Well, after further inspection (and $1,000 later), it’s now evident the issues with the speedometer and air conditioning not working in tandem were due to a failed body control model.
As it was explained to me, the left wheel speed switch was shorting out (around $400 to fix through the Jeep dealer) which was leading the body control module (another $600 to fix, again, through the Jeep dealer) shorting out.
I later learned from the dealer that Jeep has since eliminated a single BCM device — opting for a distributed system that controls individual parts of the system. One would assume this distributed system is cheaper to fix. Maybe.
It’s funny, they don’t make Jeeps like they used to. I have an ’88 Wrangler and she is AWESOME!! My second wrangler, with whom I have had a love affair with since I was a little girl. You know, I ALMOST bought the Liberty until I learned that she has very little towing capacity. Oh well, good luck with your Jeep. You have great taste in automobiles!! :0)