deading material falling into the fan. Well I took it back to the dealer an the dealer came back and said they have never heard about this problem. Well after showing them the discussion on this problem here on the site they got online and found out that Jeep recognized the problem and without even looking at my blower ordered me a new blower. Thanks for those that brought this problem up. :D

That's awsome. Welcome to the forum.

I am a new owner of 06 commander with 50 miles and my ac/heater blower is vibrating real bad. I found out from here on the site that the blower has had problems with deading material falling into the fan. Well I took it back to the dealer an the dealer came back and said they have never heard about this problem. Well after showing them the discussion on this problem here on the site they got online and found out that Jeep recognized the problem and without even looking at my blower ordered me a new blower. Thanks for those that brought this problem up. :D


Typical WASTE, why car dealers are going broke, insurance and warranty's cost so much. 10 minutes of work, removing a piece of tape with gook on it, and it is good as new, but instead of doing this they replace the whole assembly..... I wonder, what do they do with is?? ANy service reps want to inform us? If just seems like such a waste, and in the end we all pay for it....

I'm glad for you man, not griping at you, just how stupid and wasteful so much of the whole dealer/warranty thing is. Anyhow, welcome to the forum!

Typical WASTE, why car dealers are going broke, insurance and warranty's cost so much. 10 minutes of work, removing a piece of tape with gook on it, and it is good as new, but instead of doing this they replace the whole assembly..... I wonder, what do they do with is?? ANy service reps want to inform us? If just seems like such a waste, and in the end we all pay for it..
That seems to be the way of the future, or until there are no more resorces to use:(

well today I got tired of waiting for the dealer to call me when the new blower got in so I tried to fix it myself. Wow it was easy....took only 15 mins. max. All you need is a phillips screwdriver and a 20 torx. Took the blower off and I found about a 3 inch by 3 inch piece of sound deading in the fan. Took it out and cleaned the fan. Reinstalled and wolla brand new. Easy fix for something they were going to replace. Man 15 min and I am happy as can be.:D

Maybe we need to set up a school to teach mechanics to dealerships? john

well today I got tired of waiting for the dealer to call me when the new blower got in so I tried to fix it myself. Wow it was easy....took only 15 mins. max. All you need is a phillips screwdriver and a 20 torx. Took the blower off and I found about a 3 inch by 3 inch piece of sound deading in the fan. Took it out and cleaned the fan. Reinstalled and wolla brand new. Easy fix for something they were going to replace. Man 15 min and I am happy as can be.:D

That's awesome.

I have searched the forum and see where folks are having problems with things getting caught in the fan blade, but most were fixed at the dealer.

How hard is it to get to the fan blades as mine has started to make a noise? What is the best way to get at this problem.

peice of cake, its like 2 or three screws under the passenger side dash..i did mine

This TSB should includes general instructions on fixing the issue, with some details to be figured out:

http://www.xkjeeps.com/tsb/tsb_xk_2400707.pdf

ldc2335 - Can you provide details?

drop panel under passengerside dash panel.

i believer there are 1 or 2 harnesses to unplug

then like 3 or 4 screws to unscrew, then it just comes down..

tips: dont burn yourself on the courtesy light bulb down there...it tends to get hot

Thanks for all the help, blower mortor out and back in 15minutes. Only problem would be if you did not have the right driver to remove the fan motor screws. Found a 2'X2" peice of plactic with tar on it in the fan blades. Thanks also for the warning on the light, it did get me once before I removed it. Six screws in total to remove and replace to complete this job.

thats the same piece of tar i removed

thats the same piece of tar i removed
And the same piece that is in the TSB.

didnt read it, didnt need a tsb to tell me my blower was loud :rolleyes:

does it sound like the blades a just nipping a leaf or something?

My 07 just started doing this a couple weeks ago...she's still under waranty.

I should probably let them do it until the waranty expires huh.

I think you should so you will get the new design baffle screen mentioned in the T.S.B.

.............Rob

Well, I got into the underdash to look at this problem:

2 black screws on front to remove the cover panel and it pops out.
3 silver "star" screws to drop the blower motor and fan wheel and one electrical connector.
I also pulled the glove box to improve visibility:
- remove the pneumatic arm on the right side
- push down on the two stop bumpers on top and let it flop all the way down
- pop it off the hinge pins
I removed the courtesy light and shoved it up out of the way just to make things easier.

I found no debris and no plastic. But up inside the housing above the fan is a door flap that makes noise when I jiggle it - the same noise I hear when I'm driving. It's because of the fit of the door on its hinge so it appears to be a design flaw.

Has anyone else been up in there and found this?

I've just noticed an annoying little clicking that speeds up with the heater fan in my 06 Commander -- sounds like the classic leaf or somesuch getting into the fan through the air intake. For some reason it's louder when I have the system on 'recirc,' maybe because it lets the sound reverberate a bit more.

I pulled the panel on right end of dashboard, and dropped the glovebox to find the fan enclosed in a black plastic cylindrical unit that seems to divide in the middle (horizontally with steel and plastic clips, etc -- anybody got a schematic for easiest way to get into the fan to simply clean it out, or is this one I'm going to have to take to the dealer?

I thought about trying to move the leaf/debris around by putting my shop vac up to the various nearby air intakes...

tnx.

Craig/Commo

http://www.xkjeeps.com/tsb/tsb_xk_2400707.pdf (http://www.xkjeeps.com/tsb/tsb_xk_2400707.pdf)

5253, thanks -- that certainly describes my problem; glad to know there's a TSB on it.

I doubt they'll do it for free at my dealership if I'm out of warranty, eh?

tnx.

Craig/Commo

5253, thanks -- that certainly describes my problem; glad to know there's a TSB on it.

I doubt they'll do it for free at my dealership if I'm out of warranty, eh?

tnx.

Craig/Commo

I think TSB's are covered anytime, but maybe someone with more experience with these can advise.

TSB's are only free during the warranty period. A good dealer will ask his district service manager for a goodwill authorization depending on the custumer. If the custumer is a reasonably steady client to the dealer, the request is often granted and there are no charges to the custumer.
After Warranty, the TSB's are used to direct the tech and minimize time required for repair.

Many people confuse TSB's with Recalls.
A Recall is a different kettle of fish, inasmuch it has no end, and has no restrictions to how many owners the vehicle has had, and it must be performed at no charge.
Recalls are specific to safety, ie, fire, safety equipment malfunction/oversite, things of that nature.
.......Rob

Thanks for the clarification, that does make sense.

Robby, thanks. That's what I figured -- I doubt I'm a good enough customer to get a freebie from my dealer, as I've been lucky enough not to have to go there very often while I've had my Commander...;)

Anyone know how to pop open the fan assembly as it describes in the TSB to get the stuff out of there? I've done it on a couple other vehicles but this one is tucked up in there pretty well.

Craig/Commo

Wipers removal

http://item.slide.com/r/1/92/i/jJPhVJ8d4j8K5K4QTSNq7LmFTsule0Vy/

1. Lift the front wiper arm (1) to its over-center position to hold the wiper blade off of the glass and relieve the spring tension on the wiper arm to pivot shaft connection.
2. Carefully pry the plastic nut cap (2) off of the pivot end of the wiper arm.
3. Remove the nut (3) that secures the wiper arm to the wiper pivot shaft (4).
CAUTION: The use of a battery terminal puller when removing the front wiper arm is NOT recommended as this may damage the front wiper arm.


4. Use a slight rocking action to disengage the front wiper arm pivot end from the pivot shaft and remove the wiper arm.



Cowl removal

http://item.slide.com/r/1/92/i/KHRDulddwD_aYFLk0p3IqXi_J2HiycXw/

2. Remove the rear hood seal.
3. Separate the rear clips (3).
4. Remove cowl cover (2) from cowl.


Blower motor removal

WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury or death.


http://item.slide.com/r/1/92/i/BoQ5Z0pd6z_8FMNRvkSaY5VqnqsOIGNq/


NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.


1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the instrument panel silencer from the passenger side of the instrument panel.
3. Remove the glove box from the instrument panel (refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
4. Disconnect the blower motor wire harness connector (1) from the blower motor power module or resistor (2), depending on how equipped.
5. Remove the three screws (3) that secure the blower motor (4) to the HVAC housing (5).
6. Remove the blower motor from the HVAC housing.



And just in case... Glove box removal.


1. Separate the glove box damper rod (1) from the clove box by sliding the rod towards the rear of the vehicle to release it from the bin.


http://item.slide.com/r/1/92/i/MEE-_ut24j-VdVZwy0YK0usgsE33KvIj/


2. Open the glove box and carefully use fingers to press down glove box open stops at the top of the bin, downward to allow the glove box to rotate toward the carpet.
3. Rotate the box down and release the door hinges (2) at the bottom and remove the glove box.

http://item.slide.com/r/1/92/i/Vg64J3cZ4j97ZDSyS_1SikoyuIkQVpuK/



I'm sure you can put everything back together after, but if you think you want instruction too, let me know... Hope this helps you

Darn C.R.S. !

Did the t.s.b. say anything about a redesigned air inlet grill?
Specifically something about a second generation w/screening below slots?
I cant blame C.R.S. totally. I'm using wifes laptop and I can't figure out how to download a pdf file. Since its hers, I dare not muck it up.
Anyways, if a redesigned component is involved I certainly would recommend calling the dealer to see if a special policy exists relative to warranty extension.
And if there is a redesign, and the repair is on your dime, I'd sure get the new style part to prevent future heater motor visits.

Good luck,
.......Rob

Here you go Robby


This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of Chrysler LLC.
SUBJECT:
Noisy Blower Motor Due To Debris Ingestion
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a new air baffle screen to the air inlet opening under the
cowl grille.
MODELS:
2006 - 2008 (XK) Commander
2006 - 2008 (XH) Commander (International Markets)
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built prior to October 1, 2007 (MDH 1001XX)
without sales code JMA (factory installed air filter).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The vehicle operator may notice an objectionable sound from the glove box area when
blower motor is on. This is caused because the air baffle is not making a tight seal against
the air inlet opening, allowing debris to be pulled into the blower motor.
DIAGNOSIS:
Operate the blower motor in all speeds with windows closed. If the objectionable sound
can be detected perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
(1) 55037768AE Baffle, Air - Right Hand Drive
(1) 55037760AE Baffle, Air Door - Left Hand Drive
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Remove the cowl grille, Refer to the Service Information available in
DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT section 23 - Body/Exterior/Cowl Grille - Removal.
2. Remove and replace the air baffle screen (p/n 55037760AE LHD or 55037768AE
RHD).
3. Remove the blower motor, Refer to the Service Information available in
DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT section 24 - HVAC Service
Information/Distribution/Blower Motor - Removal.
NUMBER: 24-007-07
GROUP: Heating & A/C
DATE: November 20, 2007

Well, there is no description about what changed, so now we need input from a 08 owner.
So, to that owner, The air inlet cowl just below the windshield has only slots to stop debris from entering the H.V.A.C. system.
Does your 08 only have slots, or does it appear to have screening below the slots to stop any debris from entering.

WE AWAIT YOUR RESPONSE!! LOL
Thanks,
Rob

Crap, I'm falling apart here.
It does say new design has screen!
Get the new design, over!
.......Rob

great stuff! Thanks for the visuals!

Craig/Commo

Howdy, I have a 2008 and just today went out to the Commander and noticed a nasty buzzing noise coming from the blower fan. The noise is louder with the glove box open. Since it only has 4000 miles on it I will see if I can get the dealership to fix it for free and just ride the road bike tomorrow. Thanks for the info on the service bulletin.

Since I'm beyond warranty I'm going to drop the blower motor as shown and clean out the junk tomorrow morning (Saturday).. I'll report back..

tnx.

Craig/Commo

Dropped the Commander at the dealership this morning and they just called to say they are just going to drop in a new blower with the install being done tomorrow. I asked if it had been an issue with some sticky foam or plastic on the fan and they didn't really say but rather are just throwing a brand new motor in for me fully covered under warranty. So first dealership experience with warranty should be good. I might ask them to quote installing the BDS 2 inch lift I am interested in tomorrow when I pick it up. I just need to figure out my spare tire situation. I don't feel comfortable running without a spare and I need to figure out where to put a 255/75/17 Mud.

Success: On Sunday I followed the schematics and easily removed the fan from the bottom of the HVAC assembly that lives behind the glove box. It took about 30 minutes as I slowly removed the sound deadening panel beneath the box (and the box itself.)

Only potential gotcha: the three screws that hold the fan in the HVAC cylinder are Torx head screws, size 20. Luckily I have a set of Torx drivers, so no problem.

After discovering that, it was easy to remove the three screws, letting the fan drop vertically into the footwell.

Just as I suspected, there was a maple leaf seed/wing acting like the card in your bicycle spokes, causing the buzzing noise I was hearing.

A cleanup and a reach up into the plenum chamber to make sure no debris lingered was all it took... back to a silent fan.

Thanks to all who commented/helped!

Craig/Commo

The dealership just threw in a new fan for me and said the electric motor was shot. Anyway something for the 08 owners to be aware of. Maybe just a bad batch of motors got thrown into some Commanders. I figured it was some sticky foam or plastic but anyway warranty covered it now problem.

Did the blower motor removal procedure the other night as I had the vibration when you turned up the HVAC. Took about 20 minutes or so to get everything off/out. Noticed a few leaves and also a huge wad of seam sealer that must have come down from the firewall where it joins the windshield. Spent another 30 minutes goo gone-ing the squirrel cage to get all the goop off. Now, it's like brand new.

I must say, what a horsesh!t design DCX did for the cowl screen underneath the wiper assembly cover. The screen isn't even pressed flat to the plastic frame and then they plastic weld it with huge gaps. No wonder crap gets in there!!!

UPDATE - been running for two days now with no vibes. Can turn the speed to HI and no vibes or noises.

My 06 XK is making the card in the spokes sound as well... think I'll see if the dealership can fix i under warranty. This is obviously a common problem for XK owners.

I too have had this sound in my blower motor... it's like the card in the spokes sound. Guess I'll take it to the dealership and see if they'll fix the problem, it not, I'll just do it my damn self. :) This is obviously an ongoing and common problem for most XK owners.

I had this happen last night. It was driving me crazy. It sounded just like you have described. This morning I didn't hear a thing. I may need to swing by the dealer and have them check it out.

I was going to cover the outside cowl grille intake with some screening because of having to park under falling leaves. Does the interior air baffle screen provide the same protection? And/or could you recommend an exterior manufactured product for the cowl grille to block leaves or debris? Suggestions? Thanks.

My wifes jeep just started making noise.. This is when the ac is turned on.. I assume its the same part as you are talking about.. Mine almost sounds like a bushing in the motor but it could be debris.. I will take it out and see if I can see anything.. Are you guys replacing the whole motor? If so do you have a part number?

More often then not it is debris and cleaning it out is all that is needed, I don't think many actually replaced the motor.