I've noticed that when I turn on the AC there's a musty smell leaving the vents.
It smells like mildew or cat pee. It goes away after about 5 minutes.
What could be causing this?
Could there be standing water in a duct somewhere that can be cleaned?

Thanks,
Rick

It needs to be cleaned.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_fix_...air_conditioner

Its just the Cabin Air Filter. Check behind your glove box.

Cleaning, filter? Ya any/all might help but what causes this?

One thing I've seen over the years that's brings this on is shutting off the car with the air still on.

If the compressor is shutoff 5 min. or so before shutting the engine down while allowing the circulation fan to run, this will dry out the duct work and blower box.

Mold tends to grow more if the unit is shut off cold due to condensation.

Just a suggestion but one I've done for years that works.

Great suggestions!

1. I'll see if I can figure out how to clean out the drain.

2. I'll check the Cabin Air Filter behind the glove box.
( can I get a replacement at the Dealer?)

3. I'll turn off the AC when I pull into my development and let the air dry out
the condensation.

Thanks everyone,
Rick

There or at most general auto parts stores.

Dear nashbuzz,

The drain from the heater & AC coil box in the Santa Fe is famous for getting clogged with mold. This is an easy fix.

1) Using dikes or shears and a metal coat hanger, cut the bottom 'leg' of the wire triangle.
2) Drive your Santa Fe up on some car ramps...the cheap Rhino ramps are about $20 and rated for 5,000 lbs.
3) Run your air conditioner for 2-3 minutes and turn off engine. This is to cause the water drip to start to locate the drain hose easier.
4) Crawl under, find the hose outlet, carefully run the coat hanger wire ream up and down a few time. Be careful you are not directly under, or you will get moldy drip water on you.
5) Severe cases may require a mild, repeat mild bleach solution in the heater box. This can be accomplished without complete disassembly with a turkey baster, a drip rag, and 1 quart of solution 1 part household bleach: 4 parts water. You will be working under the dash board on the passenger side on your back. The goal is to disconnect the inlet duct bellows, fill the turkey baster with dilute bleach solution, turn the baster tip up and bring your drip rag, and slowly inject the bleach solution into the heater box inlet one baster full at a time to wash out the mold residue in the heater box. You will likely need to use the full quart of solution. You want the drain hose to run clear to confirm that you got all of the mold out. Reconnect the inlet duct bellows. Be very careful to avoid drips over your carpet.

Byron