Black smoke.

[wildcat465]

Sooo. It's been pretty dang cold here in MN. On the -20 or colder mornings recently I have noticed after the 2011 Regal Turbo (German built) starts, a thick cloud of black smoke from the exhaust. It is currently at the dealer and they have comfirmed the condition, but are unsure of cause so far.

My question to this forum is: Has anyone else here had this condition? If so, what was the repair done?

Also noticed just once a marked lack of performance, like the Turbo wasn't there. After restarting after that condition, the car went like a bat out of hell.

Until they have something, I guess the wife drives a 2014 LaCrosse (oh shucks, she says). They have a call into the TAC.

If they do figure it out, I will share the result here.

 

[sweetness34]

Im around the WI/IL border and have had similar temperatures. I have the same black smoke you have but it goes away after a little bit. I have no issues with performance tho. I figured the black smoke was just the computer dumping lots of fuel in the engine trying to get it to ignite and get the engine to start. then the black smoke is just some of the unburnt fuel exiting the exhaust pipe. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[zinner]

Black smoke usually means excess fuel, which is common when trying to warm up the cat's fast. It's also common when you have a cold motor and it's trying to get it to start.

 

[wildcat465]

As a former technician, I know that black smoke is a rich condition.

I have never, and that includes old carburetor equipped cars getting "pumped" to start, seen this big of a black cloud on start-up. I am talking about engulfing the whole car when it starts. This has to a catalytic convertor damaging amount of fuel.

The dealer confirmed it as abnormal. There are no codes stored.

My question was, has anyone else had this and what was done to repair?

 

[Harshman]

Have a TO4 for two winters now and have not had the black smoke issue.

 

[sweetness34]

As a former technician, I know that black smoke is a rich condition.

I have never, and that includes old carburetor equipped cars getting "pumped" to start, seen this big of a black cloud on start-up. I am talking about engulfing the whole car when it starts. This has to a catalytic convertor damaging amount of fuel.

The dealer confirmed it as abnormal. There are no codes stored.

My question was, has anyone else had this and what was done to repair?

I never had that much smoke. so i guess i dont have the same issue you do

 

[sweetness34]

Have a TO4 for two winters now and have not had the black smoke issue.

not trying to jack the thread but what is "TO4"? ive seen that used and TO7 and TO5 i think and its been driving me nuts I cant figure out what it is. I assume its something related to the turbo?

 

[kranz38]

apparently a T04 is the diesel model.
I would crap if my car was engulfed in smoke

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Sooo. It's been pretty dang cold here in MN. On the -20 or colder mornings recently I have noticed after the 2011 Regal Turbo (German built) starts, a thick cloud of black smoke from the exhaust. It is currently at the dealer and they have comfirmed the condition, but are unsure of cause so far.

My question to this forum is: Has anyone else here had this condition? If so, what was the repair done?

Also noticed just once a marked lack of performance, like the Turbo wasn't there. After restarting after that condition, the car went like a bat out of hell.

Until they have something, I guess the wife drives a 2014 LaCrosse (oh shucks, she says). They have a call into the TAC.

If they do figure it out, I will share the result here.

Hi wildcat465,

It sounds like you are in good hands! Please do keep us posted on the outcome, and we are happy to assist further if necessary. Stay warm!

Jessica
Buick Customer Care

 

[wildcat465]

Update.

Dealer did confirm large black cloud of smoke on startup, but according to the bill, there was a code P0299 as well.

Apparently there is a bulletin for this condition. ECM reprogrammed. We will monitor and see if it is repaired.

P0299 = Engine underboost. Can cause noticeable lack of performance. Six pages of diagnosis and repair information in this bulletin. The only repair done from the bulletin was the ECM reprogramming. No parts were replaced.

 

[Quicksilver]

T0x are the Turbo trim packages...I think they may have only applied to the 2011 Russleheim builds ? ex: T07 is top of line with sports package, sunroof, HK radio etc.

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Update.

Dealer did confirm large black cloud of smoke on startup, but according to the bill, there was a code P0299 as well.

Apparently there is a bulletin for this condition. ECM reprogrammed. We will monitor and see if it is repaired.

P0299 = Engine underboost. Can cause noticeable lack of performance. Six pages of diagnosis and repair information in this bulletin. The only repair done from the bulletin was the ECM reprogramming. No parts were replaced.

Thank you for the update, wildcat465!

I hope this has officially resolved your concern. If you continue to experience any issues, please let us know.

Jessica
Buick Customer Care