this problem has been happening for about 2 months now and is making me nervous. okay first off its a 2001 audi a4 1.8TQ with a giac stage 1 chip, apr r1 diverter valve and Borla exhaust. the smoke is only coming out of the exhaust when i shift down to stop at red lights or stop signs. my coolant level was low refilled it and is going down at a steady pace. my boost gauge shows me that my turbo is running strong so im very confused what could be causing this. please let me know what your thoughts are. Could this be caused by a bad head gasket?

 

Someone please help!!!

 

Rich mixture can also be a cause for white smoke while downshifting. It cannot be head gasket because when HG blows, white smoke remains consistent whether you shift the gears up or down.

 

Right thank you. It's not a mixture because I've already checked the coolent resivor to see if any oil mixed in and there was none.

 

he's talking about fuel to air mixture, too rich on the fuel can give you white smoke.

Check the coolant flange for leaking. back of block at the firewall, will see the brown burned up residue on the exhaust if you look in from the passenger side. This is the most common leak and will usually not give you any puddle until it is really bad. If this ends up being the leak get that fixed and then continue to diagnose the smoking.

Can you at all tell if it is steam or smoke? Let it idle or have someone give it some revs and put a paper towel or clean shop rag close to the exhaust. Smell for what's burning. If it is burning anything you should be able to determine what it is to some degree.

Good luck!

 

Alright thank you I will check that today, its smoke that's coming out of exhaust. It kinda smells like coolent but at the same time a bit of oil.