White smoke at cold start - possible causes?

TDIRyan

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Location
Memphis, TN
TDI
02 Jetta TDI Black
Well, I'm getting some white smoke on cold starts for about 10 seconds after starting ever since the dealer "fixed it" last thursday - what are some possible causes of this?
 

gardentender

RIP, Gone But Not Forgotten
Joined
Feb 17, 2000
Location
Dullest Texxus
TDI
Jetta GL 5 spd, 2001, Galactic Blue
Black smoke means the conclave of Cardinals hasn't reached an agreement yet.

White smoke means a pope has been elected.
 

rdkern

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 21, 2004
Location
Humboldt Co CA
TDI
Passat 1997 silver (sold after 11 years), Jetta 2000 atlantic blue
What did they "fix".

Items possible - retarded timing, glow plug/harness issues (if weather cold), low quality fuel, sudden cold snap.
 

VWWV

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 9, 2003
Location
Florida and WV
TDI
passat 96, candy white
Another Classic from Gardentender! Made my day!! Man, you should be writing for Jay Leno. Paul
 

BeetleGo

TDIClub Enthusiast, Pre-Forum Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 21, 1998
Location
Cambridge, MA
TDI
5-door, 5-speed Golf GLS replaced BeetleGo.
Hey Ryan,

This really is a classic newbie question. Is it by any chance cold out when this white smoking happens?

If so, and we're just talking about when you first start up in the morning (i.e. cold engine start up) this is totally, completely, absolutely, utterly, manifestly NORMAL behavior. Using a fuel additive and/or some biodiesel will reduce it.

If this is all we're talking about, the dealer has some serious explaining to do - like why they tried to 'fix' completely normal behavior.

Welcome to the club. (please read the FAQ in this section)

~BeetleGo
 

gardentender

RIP, Gone But Not Forgotten
Joined
Feb 17, 2000
Location
Dullest Texxus
TDI
Jetta GL 5 spd, 2001, Galactic Blue
awww, Beetlego, you're NO fun.
obviously sober and serious.
come back when yer, uh, bettur.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
It even says in that big book* they gave you with the car that some smoke after cold start is normal.

*owner's manual
 
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