That is very likely steam from condensation and moisture in the exhaust system. Very common, and nothing to be alarmed about, unless it's smoking white when fully warmed up and not stopping, and develops a grey tint to it. I've had it happen on certain mornings to many cars I've owned in the past. I think you're OK.
I'd probably go with the condensation answer. My good ol' NA 2.3 does that on occasion, especially when it is humid or it has been sitting alone and undriven for a few days. If it throws a CEL, I'd be concerned, but this doesn't sound too severe.
ok, cool thanks, i have an appointment tomorrow at mazda, the driver window makes a clank sound when i put it up, they have to recalibrate it. so i'll ask to get that checked too. smoke doesn't come out anymore but i'll still ask. thanks a lot for the info!!
it's not smoke, it's water vapor. here's a gasoline combustion in a simplified form:
C8H16 + 12 O2 → 8 CO2 + 8 H2O
H2O is a byproduct of combustion. This is why your exhaust gasses feel humid if you put your hand up against them. Sometimes I have water droplets flying out my exhaust, too. I've even seen some cars with water trickling out of the exhaust.
yeah, i came back from the dealer like 5 minutes ago, they said it was just condensation, so no worries, i got the driver window fixed and they did the lack of power recall thing, didn't feel slower, it felt the same. i'm so happy i got it back.
hhhhmmmmm, i just started having a similar problem. it's happened 3 times now and i've only noticed it when idling, have the a/c on and it's really hot outside and only when the car is warmed up. i don't think my problem is the same. it smells bad too. i checked coolant and it's ok, nothing leaking. as soon as i start driving, it goes away and regular exhaust fumes come out. Can't see them) i can't get it to happen all the time though. i am totally confused! any chance it's turbo related?
