1992 Jeep Wrangler Burning Smell Coming From A/C Vents

Reader Question Hello Austin –

I am the original owner of a 1992 Jeep Wrangler Renegade. It had a 4.0 L engine, automatic transmission with 170,000 mi. After I bought the Jeep I had the dealership install A/C. I have never had a problem with the A/C with the exception of the past 2-3 weeks. Approx. 2-3 weeks ago, I would get a slight smell like something electrical was burning when I would run the A/C at high speed. This smell would go away when I brought the A/C back down to low.

Yesterday, I turned the A/C on and the burning smell was excessive so I shut the A/C unit off. When I attempted to turn it back on, the A/C would not work.

What part do you think most likely burned out- switch, blower fan or some other part?

Thank you for your attention!
Ron

Howdy Ron

That’s a great question….but I really can’t answer it. I would want to run some tests on the blower motor and the blower motor resister to see what the amperage draws are when you have high speed selected. I would visit the dealership or your local mechanic and get them to smell it to make sure it is safe to operate and not a potential fire hazard.

I would however want to take a look under the passenger floor mat up under the dash and make sure it was not wet. When the heater core leaks, it drips antifreeze inside the dash of the vehicle on the passenger side. When you run the a/c blower you will pick up the smell of this antifreeze leak, and it usually smells sweet and has an oil base feel to it. The local mechanic can check this for you for free while you wait as well.

Blessings,

Austin Davis