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Smell from vents when AC is off.

23K views 60 replies 18 participants last post by  cain45 
#1 ·
I only had my jeep about 5 months. During the summer I mostly had the AC on. I personally like to drive with AC off, moonroof open and windows cracked. The past week or so the temp and humidity has dropped here in NY, so I'm able to drive with the windows open and the AC off. I noticed that there is a bit of a muggy smell coming from the vents with the fan blowing and AC off. When I turn the AC on it pretty much goes away. Does anyone else have this problem or know what I'm talking about. Is there something I could do? My last car I would put the fans on hi and spray a few shots of Lysol in the vent at the bottom of the windshield where the intake is and that would prevent mold/mildew from growing. Is this a good thing to do?
 
#2 ·
You can get some Vent spray from advanced auto parts. I actually bought it today because I was experiencing some odor from my vents and all you do is spray inside the vents with it and let it sit for a day with the Fan Off. And they say that the odor will go away. Also check your Cabin Air Filter.
 
#3 ·
Yeah I'm coming up on 6 months now and I was considering changing the cabin filter soon.
 
#6 ·
scott can you take a pic of where that is?

---------- Post added at 04:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------

All Grand Cherokee WJ series models (1999-2004) and the new WK series (2005-up) feature a housing for installation of a cabin air filter. No models have ever come with the filter as standard, it must be purchased as a Mopar aftermarket accessory and installed under the front cowl.




---------- Post added at 04:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:40 PM ----------



Location of cabin air filter (under hood, passenger side), shown without the filter cover installed. Note: 1999-2004 model shown, 2005-up WK filter is in same location
 
#7 ·
You mean it doesn't come from the factory with the filter??? I don't smoke or anything.
 
#8 ·
To keep cabin air quality at its best, filters should be replaced generally once a year or every 15,000 miles. Filters can be changed at 2 years/24,000 miles if mostly used in a cleaner environment (less driving on dusty roads and trails for example). Regularly changing cabin air filters also can reduce build-up of debris and bacteria on the evaporator core of your car’s air conditioning and ventilation system, maximizing the life of the system. Cabin air filters stop most airborne particles, and to some extent are capable of reducing mild odors.

---------- Post added at 04:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:42 PM ----------

http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_cabinair.htm
 
#15 ·
To keep cabin air quality at its best, filters should be replaced generally once a year or every 15,000 miles. Filters can be changed at 2 years/24,000 miles if mostly used in a cleaner environment (less driving on dusty roads and trails for example). Regularly changing cabin air filters also can reduce build-up of debris and bacteria on the evaporator core of your car’s air conditioning and ventilation system, maximizing the life of the system. Cabin air filters stop most airborne particles, and to some extent are capable of reducing mild odors.

---------- Post added at 04:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:42 PM ----------

http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_cabinair.htm

Maybe the later years they started to install them, but in my2005 it wasnt there from the factory..I installed mine
 
#11 ·
I really need to order that kit for mine.

I noticed the exact same thing with mine today. First time I switched the heating/fan on for the last 3 months - mainly because it was steaming up with the very heavy rain.

I'll get some vent spray and try that, now Winters coming heating is good!
 
#13 ·
There is a TSB for the funk but it only covers 05-07 .. maybe you can point it out to your dealer I've dealt with this smell before and it disappeared under warranty. I've had the filter since and no more stank.
 
#16 ·
I think it's normal when going from a/c to ambient air to have that smell. I've noticed on any vehicle i've owned. I think it's cause the dryer for the a/c has an odor neutralizer. So you go from air that is dry and completely odour free to ambient air which a little of both,so you notice it.
 
#17 ·
Yeah 05wkguy, I was thinking something like that. I just don't like to run the AC if I don't have to. But this auto climate control turns on the AC when it's in auto. I'll try the cabin filter and sray...
 
#20 ·
I don't smoke anything anymore. LOL That was my later teen early 20's days. Do you guys run the AC much? Mine was on all summer and now that it's cooler out I take it off auto and turn the AC off and I smell it. But I'm sensitive to oder like that. Maybe the evaporator in the AC isn't drying all the way or something. I'll remote start it with the head for 10 min and see if that helps.
 
#22 ·
Do you still run it everyday?
 
#24 ·
Try turning the AC off and running the fan. Thats when it comes. When the AC is on I don't smell it.
 
#26 ·
you need to stop farting in your jeep!
 
#27 ·
don't do that either Alex... LOL
 
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