Why does my Jeep Cherokee’s AC smell bad — is the cabin air filter clogged?

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Why does my Jeep Cherokee’s AC smell bad — is the cabin air filter clogged?

Lately, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee’s AC blows air with a musty o r bad smell, especially after starting the car. Someone told me it could be due to a clogged cabin air filter. I haven’t replaced it since importing the vehicle last year. Given Pakistan’s dusty climate, how often should the cabin filter be changed, and can it really affect air quality and AC performance this much?

Talha Kyanii asked on 15 Oct 2025 15:21:41 pm

1 Answer

11 views |

Gari Master - on 15 Oct 2025 15:22:41 pm

Yes, a clogged o r dirty cabin air filter is the #1 cause of bad AC smell in Jeep Cherokee and most modern vehicles. In Pakistan’s climate, the filter traps:

Dust

Pollen

Moisture

Mold o r bacteria especially during monsoon

This leads to a musty o r rotten smell when AC is turned on.

🔧 Solution:

Replace the cabin air filter every 8,000–12,000 km o r once a year in Pakistan.

Clean the AC ducts with an anti-bacterial spray available from brands like STP o r Liqui Moly.

Avoid turning off the car with the AC on — run the fan for 1–2 minutes before shutting down to dry out the system.

👉 A clean cabin air filter improves air quality, reduces allergens, and prevents AC blower strain.