Blue Smoke in the morning

[Rhino]

Hi everyone I'm new to this so bear with me. I have a V6 TDi passat estate 53 plate done 38k. In the mornings she starts fine but kicks out a fog of blue / white smoke, until warmed up. Should I be concerned ? Gut reaction is to get rid, the ABS dash light and yellow triangle have been illuminating recently too ?? Any excuse to change the car !!??

[Huweth]

Some blue/white smoke is normal when starting from cold. I'd advise seeing what it's like as the weather warms up.
The dash warning lights are probably unrelated. Do a search on them and you will find some possible solutions for them.

Here is a video of some smoke that is considered normal http://northwestmr2.com/incoming/dutch/video/cough.wmv

[Lex Luthor]

Here is a video of some smoke that is considered normal http://northwestmr2.com/incoming/dutch/video/cough.wmv

Ok, but that is blue smoke. White smoke is unburnt fuel and the only way I can see that happening on a diesel is lack of compression of faulty glowplugs.

[Huweth]

Well he did say blue / white smoke.
Anyway, I agree with you about white smoke. I've been reading about people finding that when it's closeish to freezing they get white smoke because the air engine is cold enough to need glow plugs but the air has warmed in the morning so glow plugs don't cycle at all or not long enough. They usually don't get the white smoke at all if it's colder as the plugs stay on for long enough. Glowplug settings can be changed with VAGCOM, so that is a possible fix.

[Lex Luthor]

The glowplugs not "firing" could be the CTS....

[Rhino]

Thanks guys, it's on one of these variable service intervals and has only had one service at 20k, the next isn't due til Oct 07 or 47K according to the dealer, maybe I should bring this forward ? Although I do like the fact that it's not had to go in every 10k which some diesels do. One further point, she uses v little oil so would this point more towards the unburnt fuel / glowplug. Are they easy to change and easily accessible ? Thanks for your advice, it's been really helpful, much appreciated !

[Lex Luthor]

Does it run rough for a few seconds after a cold start ?
How long does the glowplug light stay on and have you noticed that it is on longer when it is colder ?

[Rhino]

Yep it does, sounds as if it's mis firing, but then runs absolutely fine. The light stays on a lot longer in the winter and I always wait until it goes out. I also wondered whether or not I should throw in some sort of cleaning additive with my next tank of fuel ? ( Clueless I know ! )

[Lex Luthor]

I am inclined to think that there is a glowplug problem on at least one cylinder that results in the engine running on less than six on a cold start.

Any kind of cleaner will not help.
It seems to have very low miles, give it a good blast every now and again.

Since your not a diy-er I suggest you find your local VAG independent and get his opinion.