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2022 Telluride Cabin & Engine Air Filter Replacement

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:11 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Kia Telluride SX

Hi everyone,

I own a 2022 Kia Telluride SX and I'm starting to notice a slight musty smell coming from the vents, especially when the AC first kicks on. Also, the airflow seems a bit weaker than it used to be. I'm thinking it might be time to replace the cabin air filter. I haven't changed it since I bought the car new.

On a related note, I'm also considering changing the engine air filter. The car has about 25,000 miles on it now. Is this something that's easy to do myself on the Telluride, or are there any hidden fasteners or tricky parts? I'd rather save some money and do it myself if it's straightforward.

Any tips or recommended brands for the filters would be great! Thanks in advance.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:11 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's excellent that you're proactively thinking about your air filters for your 2022 Kia Telluride SX! Both the musty smell and reduced airflow are classic indicators that your cabin air filter is clogged, and 25,000 miles is a perfect time to consider replacing both filters.

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

  1. Cabin Air Filter:

    • Function: Filters dust, pollen, pollutants, and odors from the air entering your vehicle's cabin through the HVAC system.
    • Symptoms of Clog: Musty smell, reduced airflow, increased fan noise, poor defrosting.
    • Location: Typically located behind the glove box. On most Kia models, you'll need to open the glove box, unclip or unscrew the dampener arm on the right side, and then push in on the sides of the glove box to release it from its hinges. This will expose the filter housing cover, which usually has clips to open it.
    • DIY Difficulty: Very easy. No special tools are usually required, just careful handling of the glove box components.
    • Frequency: Generally recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or once a year, depending on driving conditions and environment.

  2. Engine Air Filter:

    • Function: Filters air entering the engine, protecting it from dirt, dust, and debris, which can cause wear and reduce performance.
    • Symptoms of Clog: Reduced fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, check engine light (less common for just a dirty filter, but possible if severely restricted).
    • Location: Inside a plastic air filter box under the hood, usually near the front of the engine.
    • DIY Difficulty: Easy. Typically involves unclipping a few metal clips around the perimeter of the air filter box and lifting the lid to access the filter. No tricky parts or hidden fasteners are common for this component.
    • Frequency: Generally recommended every 30,000 miles or every 2-3 years, but inspect it annually. If you drive in dusty conditions, check and replace it more often.

  3. Recommended Brands: OEM Kia filters are always a safe bet. Aftermarket options from reputable brands like Wix, Mann-Filter, Bosch, or K&N (for engine air filter, if you prefer a reusable type) are also good choices. Ensure you get the correct part number for your 2022 Telluride SX.

  4. When to See a Shop:

    • If you find any other issues while accessing the filters (e.g., damaged housing, signs of rodent activity).
    • If you're uncomfortable with the simple steps involved, though these are typically among the easiest maintenance tasks.
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