2010 2.4 Liter Non-Turbo Engine - Exhaust odor briefly at start up.

[packetfire]

Weird... start the car, get a whiff of exhaust.

But it goes away in seconds.

Cold car, warmed up engine, car that's been driven for hours, and stopped at a rest stop - all the same.

I know that the climate control system wants to default to "Automatic" on the air re-circulation, but why should there be ANY exhaust smell at the front of the car, even briefly?

Can't be evap or pvc - no codes from the car at all. Has to be the manifold... but how to find the leak? Maybe a non-contact thermometer to look for the hottest area on an otherwise cold engine and exhaust manifold?

Any suggestions for the 2.4 liter 5-cylinder?

[scot850]

Check the exhaust manifold nuts are tight.

Has a exhaust manifold gasket blown?

What is the condition of the downpipe flex hose.

Are you sure it is exhaust and not a leaking heater core?

Neil.

[jonesg]

the aft cat flange joint is prone to leak at startup.