That is probably the control panel. Don't know why but they seem to have a fairly high failure rate. You can probably find a good one for a lot less cash at a salvage yard. Save your knobs...people snatch them up at the salvage yard all the time.
Leaking heater core
Check that the linkage that controls the damper is connected and working. The linkage is just above the gas pedal.
Vent bypasses heater core when open,it is for outside air only...I know this because I just replaced heater core.
Heater CORE, not coil. The core is plugged and needs back flushing or replacement.
Because your jeep wrangler is over heating, you must have a sensor in the dash not working If that smoke is steam, the heater core is leaking and in need of replacement.
smoky mist coming from the heater vents.
The heater may not be on - but the fan still blows air through the vents when they're open !
There are heater doors on the heat blower box that direct the path of the heat. Apparently the heater door to the floor vents is stuck closed.
you need a new car
heater fan broken.
Your heater core is leaking, Need to REPLACE HEATER CORE.
Leak in heater core. Replace core.