While buying a Jeep at a dealership, you might find a list of features and buying options that you have to check off before having your purchase completed.
One of these options is called “Jeep air conditioning bypass”. Unfortunately, some people might check this option off or leave it unchecked without even knowing what this option even means.
Since it’s usually a free option in many dealerships, there must be a reason why you’re given the choice anyway. In fact, there are some advantages and disadvantages of having the A/C bypass in your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the Jeep A/C as well as common issues that you might come across, such as bypass pulley failure. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
What Does Jeep Air Conditioning Bypass Mean?
There has been a lot of confusion about what a Jeep air conditioning bypass actually means. In fact, there are some Jeep dealerships who might not even know what the term means exactly.
As a rule of thumb, a “bypass” for anything means the deletion of it. In other words, to say that you’ll get a Jeep air conditioning bypass means that you’ll simply have no A/C in the vehicle.
This option has the sales code 4XA, which can be found in various car brands, such as Jeep, Chrysler, and more.
For example, on the 2-door Jeep Wrangler version, the air conditioner is only available as an option if you get the Wrangler Sport “S package”. Checking the “bypass” options means to delete the Air conditioning.
Some Jeep owners believe that by bypassing the air conditioning, you’ll only change the system to let the outside air get inside without going through the air conditioning system itself.
What led some to believe this is because, years ago, there was a physical switch that you can flip to have a blower move the air inside the cabin while the outside air flows through the vents.
Since modern cars don’t have a way to let the outside air move through the vents, some owners used to bypass the air conditioning system.
However, a Jeep air conditioning bypass now means that the car will not have an A/C installed in the first place.
Instead, since there won’t be a compressor installed, the manufacturer directs the installation to the A/C bypass pulley.
The final say was confirmed upon contacting the FCA, which stated that an A/C bypass means no air conditioning in your vehicle.
How to Bypass the Air Conditioner in Your Jeep?
The easiest way to bypass the A/C in your Jeep is simply by locating the appropriate relay for the compressor under the hood and pull it. Another way to bypass the A/C is by having a shorter belt installed on the compressor.
However, these solutions may work as a temporary solution. The most efficient way to bypass the air conditioning in a jeep is by using a “bypass pulley”, but more on that later.
The Drawbacks of Bypassing Jeep Air Conditioning System
Now that you know what an A/C bypass means, it’s time you know whether having or removing it can affect you.
The only benefit of bypassing the Jeep A/C system is simply getting more power directed to the wheels, which is essential for a 4×4 vehicle. This can also be a life-saver in winter days, where the engine idles frequently.
However, bypassing the A/C also has its drawbacks. Here’s a quick look at some of these issues:
- You won’t be able to cool the cabin down in summer
- The compressor’s seals and gasket might dry out due to lack of lubrication
What is a Jeep A/C Bypass Pulley?
Some people opt for the Jeep air conditioning bypass during the winter by using a shorter belt instead. The primary purpose of manual A/C bypassing is, of course, squeezing a little more power from the engine.
This does help the car to perform better, especially during the winter. However, since this system acts as a temporary solution, it can sometimes fail.
Also, leaving the compressor for some time will pose some issues when you hook it up again in summer. A better fix to this problem is using the A/C bypass pulley.
The A/C bypass pulley is a free-spinning pulley system that manufacturers use to replace the A/C compression on the engine of the Jeep. It’s a relatively affordable and more efficient way to fix the problem.
This one works by spinning with less resistance when compared to a stock A/C.
What Does a Failing Bypass Pulley Mean?
If you already have a bypass pulley that fails, this might be due to wear and tear problems. However, if it doesn’t start at all, this is usually an indication of improper installation.
If you start hearing squealing or grunting noises coming from the engine, this might be due to the following issues with the pulley:
- The belt is unsuitable or installed incorrectly
- Damaged bearings inside the pulley
What Are the Consequences of Jeep A/C Bypass Pulley Failure?
Continuous system failure will lead to the breakage of the serpentine belt. When that happens, you’ll notice that the engine produces a lot less power to the accessories, such as the pump and the alternator.
When that happens, you should consider fixing it as soon as possible because continued use with a pulley failure will further minimize the power output and heavily impact your fuel efficiency.
Wrap Up
There you have it! A quick guide that walks you through everything you need to know about the Jeep air conditioning bypass.
As you can see, the air conditioning bypass in a Jeep means that it won’t have an A/C compressor installed in the vehicle.
The main advantage of an A/C bypass is that it can give the vehicle a little push in terms of power, which is why some people try to bypass the A/C in the winter.
However, an A/C does more than just cooling the cabin. It can also regulate the humidity inside the vehicle, which is essential for defogging the windshield.