So, I've got an '09 factory JCW with roughly 16.5K miles that did the strangest thing yesterday morning. Upon startup, a billow of smoke entered the cabin. Unfortunately, against the all black interior, I really couldn't decipher the color and it did not smell like anything in particular (i.e. oil). It almost made me believe it was carbon blowing in. Now, it has been unusually cold here in Houston this weekend (that morning, it was in the mid teens when taking into account wind chill). I'm not sure if this weather has just made the car fussy or what. Any ideas from the group?

 

Does not sound good. Did you have the Hvac on and if so was it on freshair ?

 

Did it smell like engine exhaust, radiator coolant, or electrical?

 

No such thing as normal cabin smoke. I would get it checked pronto before it fills the cabin while you are driving.

 

You sure it was smoke and not steam? Any kind of smoke should have a distinct odor.

 

It was smoke, yet it didn't have any distinct odor....very unusual. As far as the A/C goes, it was on and using fresh air (i.e. Recirculating Off). I guess it's time to book another appointment with the dealer. I just got the car back two weeks ago after having the cam chain tensioner replaced due to the notorious "cold start chatter". Oh well, back again...

 

i had something similar happen when I had a toyota. While i was driving I turned on the AC and what looked like smoke came out of the vents; no smell of any kind. it was actually just a form of condensation blowing out of the vents. Similar to when you add dry ice to water. It only happened once, i guess the temp and humidity etc. were just right to make it happen

 

On what criteria do you determine it to be smoke?

 

My question exactly. Did you get out of the car and look for something smoking? I mean true smoke that enters the car that originates with the car should be visible.

 

The smoke was visible...I did not get out of the car to look for smoke because it came from under the dashboard in one cloud. I opened the windows to clear the cabin out and everything seemed to be OK. Brettno1's comment is interesting to me..it's possible that the smoke was an illusion to my eyes and was actually a unique form of condensation. It's been three days now, and the car is running just fine.

 

I think that was Robin Casady's point (and mine too). When we say smoke we mean something was burning. Condensation isn't smoke.

 

My Jeep does the same thing when I have it on fresh (outside air) with the A/C on and it's a very humid day. I'll see condensation blow in periodically.

 

7-layer burrito??

 

He said smoke from under the dash, not from the driver's seat lol.

 

You're in Hawaii, right?

The OP stated they are in Houston and that the temperature was in the teens. If there was condensation, something is really wrong with the HVAC given the outside air temp.