The Grand Cherokee is notorious for failures of the air flow control. However the Cherokee has the same basic problem. The blend door has a tendency to break, killing control over air flow through the heater core. The fix is fairly simple with the kit from HeaterTreater. Check the product at heatertreater.net.
No, the XJ Cherokee does not have the same heater box as a WJ Grand Cherokee.
No, it is not required. You can remove it and splice the heater hoses together.
Check your local junk yards.
No, the entire dash has to be removed.
I wouldn't replace it, just fix it. Check heatertreater.net for information on how.
The wiring connector is melted. Check wjjeeps.com for pictures and a solution.
No, the XJ Cherokee does not have the same heater box as a WJ Grand Cherokee.
The HeaterTreater is an after market kit that solves heater and AC for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Laredo. It is much cheaper than the dealership fix and is easy to install. For diagnosis and info, check out www.heatertreater.net or search eBay for "heatertreater".
There are several things that can cause heater problems in your 1998 Jeep Grain Cherokee. The most common cause of heater problems is low fluid in your cooling system.
Do you live in an area that you need your heater?
heater vent will not readjust to any position
check the fuse or the ground on the heater
The heater core is inside the hvac housing behind the dash.
If its the fan speed your talking about its likely that the speed controller on the fan is broken and had its days
About $600
Yes
The heater core has no gasket. If it is leaking, it must be replaced.