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Do Jeep Wranglers have Air Conditioning? [Detailed Answer]

Andrea Barbuti

March 17, 2023

Air conditioning did not become standard on Jeep Wranglers until the YJ model year, which was released in 1986. The initial model of this type offered an optional air conditioning system.

You have the option of purchasing a higher-end model that already has an air conditioner fitted, or you may purchase an aftermarket air conditioning system. In addition, each of these heating and air conditioning kits came with features for use during the colder months.

Even in modern times, consumers have the option of purchasing a Jeep Wrangler with or without an air conditioning system according on their preferences. It seems inconceivable that any other automobile could exist without air conditioning being an integral component of the vehicle.

But for a rough and gritty huge adventurer like Jeep, this is something that is completely understood. Do Jeep Wranglers in fact come equipped with air conditioning? The correct response is “yes.” The decision is mostly in your hands.

A Brief History of the Jeep Wrangler Air Conditioning

The first Jeep Wrangler was manufactured in 1940, and its sole purpose at the time was to serve as a military vehicle. The CJ model did not become available to the general public until the year 1945. The first Jeep Wrangler model to be offered with air conditioning as an optional feature was produced in the year 1986.

Today’s Jeep Wranglers can be found with or without air conditioning, depending on the model. You have complete control over the situation. If you have your heart set on a certain model of Jeep but are disappointed to learn that it does not come standard with air conditioning, you may still be able to add it at a later date.

Jeep Wrangler YJ

The Jeep Wrangler YJ was produced between 1986 and 1995, making it a relic of the past. Air conditioning was available but not required. A/C installation is an option, or you might go for a more expensive model that comes with air conditioning.

If you enjoy antiques, you can try to track down one of these earlier models. In other words, you can easily install an aftermarket A/C system kit into your vintage beast if it doesn’t already have one.

However, all YJs came with a standard heating option so that you wouldn’t have to endure the same level of discomfort during the colder months. The Jeep Wrangler YJ calls for R134a refrigerant instead of the more common R12.

Jeep Wrangler TJ

The Jeep Wrangler TJ debuted in 1997, and it remained in production until 2006. The TJ came standard with air conditioning and had air vents in the driver’s and passenger’s seats. Unfortunately, people at the rear were left to rely on the natural flow of air rather than individual vents.

Jeep Wrangler JK

Production of the Jeep Wrangler JK began in 2007, and it lasted until 2017. The air conditioner worked, however the vents were at the front and not anywhere else. This meant that the front-seat driver and passenger could cool off, but those sitting in the back had to rely on the air conditioning.

Jeep Wrangler JL

Two-door and three-door variants of the Jeep Wrangler JL are available. While the four-door model comes standard with air conditioning, the two-door does not.

Testing of the AC cabins of the JL and JK revealed a temperature difference of up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit between the two vehicles, despite the fact that the JL’s air conditioning quality is fairly identical to that of the JK. The JL’s air conditioning is an improvement over the JK’s.

Undoubtedly, the JL air conditioning system has undergone substantial revisions since its first release. In addition, the Jeep Wrangler JL has a Max AC option that makes the most of your vehicle’s air conditioning system. The only negative is that the front cooling motor becomes very loud when this additional function is used. There have been numerous reports of dissatisfaction from JL owners due to this noise.

Conclusion

The vast majority of Jeep Wranglers are equipped with an optional air conditioning system. This is primarily in keeping with the rough and rugged image of the hulk personality that a Wrangler brings with them.

Nevertheless, in order to appreciate any experience, one needs to have a certain level of comfort. There are several models of the Wrangler that do not come standard with an air conditioning system, although it is possible to have one added by a third party.

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