It's been cold (15-20deg) here lately. When I crank it in the morning the exhaust is super rich, almost smells like raw fuel. Is this normal for the 3.7l? After it warms up the exhaust does not smell.

Also, the cold idle speed doesn't seem to be any different than warm idle speed! (Makes for a slow warm-up...) What is the normal cold idle speed?

2010 H3, 90k

 

It is called cold start strategy. Your H3 has no EGR, instead it uses VVT, a rich fuel mixture, and a spark change. The whole idea with modern fuel injected vehicles is to start and run ready to go in whatever cold/hot environment. Warm up is accomplished while driving. No need for a high idle other than maybe the first few seconds after it is started.

So I think what you are describing is normal.


15-20 ??? we are wearing loafers with no socks here at that temp. Cold is subjective.

 

The Doctor has this one right for sure. My '06 H3 runs so rich when it`s cold that on a cold still morning the neighbours complain and it makes their eyes water. That`s after idling for about 5 minutes. I even threw the scan tool on it to make sure everything was copacetic. BTW my cold is about the same as Docs. This happened at about 0°F. No need to let your vehicle warm up for a long period of time, just long enough to keep the inside of the windshield from frosting up.

 

I'm in Michigan as well. I just turn it on and drive off in the morning.