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Jeep Wrangler TJ 2003 repair manual download

Tools needed
- Phillips screwdriver (PH2) — correct size, magnetic bit preferred.
- 7mm and 8mm sockets + ratchet, 3–6" extension, universal joint.
- Flat pry tool / plastic trim tool (to remove panels without breaking clips).
- Needle-nose pliers.
- Multimeter and/or 12V jumper leads for bench-testing.
- Flashlight or headlamp.
- Small shop vacuum or compressed air (cleaning).
- Safety gear: eye protection, gloves.
- Optional: penetrating oil, magnetic pickup tool.

Parts commonly required
- Replacement blower motor assembly (make sure it’s for Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997–2006 or your specific year). Buy motor with fan wheel attached if possible.
- Blower motor resistor (inspect — replace if flaky or burned).
- Any damaged screws/fasteners or foam gasket if torn.

Safety precautions
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, key out of ignition.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal before starting to avoid shorts and accidental blower operation.
- Wear eye protection when working under dash and when using compressed air.
- If bench-testing the motor with 12V, keep hands and tools clear of the spinning fan; secure the motor so it cannot move.

Step‑by‑step replacement (Jeep TJ passenger-side blower motor)

1) Preparation
- Disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Move passenger seat back for more room. Put a rag down to collect dropped hardware.

2) Remove lower dash/kick panel
- Use Phillips screwdriver or 7mm socket to remove screws holding the passenger lower panel / kick panel (several screws/clips). Pry out any plastic clips with trim tool gently.
- Remove glove box if needed (two screws at bottom and squeeze side tabs). Set panels aside.

How the tools are used: use the correct screwdriver bit, hold perpendicular to screw to avoid cam-out. Use the ratchet + extension for recessed screws — short strokes help in tight space.

3) Locate blower motor
- The blower motor is behind the kick panel on the passenger footwell, in a round housing with a 2- or 3-wire connector and often near the resistor.

4) Unplug electrical connector(s)
- Disconnect the blower motor electrical plug by depressing the tab and pulling straight out. Use needle-nose pliers only if clips are stiff (grip on the connector housing, not the wires).
- If you will replace/respectively inspect the resistor, unplug that as well.

5) Remove mounting screws
- There are typically 3 screws (Phillips or 7mm/8mm bolts) holding the blower assembly to the HVAC housing. Support the blower wheel with one hand or a rag while removing the last screw to prevent it dropping.
- If screws are corroded, apply penetrating oil and let sit a few minutes. Use a magnetic driver or bit-holder to prevent dropping screws into the duct.

How the tools are used: use a socket + extension for tight angles; a universal joint helps reach oblique angles. Keep the ratchet head in a position that prevents slipping and strip-out.

6) Remove blower motor assembly
- Pull the assembly out of the housing. Note orientation and foam gasket condition. If the gasket is damaged, replace or transfer it to the new motor.

7) Inspect and clean
- Inspect the blower wheel for debris, broken fins, or bearing play. Vacuum or blow-out any leaves/dirt from the housing. Check the blower motor resistor and connector for corrosion or heat damage.

8) Bench-test the old/new motor (optional but recommended)
- To verify failure, bench-test the old motor before disposing: connect 12V positive to the motor power terminal and negative to the motor housing/ground. If it doesn’t spin or runs rough/noisy, it’s bad.
- To test the new motor, do the same on the bench. Secure the motor, connect jumper leads to the two terminals (observe polarity not critical for direction but ensure firm connections), and verify smooth operation.
- Safety: keep fingers and tools away from the spinning fan.

9) Transfer any fittings / fit new gasket
- If the new motor didn’t come with the foam gasket, transfer the old gasket if intact. Confirm the fan wheel orientation and that new motor wheel spins freely.

10) Install new blower motor
- Insert motor into the housing in the same orientation as the old one. Start screws by hand to ensure alignment.
- Tighten screws snug — do not over-torque (plastic housing can crack). Aim for “firm hand-tight” (roughly 2–4 ft‑lbs); final seating should be snug and even.

How the tools are used: use socket/ratchet or screwdriver; small, controlled turns to avoid stripping. Use magnetic bit to keep screws from falling.

11) Reconnect electrical connector(s)
- Plug in the blower motor connector. Apply a tiny dab of dielectric grease on the terminals if connectors were corroded or to prevent future corrosion.

12) Reassemble panels
- Reinstall glove box / lower kick panel and fasteners. Ensure clips engage fully.

13) Reconnect battery and test
- Reconnect negative battery terminal.
- Start vehicle (or turn key to accessory) and cycle blower through all speeds. Listen for smooth operation and no rubbing/squealing. Check all speeds — if high works but low doesn’t, suspect resistor or blower control.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Stripped screws: use the correct bit/socket size, magnetic driver, and put light penetrating oil on corroded screws first.
- Dropping screws into HVAC duct: use magnetic tools, work over a rag, or use a magnetic pickup tool.
- Breaking trim clips or panels: use plastic pry tools and remove screws first; store clips so you can reuse them.
- Forgetting to transfer/replace gasket: results in air leaks and noise. Always inspect gasket.
- Installing wrong motor: ensure replacement motor matches TJ fitment and has compatible mounting tabs, plug, and wheel direction.
- Not testing full speed range after install: resistor or control module may also be bad — test all speeds.
- Over-tightening screws: can crack housing plastic; tighten snug only.
- Damaging connector pins: pull on the connector housing, not wires.

When to replace blower resistor
- If blower works on high but not low speeds, or only one or two speeds work, replace blower motor resistor (mounted in duct with two screws). When you replace the motor, inspect resistor and harness for heat damage and replace if corroded.

Final checks
- Confirm no abnormal noise, wobble, or rubbing at any speed.
- Confirm HVAC vent airflow is restored and blower speeds operate correctly.
- Clean any debris from the housing to prevent premature wear on the new motor.

Done.
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