I did put a new and expensive charcoal cabin air filter in the car and it did nothing for the fumes. Going to take it to one more recommended mechanic before I say that I'm just going to live with it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for the help.

 

You never answered this.

Not sure why you changed the HVAC filter.

 

Thanks. It was dirty so I changed it. Also, I thought I should eliminate everything before I take it back in to the other mechanic.

Plus, I read this: "Not correct, if marketing information is to be believed, anyway. I don't think I'm disagreeing with Mikey, per se. IF the fumes are originating in the engine bay, say exhaust leak, or oil dripping on the hot bits or what have you, and IF you have a properly-installed, quality activated charcoal HVAC filter, and IF your plenum seals aren't knackered, THEN you should not be getting doused with sensible fumes in the cabin on startup."

I thought maybe, just maybe, a dirty filter, a cheap filter, or no filter at all could allow what I'm smelling in. Not the case.

I did start it up and did not smell anything that I am smelling inside the cabin when the hood was up. Just baffling...

Thanks for the continued help.

 

This points back to contaminated HVAC system. There are sprays available that will kill the mould.

https://www.amazon.ca/Interdynamics-.../dp/B000UHD74E

 

Thank you. Great suggestion. In your opinion, does it still point back to contamination if the smell is gone after a minute or so and only on a very cold start?

 

Yes and yes. I had this very condition on a former car.

 

Was the odor that you were trying to remove musty or something else? I feel like mine is exhaust but this is definitely worth a shot.

Thank you for the suggestion.

 

Musty. moldy, stinky runners.

 

I tried the HVAC cleansing...smells nice and lemony but at first start up, I still
smell the exhaust/oily odor.

 

Still sounds like (say) oil drip onto exhaust.

 

That should be noticeable outside the car and would only be present after the exhaust has warmed a bit, not immediately after engine start.

 

Ok. I thought if it seeped out overnight it could be there ready to create the smell.