White smoke usually indicates that coolant is getting into the combustion chamber. Have you noticed that the coolant is going low or the motor oil has a creamy look or substance to it?
Take a look at this:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe
As far as checking the codes, you could do it at home with a paper clip. Here are the directions and also see the image attached to see what the OBD1 port under the dash looks like and terminal locations.
1. Ground terminals A and B (with a paper clip) with the ignition "ON" and engine off. The system will enter the diagnostic mode. In this mode, the computer will display a Code 12, three consecutive times, by flashing the check engine light. A Code 12 consists of one flash, a short pause, then two rapid flashes.
2. After Code 12 is displayed, any stored trouble codes will be displayed by flashing check engine light the same way. All codes are displayed 3 times each then a code 12 will repeat when finished.
Let me know if you can do it and about the potential head gasket issue.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 AT 6:29 PM